So Different Read Online Free PDF

roller derby had become such a big deal,” he said, smiling at his dad. He sat back and listened as his dad started in on something political with his mom. He let his mind drift to what, if anything more, he could do for Mariah. He felt bad for her and women like her. If her clothes were any indication, she probably ran low on funds, probably hadn’t finished college, had no serious means of support, and probably felt trapped, surviving the best she could. He knew domestic violence wasn’t just limited to those without resources, and that it cut across all economic strata.
    He felt for her, though. She had been on his mind after she’d left. The emotion he felt coiled in her body as she clung to him crying. Hers had not been typical girl tears. His ex’s image came to mind. No, this had been crying caused by deep hurt.
    He wasn’t interested in her, yet her body softly pressed into his, her scent, and—of course—her hand cupping, then gently rubbing him, had gotten his attention.
    He cleared his throat, causing his parents to glance over at him with strange looks on their faces. He smiled and they turned away, resuming their discussion while he returned to his thoughts. Maybe going to the derby was a good opportunity for him to find female companionship, because he’d unwittingly become aware of Mariah in a your-body-would-feel-nice-splayed-underneath-mine way. No way was that a safe direction to take with her. So that meant that he would start his search for a warm and willing woman sooner rather than later.
    “Hey, I’m heading home,” Adam said, getting up from the table. “Thanks, Mom. Dinner was great.” He bent over to kiss her goodbye.
    “You’re welcome,” she said.
    * * *
    Adam Sr. waited until he heard the front door close. Then he and Gloria gave in to their laughter. He was going to call Mariah on Monday and tell her that Adam would be attending the derby, and to go easy on him. He chuckled at the reason she’d given his son for her bruises, playing along with him and his assumptions.
    He laughed harder, wishing he could see his son’s face when he got a hold of Mariah. And if she was wearing her typical derby uniform, his son didn’t stand a chance.
    He laughed again, glad for his son. Maybe this would help make him forget that bad penny Jamie. He didn’t know if Adam knew it or not, but he was glad their engagement had been called off. He’d always thought Adam needed someone different from the seemingly strait-laced, serious women that he’d started dating in his quest to find the perfect wife—as if such a thing existed. He hadn’t cared for Jamie, but he hadn’t been able to put his finger on the why. His son could use someone who would challenge him. Adam Jr. needed someone who would give him hell, a run for his money. Someone like Mariah.
    He chuckled. “Wish I could go and watch,” he said to Gloria, and they laughed again.
    * * *
    Adam sat on the couch in his apartment. It was Friday night, and he was alone again. This was his new life. Michael, his buddy from high school and college, had called earlier, but he opted to stay in tonight. That was his preference since he’d returned, but that was changing.
    His apartment had come courtesy of his father’s property-owning dentist buddy, the one concession to helping his dad that had not been negotiable. He would have his own space. No way was he moving home with his parents. He was too used to being his own man to start living back with his parents; plus, if the right opportunity presented itself, he wanted a place to bring someone home. He was way past the age of sneaking women into his room.
    He owned a home in Houston, picked out by his ex. A starter home, she’d said; after the first one or two children were born, they would move on. Maybe he would hold on to it, but he wasn’t sure. He was nowhere near decided on his future course of action. He’d registered his home with a property manager in Houston, who would check on