To Say Goodbye Read Online Free PDF Page A

to Chloe if I want a chance to have Logan in my life.”
    “I don’t think you should have to prove anything to that bitch, honestly. But you’re right. You need to walk the line so you can appeal the custody ruling.”
    “A few beers aren’t going to make much of a difference. It’s fine.”
    “All right, but we’re only having a few.”
    “Deal. Let’s go.”
    They headed out the door and started walking down the street to Jackson’s old haunt, and to the place that had haunted Jackson’s life path as of late. Evan was probably right—it wasn’t a good idea. But Jackson was never one to let past decisions or disasters scare him away. He liked to stare disaster in the face. So they trudged on until they saw the blinking sign for their destination. They headed inside the crowded bar, full of Friday night partiers and Friday night “I want to forget everything” drinkers.
    I definitely need to forget, Jackson thought. I need to forget everything.
    At the moment, it seemed highly unlikely that it would be possible.

CHAPTER FOUR
    SOPHIA
    “I don’t think this is a good idea,” Sophia urged as Stella pulled her out the door of Pink Lemonade after closing up shop.
    “Oh, stop. It’s just a few drinks. Come on. It’s Friday.”
    Stella’s studded high heels clicked on the pavement, making Sophia feel severely underdressed in her Converse sneakers. It didn’t matter, though. Stella was still young and untainted, a believer in love. She could afford to dress the part of a woman looking for Mr. Right. Sophia had been there, done that, and lost the love of her life. Her heart was closed. Her wardrobe certainly reflected it.
    She followed Stella down the block toward the sketchy bar Stella had raved about.
    “I can’t believe we haven’t gone here before. It’s so close to the shop,” Stella announced as they pounded their feet on the pavement.
    “From the name of it, I can. Desperate times, I suppose.”
    “Oh stop being a snob. It’s going to be great. Cheap beer, quaint setting.”
    “So you’re saying it’s a dump.”
    Stella playfully hit her. “Don’t be a downer. Come on. When’s the last time you went out for a drink?”
    Sophia didn’t answer.
    “Exactly.”
    “Stell, I’m just not in the mood. What’s the point? I’m not ready to pick up some bar rat.”
    “Easy, cowgirl. First, no offense, but I don’t think there’s a fear of that in your apparel.” Stella grinned, eying up Sophia’s sneakers, jeans, and black T-shirt. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re gorgeous no matter what you’re wearing. But your outfit doesn’t exactly say come hither.”
    “I don’t want it to.”
    “Okay, then. See, we’re good. I’m not saying you have to jump into bed with someone. I’m not saying you’re going to find the new love of your life. I’m saying let’s go have a drink, celebrate your week back on the job. Just two friends kicking back a bit.”
    “You’re right. I don’t really want to go home yet anyway.”
    “That’s the spirit. Look, Soph, I know these past few months have been unimaginable. I know it’s going to take a long time for you to feel even semi-okay again. I’m here for you, though. It’s going to be hard, sad, and awful. But I’m going to make you smile. I’m not letting you slip away. Got it?”
    Sophia smiled begrudgingly. “Got it.”
    The two women approached the slipshod building that was their destination. A florescent sign flashed in the window. The O in “Open” was burned out, so the sign just said “pen.”
    Sophia’s hopes dissipated. So much for taking steps toward moving on. Chad’s Chugs, though, quintessentially summarized the current state of her whole life—falling apart.
    “Keep an open mind,” Stella encouraged as she opened the screechy screen door to enter.
    “I’m trying.”
    A stagnant, musty odor infused with alcohol wafted into Sophia’s face, and she involuntarily coughed. “Just one beer, and then I’m