Learning to Live Read Online Free PDF Page B

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concentrate on is how nervous I am. I don’t want to stand out, so I
decide that I’ll only have one drink. I don’t like being the center of
attention, so I definitely won’t dance. Then again, I want to just let go
and be a college student, but I don’t know how. After I moved in with
Brad, I did party some, but not to the degree he did. When I found out
I was pregnant, I gave up partying to focus on the baby and school. I
wanted to be the best mother I could be and show Brian everyday that
I would take care of him and protect him from harm. I feel like I let
him down by staying with Brad for so long, but I don’t know what
other options I had.
I take one last look at myself in the mirror and run my fingers
through my hair. I pulled it to the side in a low pony tail but
straightened my bangs and swept them to the side of my face. I put my
diamond nose stud in and slide on my white, wedge sandals. I’m only
wearing light make up because it’s crazy hot in August, and I know I’ll
be sweating from the humidity. My blue jean shorts are fringed around
the edges, and I roll my shirt sleeves up to my elbow. After I’m done
inspecting myself for the hundredth time, Jasmine knocks on my door
and comes in wearing a pink sundress with a white high waist belt and
white peep toe heels. Even with the heels she still only reaches my
shoulders.
“Wow, Tru, you look hot.” I’m slightly embarrassed by the
compliment because I’m not used to them, but then I concentrate on
the name she called me.
Tru was something only Ms. Freeman called me. She always said
since she never found someone to marry, God gave her me and I was
her Tru Love. I never thought I would hear it again.
“Thanks, Jasmine. You look pretty hot yourself,” I say awkwardly,
biting my lip. She can tell I’m nervous, but she doesn’t say anything
about it. Thank goodness because I might just breakdown into tears.
“Duh, girl! Don’t I know it.” She tilts her head and puts her hands
on her hips. “Do me a favor, though. Call me Jazz since you’re my
new friend, and let’s have fun tonight. My brother will watch out for
us, and I want you to smile tonight. You look like you could use a few
in your life. And that’s why you were blessed with moi.” She finishes
by doing a fancy curtsy and then grabs me into a hug. I’ve been
hugged more today than I have throughout the last three years.
As we head downstairs, she tells me she’s from Pensacola and
grew up on the water. I’ve never seen the ocean unless you count
magazines or TV, but I’m hoping to while I’m here. After I make this
confession, she looks at me like I’m crazy and asks if I want to go
home with her Labor Day weekend. It’s also her baby brother’s fourth
birthday and her family is having a huge party. I’m not sure how to
answer her, but then I’m not paying attention as she continues to talk. I
see Jaxon coming toward us with a huge smile on his face and feel the
same attraction build from before.
Jazz doesn’t seem to be paying attention to anything but her story.
At first I think he’s about to approach me until he puts his finger to his
lips to ask me to silently be quiet. I watch with unexpected envy while
he covers Jazz’s eyes from behind. It’s then that I notice how tall he is.
I feel that envy turn into jealousy and feel stupid. I guess this must
be her boyfriend. Why wouldn’t she have a sexy boyfriend? Let’s face
it, she’s gorgeous. I tell myself to be happy for her because they seem
to fit and continue trying to shake off this unwanted emotion. Don’t be
stupid, Trudy. You’re not here to date, remember? Who cares if they’re
a couple ? I repeat this in my head and mentally shake myself for being
so ridiculous.
Jazz gets really quiet when her eyes get covered and she tries to
turn, but Jaxon won’t let her. “Guess who?” His voice is playful while
he looks at me, showing off his sexy smile and a cute dimple on the
left.
Jazz