My Hot New Year
slowly open it.  It seems like two days since I was last with her, and I feel like a stronger, more competent woman.  A new beginning is clearly just what I needed.
    "Hi," I say cautiously as I get into the car, dropping my purse on the passenger floor mat.
    "Jillian!" my mom says with a big grin, looking positively refreshed and happy.  "I'm so happy to see you!  How are you doing?  Are you feeling all right?  I've thought a lot about your dilemma and I really want to ..."  She pauses after seeing my overwhelmed face.
    I don't reply right away.  My attention is on the change of address forms on the dashboard.  These white, official-looking forms make up the most intimidating pile of documents I've seen in a long time.
    "Oh, honey, I picked these up for you at the post office...”
    My stomach swirls with panic.
    "Mom, can we just go home for now?"
    "Sure."
    "Thanks."  On impulse, I reach across the console and hug her tightly.  "I'm really sorry I've become such a train wreck."
    "You aren't a train wreck," says Mom, hugging me back.  "You just got a little derailed, honey.  You are going to be JUST fine.  And I know that you and the kids are going to love New York!"
    "Yes," I say after a tiny pause.  "Yes, I suppose we will."
    "I know you will," says Mom confidently.  "Let's get you home."
    "Great," I say, as she puts the car into gear and heads for the highway.  I pick up my phone and begin to glance again through the missed calls.  Nope, he still didn't call.  You know what?  I don't care.  How could I have gotten myself SO wrapped up in him?  This time I'm going to be strong.  I'm going to sit down with Mom, plan the move, and get my act together.  I'm going to sort my life out and keep my head together from now on.  I've completely changed my attitude toward love.
    "So, why do you keep looking at your phone?" asks Mom as we exit the highway.
    "I don't know.  It's nothing," I say with a sigh, putting the phone down.  "I guess I am a bit scattered."
    "Because of that man?" says Mom at once, and I feel myself stiffen.
    "Maybe," I say after a pause.
    "I know this isn't easy for you,” says Mom quietly, "but you are doing the right thing.  You will know when you meet the right person."
    "I thought I did, once before!"  I admit.
    "Oh, I know.  But, we've already been over Scott.  He's a lost cause and couldn't see a good woman if she hit him between the eyes." says Mom, rolling her eyes.
    "Don't get me started," she says, pulling into the driveway.  Then, there’s something unexpected. “Who does this car belong to?"  She looks at me, and my head gives a sudden jolt.
    "Car?"  I say abruptly.
    "Yes, this black Mercedes.  It's quite nice."
    I look out the window and I feel a sudden excitement.  This couldn't be, could it?
    How would he even know where I live?  I never told him.  Surely this is just a very bad coincidence.  I guess he could have looked up my address with the company, but that would mean that he cared, so that's impossible.  Right?
    "I can't, Mom," I say, leaning back in my seat.  "I just can't."
    "You can't do what, exactly?"
    "I can't get out of the car," I say and take a deep breath.  "What if it's him?  What if it's Jake?"
    There's a short silence.
    "Oh," says Mom.  She stares at me and her expression slowly changes.  "I didn't realize you were expecting him."
    "I'm not.  I don't think he even knows where I live," I say with confusion, fully aware my open mouth could catch flies.
    "Then, who is that?" asks Mom as she point out the window.
    "Oh my God."
    He's here.  He's at my house.  Why on earth did he come HERE?  Why couldn't he have just called...not that I would have answered the call, but still...he could have CALLED.  I mean, what kind of lunatic just shows up at my house?
    "Honey, you better get yourself together, because he is walking toward this car,” Mom says, as she grabs the door handle and gets out of the car.
    Now I'm alone in this car,
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