Meant to Be Read Online Free PDF

awkward between us, and since Cortland insists on having you in his life, I want to make sure we can be friends.”
    I wa sn’t expecting that. At all. “I’d like that.”
    “But there’s something I have to know…”
    Great. Here we go.
    “Are you in love with him?” She stared directly into my eyes, studying me.
    Now I knew why she wanted to see me in person. I couldn’t lie when we were face-to-face. “No.”
    “Were you?”
    “No.”
    “Do you still have feeling for him?”
    This girl wouldn’t quit. “When I met Cortland, I thought he was handsome. And when I got to know him, I realized he was a serious catch. Even heartbroken, he was a better boyfriend to me than my own was. But I knew his heart belonged to you. I admit I wanted something to happen between us. We were both broken, and I thought, one day, we wouldn’t be anymore. But when he told me he was in love with you and couldn’t reciprocate anything with me, I accepted that. No questions asked.
    “And when you two got back together, I never saw him like that anymore. He’s a good friend and I want him to stay that way. He understands what I’m going through because he’s experienced it himself. And, just to be clear, after being the recipient of a man who’s cheated , I have no interest in hooking up with a guy who’s in a relationship or married. Not my cup of tea.”
    That seemed to make her relax. She breathed a sigh of relief, and light entered her eyes.
    “I want Cortland to be my friend, and the last thing I want is to come between you, so I hope we can move on from this and be adults.”
    Monnique gave me a new look. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess I’m insecure about our breakup. I’m afraid he’ll realize he made a mistake and leave me. What I did was pretty unforgivable…”
    “It was, but Cortland loves you unconditionally. Please don’t be threatened by me. I have no interest coming between you. He’s my friend and I want him to be happy.”
    “You know, Hazel, you’re really cool.” She gave me a slight smile. “I’m sorry for being such a bitch.”
    Now that Monnique admitted she was wrong, I liked her a little more too. “It’s okay.”
    “So…”
    “So…?”
    “You want to hang out sometime?”
    “What are you doing now?” I asked with a smile.
    “Buying you a cup of coffee.” She winked at me then bought me a steaming cup of Earl Grey. Cortland must have told her what I liked. When she sat across for me, I felt a little more comfortable. I didn’t fear she would scratch my eyes open.
    “So, how’s the rehearsal going?” she asked.
    “You should have seen me when I walked here…I looked like an Umpa-Lumpa.”
    Monn ique laughed loudly. “I’d love to see that.”
    “You really wouldn’t…”
    She sipped her coffee. “Anyone you have your eye on?”
    “No,” I said quickly. “But my ex texted me on accident, thinking I was his new girlfriend.” I rolled my eyes. “Even when we’re apart, I feel like I can’t get away from him.”
    Monnique gave me a sympathetic look. “He sounds like an ass.”
    “Oh, he is. I’m not sure why I was with him to begin with…”
    “You’ll find someone better.”
    “There is no one better. All men are jerks.”
    “That’s not true,” Monnique said simply. “I know four really a mazing guys that are worthy of Man of the Year.”
    I raised an eyebrow. “Who?”
    “Cortland, Ryan, Sean, and Mike.”
    I rolled my eyes. “ I meant single guys.”
    “They’re out there. My last boyfriend used to beat me.” She said it like she was talking about the weather. “I always had to cover my bruises with make up, wear an arm brace under my clothes because my wrist was sprained, and lie to my parents when they knew something was wrong.”
    I didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry…”
    “My point is, I thought there were no good guys in the world. I thought they were all assholes and that’s how I deserved to be treated. After I finally