Chasing Happiness Read Online Free PDF Page B

to bring much-needed supplies to orphanages in the western part of Mexico as well as rebuild their crumbling facilities.
    Katie crossed the room to stand in front of him. She put her hands on his shoulders. “I’m so proud of what you’re doing. Have I told you that lately?”
    He smiled. “Yes, but I never tire of hearing it.” He kissed her gently before deepening it to a smoldering desire that left her legs like rubber.
    “If I don’t get going now, I won’t make it to Ariana’s at all.” She spun out of his arms, picked up her overnight bag, and headed toward the front door. “I’ll call you later,” she said before heading outside.
    As she drove to the condo, she made a mental note of all the things she needed to do this week for the wedding. Although it was ten months off, it would be here before she knew it. Thankfully, she had a lot of it already done. The church, reception, and caterers were booked. She still had to pick out the invitations and find a gown. That was what had been giving her the most trouble. It probably had to do with her size. Usually, her weight didn’t bother her. She liked her generous curves, and so did Jake. But most wedding gowns looked best on women who were tall and thin. Women like Ariana. Or Zoe—even though she was petite, clothes still looked great on her small frame.
    Katie pulled her car into the condo’s parking lot and quickly found an empty guest space. Before she turned off her engine, Maggie buzzed through the lot in her red Mustang convertible. She parked in her driveway, not bothering to pull the car into the garage, and then hurried inside. Before Katie had crossed the parking lot, Maggie was back outside and racing toward her car. She had a hot pink tote in her hand with Victoria’s Secret written across the front in silver sequins. Good for her. She must have a hot date.
    When Katie knocked on Ari’s door, Zoe opened it, looking adorable in a pair of pajamas with the legs rolled up.
    “Perfect timing. We were just having a cup of tea,” she said, locking the dead bolt behind Katie.
    “Double lock it,” Ariana yelled from the kitchen.
    Zoe pushed the lock in on the doorknob.
    “She’s still a nervous wreck, I see.” Katie set her duffle bag down in the foyer.
    “Yep. We haven’t really talked about it. I was waiting for you to get here. I think it’s time for her to get everything off her chest.”
    “I agree completely. She’s been holding it in for way too long.” Katie followed Zoe into the kitchen.
    “I just put the kettle on for more tea,” Ariana said over her shoulder as she stood in front of the stove.
    Katie sat at the table. “Are you feeling better?”
    Ariana turned around to face her. “I don’t think that’s possible until Phil’s out of my life…for good.”
    Katie shot Zoe a knowing glance. This was the time to approach the subject they’d been so hesitant to bring up. “You know, you haven’t told us everything that happened in New York, and we haven’t wanted to push.”
    Ariana took the kettle off the stove, poured Katie a cup of tea, and then refilled hers and Zoe’s cups before answering. “I guess now’s a good time.”

Chapter Four
     
     
    Ariana took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Talking about what happened in New York terrified her. The last thing she wanted was to relive that time in her life. But when she glanced at her friends’ faces, she knew her secrets would be safe with them.
    “Why don’t we sit somewhere more comfortable?” She picked up her teacup and headed into the living room, with Zoe and Katie following her. Ariana set her cup on the coffee table, then sat in a wing back chair and tucked her legs up under her. Zoe and Katie sat on the sofa.
    Ariana’s throat suddenly felt dry. She took a sip of tea, then opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
    Zoe smiled and said reassuringly, “It’s okay to be nervous.”
    “I don’t know where to begin.”
    “At the