One Lucky Hero Read Online Free PDF

it. Tracy normally made men work harder than a couple of beers and some smooth lines.
    No help from that quarter.
    â€œI almost asked you out, too, but then your mom died and you always seemed so busy with family and everything . . . ”
    It was the standard explanation for why guys avoided getting involved with her. Her life was straight-up drama, had been for as long as she could remember, but it had only gotten worse after her mother died. Not many guys had wanted to date the girl who couldn’t go out on a Saturday because her little brother had a sore throat and fever. It was like being a teenaged mom.
    And everyone knew at least some of her situation, if not all of it. It was kind of hard to hide the fact that your mom had committed suicide when it was plastered on the local news stations.
    Violet hadn’t had a lot of friends to begin with, but most of them disappeared that first year. “Her house is depressing,” she’d heard one girl say, and another had told her she was scared of Violet’s dad. It made sense; the girl had slept over one of the nights when her dad had ransacked her room for money and then screamed at her for over ten minutes before taking off. The only friend who had stuck it out was Tracy. Probably because Tracy understood how scary life could get.
    But despite all the dark spots in Violet’s life, the isolation and tough situations, it had been worth it to keep her family together.
    And once again, she’d drifted off while Robert was talking. Damn it.
    â€œAnyway, now that things are different, maybe we could get dinner sometime? My schedule will get crazy again once school starts, but my weekends are wide open now.”
    Violet didn’t have a lot of experience blowing guys off, but she’d watched Tracy master the skill. Violet just wouldn’t be as blunt. “Oh, Robert, that is super sweet, but I have a lot going on. My sister is going away to college in a few weeks, and between my job, my brother, and school, I don’t have a lot of time for dating.” Violet said a silent prayer that he’d drop the subject.
    â€œReally? You don’t have time for just one drink?”
    â€œI wish I could, but I’m just too busy.”
    â€œWe could keep it casual. Why don’t I bring dinner by your place? Are you still living at your dad’s?”
    His persistence was another thing she remembered now. It was super annoying.
    Glancing around, Violet caught sight of Dean towering above the nearby crowd. He was still except for the slight bob of his head to the beat of the music. She didn’t actually think that Dean would rescue her, not after he had practically run away from her, but at this point, she was desperate. Staring hard at him, she willed him to turn her way.
    Come on, dude! Make yourself useful.
    â€œBelieve me, if anyone would understand being busy, it’s me. With my extensive schedule at school, I hardly ever leave my apartment.” He gave her what she assumed was supposed to be a sultry look. “But I would definitely make time for you.”
    â€œThat is such a nice thing to say, Robert, but I hardly even see Tracy anymore. I don’t think I’ll be free to date anyone until after this last semester, at least.”
    Violet glanced back toward Dean, redoubling her efforts to get his attention. Dean finally turned, and she widened her eyes.
    â€œWell, if you can make time for Tracy, I’m sure you could squeeze me in.”
    Dean raised his eyebrow, and Violet flicked her eyes down to Robert and back.
    â€œThat’s true, I could, but wouldn’t you rather date a girl who is more available?”
    â€œNo, I like that you’re busy. It means you won’t get too clingy, unlike my last girlfriend, who wouldn’t stop calling or texting, even when I told her I had to study.”
    Violet had a sneaking suspicion it was the other way around but didn’t say that. Shooting