Hard To Love Read Online Free PDF

fine.”
“No, you’re not. Stop lying to me,” Cassie replied. “I’m your
best friend, remember? I know when your smiles are real.” She
reached out to cup my hand.
“I just miss him, that’s all.” I sighed.
“I understand, but I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to be
miserable all this time.” She sipped her coffee.
“He doesn’t.” I said. “He wants me to move on. I think the first
step was moving back here.” I fiddled around with the paper cup in
my hand, avoiding looking at her.
“Good because we are dancing with a ton of guys at the club
tonight.” The grin on her face widened. “Well, you will.” Cassie
winked.
    It was after twelve by the time we finally stopped shopping.
It took three shoe stores before we found the perfect set of
black-and-red velvet skyscraper heels. Instantly, I fell in love with
the shoes. Not too long after that came lunch, and this time we ate
at the Harbour Front diner, well known for the best fish and chips
in the state. Cassie was great at helping me escape my mind. She
had always been there for me in the past. I just wish I had kept in
touch more after I moved to L.A.
    After lunch it was around three by the time we were back to
shopping, to get a mask that suited my dress best. We pulled up in
front of the town’s biggest party store. Cassie armed her car and
turned to face me. “Even if we get a plain mask and just dazzle it
up, that could also work,” she said smiling at me. I nodded and
then we got out of the car. She was better at this than me.
    As Cassie spoke to the guy at the front counter, I browsed
through the aisles for something that caught my eye. Just as Cassie
called out to me, I found the perfect Venetian mask. The silver
mask cut out in a decorative pattern, encrusted with red sparkling
gems as well as silver and red glitter dust and to top it off a
brilliant silk red ribbon to fasten it.
    “I found it.” I spun around holding it
, grinning. Cassie nodded
approvingly. Her smile made me smile even wider. She purchased
the mask and we left the store.
“Thank you for all of this Cassie,” I said hugging her tight.
“Don’t mention it. I miss these days.”
“I will pay you back.”
“Don’t insult me.” She said rolling her eyes. “This is my gift to
    you, for all the birthdays we didn’t spend together.” I didn’t know
what to say to that. She was a better friend than I had ever been to
her. “Now we have at least eight hours to kill.” Cassie said as she
got in the driver seat. “This was easier than I thought. Usually you
are more stubborn.” She giggled as she turned to look at me.
    “I’
m trying harder to be more pleasant to be around,” I joked.
“We can just hang around for a bit or sleep.”
“Sleep? What are you? An old lady?” She playfully slapped my
leg. “The fall colours are really starting to kick in. How about the
Portland gardens?” she suggested.
“Photographing foliage . . . I’m in.” I gasped excitedly.
“I knew that would cheer you up.” She grinned.
“Is it possible to stop at my house for a minute?”
“Absolutely.” Cassie started the engine. “It’s been too long
since I’ve seen your face light up like that.”
Bashfully I smiled. There had not been much to smile about. “I
haven’t taken any photographs since Matt died.” I looked out the
window as I finished that sentence.
“Then it’s time. To the garden we go.” She said, grabbing my
hand in hers and giving it a squeeze. “Oh, how do you feel about
lobster for dinner?”
“Sounds terrific,” I forced a smile. “You are going to fatten me
up in no time.” I laughed.
“Impossible,” Cassie chuckled.
I was starting to feel better as time passed. I never realized how
much I missed Cassie until today. Being home again wasn’t as bad
as I thought.
As we stopped at a red light I said. “I really missed you,
Cassie.” Then leaned over and hugged her.
“I missed you too. I’m glad to have