Shattered (Shattered #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

people around here.”
    I knew by other people who she was hinting at. My mom was not known for
being subtle. She always seemed to know what I was thinking, and knew exactly
what to say to get her point across.
    “Well…” I turned and offered her the best smile I had at the moment “I’ll
let you get some rest. Dad’s fixing supper, and I’m sure he’s ready by now.” I
moved to stand before wrapping my arms tightly around the one person who seemed
to know me the best. “I’ll stop by next weekend, ok?”
    “Alright sweetie. I love you,” she smiled as she slid back down on the
bed and shifted to get more comfortable.
    “I love you too, Mom,” I moved over to the door and exited the room
quietly as I made my way downstairs.
    ooooooooo
    After finishing dinner with my Dad, we talked for a little while. When I
glanced up at the wall clock, and saw how late it was, I decided I better head
out. Avery was wanting some girl time tonight, and I was going to start my new
job at the high school tomorrow. I needed sleep, and I was stressed from the
day’s events. My dad claimed that he understood, but I could tell by his face
that he wished I’d stay longer.
    I stood from the couch, gave him a hug, and made my way over to the
door. When I opened it, I turned, offered another good bye before stepping out
into the darkness, and made my way to my car. If I’d been paying attention, I
would have seen the truck parked in the driveway, and the figure leaning
against it.
    When I reach my car door, the shadow moved at began to head for the
front door of my house. It was Nick. What was he doing here?
    “What are you doing here?” it was out of my mouth before I had time to
censor it.
    He spun, shocked that I’d called him out. He had a bouquet of flowers in
one hand which he held up, “I’m here to see your mom. I always come over on her
treatment days.”
    Shock, amazement, and what might have been love surged through me. Here
was a man who I’d pretty much destroyed, and he was here for my mom, a mom he
no longer had any connection to.
    “Thank you,” I whispered as I went to climb in my car while tears began
to silently fall.
    “You’re welcome,” he nodded, and began to walk away. After taking a few
steps, he halted, and turned to look at me once again, “You know just because
you left me, it doesn’t mean I stopped caring about your family.” He sighed,
and then walked away as if he didn’t just leave me standing there dumbfounded.
    After climbing in my car, I sat there for a few minutes as I watched him
disappear into the house. Pain and anguish washed over me. How had I walked
away from this man five years ago? How was I going to survive being back? I
wasn’t…that was the answer.   

 
 
    Chapter 4

 
    Nick
    After finishing my visit with Mrs. Carmichael, I decided to give my
brother a call. I knew after running into Leah that there was no way in hell I
was going to be able to get any sleep tonight. Cam always seem to know exactly
what to say to get me off the ledge of destruction. After talking to him, we
decided to head to Dave’s. It wasn’t much more than a hole in the wall place,
but it was close by, and no one would bother me there.
    When I pulled my truck into the parking lot, I saw Cam leaning against
his trailblazer. He had a knowing look on his face, like he knew exactly why I
wanted to hang out here tonight. He smirked when I climbed out and nodded toward
the door.
    “So…I take it you saw her today?” he lifted his chin in greeting.
    “Who?” I wrinkled my forehead at him.
    “OK…so that’s how it’s gonna be?” he shrugged and headed for the door.
    We made our way inside and grabbed two empty stools at the bar. When
Joe, the bartender, made his way over to us, I ordered a couple of beers.
    “Two Buds,” I mumbled as I scanned the room.
    “She’s not gonna be here,” Cam snickered.
    My head snapped in his direction and I narrowed my eyes at him, “Who are
you talking