Loving Justice (El Camino Real Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

then promptly walked past her and sat at another table.
    Charlee’s mouth dropped open and her heart sank. He wasn’t going to sit with her? And two seconds later, she knew why. Laughter at the front drew her eyes, and she saw Toby enter accompanied by a tall, blonde, stacked vision of Southern charm. Zelda. Zelda, the mayor’s daughter, the one who had made her attraction to Justice and her contempt for Charlee crystal clear over the years. The one whose name had been on his lips this morning. Justice had dated her a few times too. A flat-chested tomboy like herself could never hope to compete with this…this…
    What had she been thinking? Charlee ducked her head as Toby and Zelda walked by her and straight to Justice’s table. And when Zelda bent over and planted a long, deep kiss on her Justice’s lips, Charlee nearly died. She should have jumped up and bitch-slapped her slutty mouth, and she would have, if Justice hadn’t clasped her around the neck and kissed her right back! Charlee must have looked as shocked as she felt because Toby sneered at her with a knowing smile. It was as if he knew her heart was breaking!
    She stood, hesitating, willing Justice to do or say something that would make sense. They had spent the night in one another’s arms, they had made love!
    Nothing.
    Several people were watching, it was almost as if they knew what was going on. And they probably did. In a small town like this, everybody knew everyone’s business. All of these folks had seen her and Justice grow up together. They all knew how close they’d been. They all knew she’d worshipped the ground he walked on. And they all knew when he’d eased her out of his life. After all, they saw that damn water tower every day.
    Charlee tried to smile at the gawkers, but she couldn’t. She felt paralyzed. Putting one foot ahead of the other, she started to walk the long mile to the counter to pay for the food Wanda was holding aloft as she called out her name. “Parker, order’s up!”
    Behind her, she could hear Justice and his friends talking. “How’s your sister?” Zelda asked.
    “On the mend,” Justice answered.
    “We drove to Austin to see her a few minutes yesterday. Your mom looks like she’s been through the wringer,” Toby continued. “Where were you? What were you doing last night?”
    Justice laughed. “Nothing important. Had a few drinks, then went home and crashed.”
    “You should have called me,” Zelda purred. “I would’ve kept you company.”
    “I should have,” Justice agreed.
    “That’ll be six-fifty,” Wanda said. Charlee’s fingers felt too big to fit into her wallet. Her mouth was dry. She was completely shaken. Was he serious? Either he didn’t remember or he wanted to forget. Either way, one thing was clear. She wasn’t needed here.
    “Bye, Charlee.” Zelda’s voice sounded above the crowd.
    “Yea, see you later, Parker. Enjoy your lunch.” Toby chimed in.
    “Leave her alone,” Justice drawled, but then he said something under his breath, and they all laughed out loud. Charlee froze. She was so angry and so hurt. There was no way she could let this pass. Whirling around, she marched back to where they were lounging at a round table, each good-looking in their own way. They all glanced up, surprised to see her joining them. “What’s up, Charlee?” Justice asked.
    “I can see you are. How did you sleep last night?” Sarcasm dripped from her words. She didn’t let him respond. “I just wanted to tell you that you’re a jerk. I don’t know why we were ever friends. You never deserved me, and I hope I never have to see you again as long as I live.”
    To tell the truth, they all looked stunned. The floor-mat had finally spoken up in her own defense. A wave of mortification propelled her out the door. She walked quickly, not waiting to see if Justice stood or tried to call her back. Out the door and down the street she went, running in the opposite direction from her home.