Struggling Free (Hidden Secrets Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

or anyone’s type for that matter. People use me not keep me,” I winked with a sad smile on my face.
    “Well, you’ve got better in Jake there. He’s a great guy. That man understands being used and burdens to carry. Give him a chance.”
    “If I don’t hope for more, I won’t be hurt in the end,” I said looking down at my hands.

Chapter Four
    Jacob
     
     
     
     
    Watching Mary get married pulled at something deep inside me. It was strong enough to almost take my breath away. As the preacher talked about happiness being found in the one that completes us, it pulled even harder. My head turned in the direction of where Vicky sat with Nate. How could one person be the key to happiness? If you can’t be happy with yourself how is another going to bring that to you?
    Looking back at my sister, her smile was big. I sighed in relief. She was happy and I knew that Tobey would take care of her and my nephew.  I may have failed her before, but it was the best decision I ever made to come up with the plan that brought them back together. Mary was far too pig headed to have come around without help. Tobey was too big on giving her space to come back on her own. Thanks to her big brothers ‘interfering’ she was finally truly happy.
    The ceremony concluded and I found myself pulled back to Vicky. Just as I got into ear shot of them, I caught their conversation.
    “You and Jake seem pretty happy.”
    “Ah, but he is a great actor,” she said, bumping his shoulder. “Trust me, I’m not his type or anyone’s type for that matter. People use me not keep me,” with a sad smile, she winked at him.
    “Well, you’ve got better in Jake there. He’s a great guy. That man understands being used and burdens to carry. Give him a chance.”
    “If I don’t hope for more, I won’t be hurt in the end,” she softly said looking down at her hands.
    “Then you end up like me and watching the one you love find happiness in someone else.”
    “Well, for Jacob, I hope that’s true. He’d just get dragged down with me,” she sighed.
    “Okay. Okay. So what do you suggest I do?” Nate asked. “How am I supposed to shut off my heart?”
    “No one is telling you to shut off your heart. Maybe just to listen to it more carefully. As far as a suggestion, I don’t know, maybe a vacation would clear your head.”
    Clearing my throat, I walked the rest of the way toward them. “I think a vacation sounds like a great idea. Take a month away, get your head on straight and then come back and get your life back in order.”
    “I don’t know if I can,” Nate said wearily.
    Reaching down I helped Vicky up and Nate stood as well. “Nate, man, I hate to break it to you, but you really have nothing stopping you. You’ve been put on leave at the station because of your erratic behavior. If you want a chance to save your job…you need to try this.”
    Nate brushed himself off and wiped his eyes. “Tell Mary and Tobey that I’m sorry.” He started to walk away before looking back at us. “Thanks Vicky for staying and talking to me. Sorry to ruin the time you guys had together. As busy as Jake is I’m sure you don’t get much time.” He looked at me. “I’ll think about it, okay?”
    “Sure man. You know you can call me when you need me. Don’t consider money into the mix. I’ll pay for it for you. Consider it an early birthday gift.”
    He nodded and walked off to his car, driving off. I turned to Vicky, who suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Listen, let’s go say goodbye to everyone. I think you’ve had a busy day. Time to get you home.”
    As we are saying our goodbyes to everyone, I noticed that Vicky’s demeanor had changed. She was quiet and wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes. When the first cords of a slow song started, I grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. When I heard the first few lyrics to the song, my heart stuttered in my chest. She looked up at me then. The song and Vicky were the only things I