Tears of Endurance (Romantic Drama) Book #1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

withdraw the money. I had not cancelled his card or informed the bank of my change in circumstances. Basically there is nothing I can do about it. I tried to call Justin, but guess what? The number was dead. He’s clearly changed his number.”
     
    Casey grabbed hold of Arianna’s arm and gently pulled her towards the bar. “Two large gin and tonics with ice, please.” Casey flashed a £20 pound note in the barman’s direction and impatiently shifted from foot to foot in an attempt to hold her ground at the overcrowded two-deep bar. If there was one thing that annoyed Casey it was all the pushing and shoving at the bar, it was always the same. “Anyone would think we were heading towards prohibition the way this crowd is acting.” The barman smiled and handed her two tall glasses, complete with a slice of lemon. After receiving her change, Casey and Arianna made their way to the back of the pub, away from the large flat screen TV displaying a home game, Aston Villa vs. Manchester United. This was a big game. It explained the large turn out and the large number of raucous men downing beers and shouting towards the screen.
    “ Sorry, Arianna, I had no idea the football was on here today. If you want, we could pop over to the George and Dragon?”
    Arianna smiled at Casey and shook her head. “It’s fine really, there’s a table over there in the corner.”
    Casey placed the drinks down onto the table and looked at her friend tenderly. “Arianna, I really don’t know what to say. I don’t think anyone would have expected Justin to do what he’s done. I mean it’s criminal, and to think there’s nothing you can do about it, just adds salt to the wound.” Casey placed her hand on top of Arianna’s. “Look, if you need some help, I have a bit saved. It’s not much but it might help you through the next couple of weeks.”
    Arianna could not stem the flood of tears falling down her cheeks. “Oh Casey, I could not take your savings. I know how hard you have saved for your anniversary. Andrew is going to be blown away with your gift, Casey, a weekend in Paris is far more than he would expect. Besides, it wouldn’t make much of a difference. What I do need more than anything right now is for my show next week to sell lots of paintings, or my gallery will really be in trouble financially. I’ve made just enough profit over the last 12 months to keep me above water; I was just starting to get somewhere. And then this horrendous deceit by someone I actually thought I was in love with. What the hell was I thinking? Why didn’t I see any of this coming?”
    Two hours later, Casey and Arianna left the bar and headed straight towards Arianna ’s townhouse, making a swift detour to the off-licence for a bottle of wine. Casey stayed with her friend for a few more hours, consoling her and listening intently as good friends do before she had to leave and get back to her family. Thankfully, her home was in walking distance. Arianna felt cheated inside, as if an intruder had taken a king-sized bite out of her soul. After finishing her wine, she fell asleep where she lay, on the sofa in her living room, and did not stir until the following morning.

Chapter five
    Ben took hold of Charlie’s lead and stood up to leave when he was taken hostage by the familiar vice-like grip to the side of his head. The overwhelming pressure served as a reminder that he had a long way to go before he was truly well. Automatically letting go of Charlie’s lead, he reached up, holding his head in the palms of his hands. The pain was crippling, rendering Ben useless and unable to stand up straight. As he fell to his knees, Charlie sat down beside him instantly. The waitress who served him earlier came rushing out of Cafe Rouge to offer her assistance.
    “ Hey, are you okay?” she asked as she bent down and put her hand around his back, holding his arm to aid him.
    “ Thank you, may I have some water please. Once I’ve taken a couple of