The Truth She Knew Read Online Free PDF

she caused. No one does.”
    Joss was silent for a moment. “Lacey, I realize your mom is difficult. She’s too strict and controlling. You know I still like her, but when are you going to move out? You don’t need to stay.”
    “ You don’t understand.”
    “ I do understand. You’ve told me before that she has a special relationship with God. I get it, but are you sure she doesn’t say those things to manipulate you?”
    “ Forget it. Forget I called.” I flopped back on my bed and rubbed my head.
    “ Lacey! Don’t you dare hang up on me. You called to talk to me , remember? We can leave Mama alone for now. Let’s talk about Walker.”
    I paused for a moment and brushed my irritation away.
    “ Joss, what am I going to do?” I groaned.
    “ What do you mean what are you going to do? You’re going to get up and eat breakfast. Then you’re going to take a hot bubble bath and shave your pits, legs, and the Garden of Eden. After that, you’re going to go on a date with the hottest guy I’ve ever met. Lacey, I’m serious: put on your big-girl panties and go out with this guy!”
    We broke into massive giggles. I held the phone away from my ear and struggled to pull air into my lungs.
    “ Joss, stop! I can’t breathe!” I gasped as tears ran down my face.
    “ Take a breath, you’ll be okay.” A moment of silence filled the phone line as we regained our composure.
    “ I’m scared,” I muttered.
    “ Why? I get being nervous, but what’s up?”
    I sighed and stared at my bedroom ceiling.
    “ What if going out with him is a mistake? What if I fall for him and he’s a huge asshole?”
    “ Then he’s a huge asshole. You learn from it and move on.”
    “ Why is everything so simple for you, Joss?”
    “ It’s not. You know I take care of David and mom. It’s a matter of breaking things down and keeping it simple. Try and keep that in mind. You’re going on a date with a gorgeous guy. When was the last time you went out with anyone? Go on a date, kiss him, laugh, live for a few minutes and leave your mom, school, and work behind for a little while.”
    “ Okay, okay, you’re right. It’s just a date, right?”
    “ Yes, have some fun!”
    “ Joss?”
    “ Yes?”
    “ Did you see his eyes?”
    “ They were hard to miss. I told you, if you don’t want him, I’ll take him. Between that dark hair, those blue eyes, and that incredible ass I wouldn’t think twice about it.”
    “ You’re such a liar—you’d never do that to me.”
    “ Nope, I wouldn’t, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun giving you shit.”
    “ Okay, I’m going to make some breakfast. Thanks for listening.”
    “ Anytime, and I expect full details tomorrow.”
    Her laugh hung in the air as we ended the call.

Chapter 8
    Three hours later, I pulled my car into the Kmart parking lot. Kmart was an old store, and even though I’d never stepped foot in it, the parking lot was usually full. Today, however, there were only a few cars. My shoulders tensed; someone could easily spot me and tell Mama.
    My nerves sent a flush across my cheeks. I rolled down my window and hoped the fresh air would help. My heart pounded as I glanced at my watch—I’d arrived fifteen minutes early. I hated waiting, but I didn’t want Mama asking any more questions than she normally did. She’d seemed content when I told her I would be with Joss at the mall. I prayed I could pull it off and not get caught. The likelihood of anyone recognizing me once we got to Lake DeGray was slim, but I was still worried.
    I glanced at my watch again. Only two minutes had crept by. I stepped out of my car and paced back and forth. What if he didn’t show? What if this was a joke? What if we spend the day together and he doesn’t like me? I sighed as I heard Joss’s voice in my head: “Then you’ll get over it and move on.”
    I pulled my hair back and put it in a ponytail. It was still warm and muggy. I hoped it would be nice at the lake today and not too