Where I Found My Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

precariously as I tried to balance myself on heels.
    “Been a while.” I said as I reached the breakfast bar.
    “It’s like riding a bike. You’ll get used to it.” Libby laughed. “Here, sit down and taste this.” She pushed a martini glass toward me and lifted her own up.
    I took a sip and was momentarily shocked at the taste of the alcohol. My eyes watered as I swallowed it down.
    “What the hell…”
    “It’s a Manhattan, my new favourite. You don’t like it?”
    “No, it’s good. Just shocking. Whiskey?”
    “Bourbon.”
    “Where did you find that? Here?”
    “Hell no, I brought it with me. I knew there was nothing here.” She looked around the apartment.
    I took another sip and let the taste of the bourbon slide over my tongue. It was smooth, like caramel and really…
    “Delicious.” Libby’s eyebrow shot up doubtfully. “Serious. It’s really good.”
    “I know right?” She took a sip of her own. “Now sit here,” she pointed to the stool in front of the breakfast bar, “and let me see about getting those knots out.”
    I sat where she indicated and took another sip of my drink.
    “I know what you’re up to. You’re trying to numb me before you drag that comb through my hair.”
    “Something like that.”
    “Owww.” I yelled out as she tugged on the comb.
    “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
    “I’m kidding Libs.”
    “Just for that…” she dragged the comb from top to bottom. Stopping to loosen a knot.
    When she was done she brushed it until it was almost dry.
    “Next the face.”
    “What?”
    “Some makeup.”
    “Lib, last chance. How about ordering in? Your favourite Chans. Come on, you love that food.”
    “After all this? You’re not getting off the hook that easily.”
    I sat as still as I could.
    “Are you almost done?” I was afraid to move.
    “Just about…”
    When she stopped to get something out of her makeup case I spun the chair around and grabbed my drink taking a long sip.
    “Whoa. Take it easy. We have all night ahead of us.”
    “Just dinner Libby.” I admonished.
    “Yup. Dinner and drinks.” She took her time, occasionally tossing in an order or two. ‘Hold still’, ‘close your lids’, ‘open your eyes’. Then after what seemed like forever, she stood in front of me with her hands on her hips and a huge grin on her face. “Go check it out. You’re gorgeous.”
    “Yeah right. That would have taken a miracle and I don’t think you have any of those in that bag.” I stood and immediately felt the effects of the drink, not to mention the heels. I held onto the countertop for a few seconds before making my way into the bedroom. I walked up to the closet door and swung it open, revealing the full-length mirror.
    What I saw looking back at me was nothing short of a miracle. I didn’t recognize myself. I was almost pretty. Well, sort of. “I’ll take another drink.” I said as I turned to her.
    “It’s not the Manhattan Ren. You’re beautiful.” She smiled proudly.
    I managed a smile as I stepped back and stood there like an idiot staring at the woman in the mirror. Just then panic set in. “Where are we going?”
    “You’ve never been there. Adelphia. It’s a Mediterranean restaurant and bar.” She looked a little worried. “I knew you didn’t want to run into anyone, so…the foods great and the best thing is it’s in Chester.”
    “Thank you for that.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The Valium was calming and I could feel some of the tension flow out of me.
     

Chapter 9
     
    We stepped outside the side door and walked, or should I say ‘I tried to walk’, down the street to where Libby parked her car. I climbed in slowly and looked around. It’s been so long since I was outside on the street where I lived. The sinking sun was warm on my face as I looked up through the window.
    “Relax.” Libby said as she put her hand on top of mine. I hadn’t noticed my fingers tightly clutched around each other.