Perfect Fit (Serendipity's Finest) - By Carly Phillips Page 0,14
state—”
“But my family is here,” she said, tears shimmering in her eyes.
Cara drew a deep breath, understanding the need to be around family and friends. “I was going to say, or you can take out the restraining order you haven’t wanted to get and look for a more local job. Nothing too close to your ex, but somewhere nearby.” She squeezed the other woman’s hand. “The good news is you don’t need to make any decisions right now.”
“I know. But I’m not smart enough to—”
“Hey! None of that,” Cara said, more harshly than she meant to. Nothing angered her more than the insidious way some men managed to invade a woman’s mind and mess with her self-esteem.
Was it personal for her? Yes. Her own father had done his share of that both to her and to Cara’s mother, using his drinking as an excuse. Cara had learned early how to stay out of the house for as long as possible, getting involved in sports and after-school activities. When she wasn’t doing school-related things, she’d hide out at her friend Melissa’s house. Luckily for her, Melissa’s mom didn’t mind. But Cara hated leaving her own mom at home, and as a teen she’d been overwhelmed with guilt for all the hours she spent out of the house. As an adult, Cara understood that her mother made her own decisions—but understanding and accepting were two different things. In other words, the guilt remained. Melissa, meanwhile, had moved out of state, but they’d stayed in touch.
Forcing herself to focus on Daniella, Cara deliberately softened her expression and her tone. “What did the therapist tell you to do when Bob’s voice gets into your head?”
“Positive affirmations. I’m a smart, capable woman,” Daniella said, not sounding as if she believed it.
Cara nodded. “Exactly. Just keep repeating that to yourself, because it’s true.”
“Sorry I took so long!” A petite redhead interrupted the awkward moment as she joined them in the kitchen. “I had so many things to fold. But I’m back!”
“Hi, Lindsay,” Cara said, greeting the other woman with a smile.
“Hi, Cara. What’s shaking?”
“Not much. You?”
“I have a job interview tomorrow,” Lindsay said, beaming with excitement.
“Fantastic! Congratulations.”
The young woman was a bundle of positive energy these days, and Cara hoped her enthusiasm for life and change would rub off on Daniella. Cara truly worried that Daniella’s depression would lead her straight back to her ex, something she didn’t want to see happen.
“Thanks. Are you staying for dinner?” Lindsay asked.
Cara shook her head. Now that Daniella had company, Cara decided it was the perfect time to leave. “I can’t tonight, but I’ll see you soon.”
“Thanks, Cara. I mean it,” Daniella said.
“And I meant what I said. You’re amazing. Remember that.” She hugged Daniella and then Lindsay, who vibrated with excitement over her upcoming interview.
She’d make a quick stop at her place to change clothes and head on over to Joe’s. After being with Daniella, Cara was in the dumps and needed something to change her mood. Maybe some good old-fashioned dancing and a couple of drinks would do the trick.
Déjà vu was a potent aphrodisiac, Mike thought as he entered Joe’s Bar. The music, something he still wasn’t used to, vibrated around him, the dance floor already full. Normally he’d be meeting up with his brother, but with Sam out of commission, Mike was here alone. He could have called up an old friend or two with whom he’d reconnected since his return, but he wasn’t in the mood for idle talk.
He was in a mood, and it wasn’t a good one. He hadn’t wanted to go upstairs to the tiny apartment and stare at the four walls or the TV while he was still mulling over all he’d learned from Sam and Cara about the mayor’s investigation. Until he knew what they’d find out about Rex or Simon, he couldn’t begin to wrap his mind around the possible implications. No matter what, he and Cara would have to proceed with caution and keep things low-key. Something he’d have to discuss with her. But for tonight, he needed downtime.
So here he was, at Joe’s Bar, where instead of peace he found himself remembering a hot night with a beautiful woman he couldn’t have again.
Swell.
He headed straight for the bar, figuring if nothing else he could shoot the shit with Joe. As he approached, he was surprised to find Cara sitting alone, staring into her almost-empty cocktail glass, probably waiting for friends.