Shattered Rose (Winsor Series) - By T L Gray Page 0,5

directions just trying to escape, but realized last year I was my own jailer. I had put these expectations and standards in my life that I just had to achieve, making perfection my unending pursuit.

I looked in the mirror as I pulled my golden hair back. “What is wrong with you?” I scolded myself. “This is a great day, and you are a strong, self-sufficient woman.”

With my perspective back on track, I put my headset on and headed out the door. At least for the next thirty minutes or so, I would feel free.

My run was amazing. I wasn’t sure if it was from the adrenalin of moving or my own frustration with my shyness. Either way, I felt great. This was a new start, a chance to have it all. Tomorrow I would come out of my shell and take time to get to know Issy, even if it meant small talk with large groups of people.

With new determination, I put on my favorite tank and pajama shorts and started unpacking my mess. Music…I needed music. On-demand radio is the greatest invention of our time. Tonight, I was in the mood to dance. Nothing like a beat to keep spirits up and get lots of work done. My dancing skills may be less than stellar, but hey, I was the only one there, and I was going to enjoy it.

My room was finally finished after what felt like hours. The closet was just big enough for my scarce wardrobe, and each one of my enormous engineering books fit nicely on the bookshelf over my desk. The two blank walls were now covered in my favorite photographic art pieces, each one selected from a local artist. The one above my bed was a large black-and-white photo of a pier in the ocean. The perspective was from underneath the pier, looking up, while the ocean water receded around it. I knew I had to have this picture the minute I saw it, not just because the lighting was breathtaking, but there was something about that pier, fighting against the powerful ocean forces, that spoke to me.

The second picture was also a black-and-white. This one was a high, swinging bridge completely engulfed in dense fog. The bridge appeared to disappear into the fog and reminded me so much of the unknown and how my path was not determined yet.

Hugging myself, I looked at my final product. One word—inspirational. I turned up my phone and started brushing my teeth, fully enjoying every beat of the song. Next thing I knew, I was in full rock star mode, using my toothbrush as a microphone and my bed as a stage. It was only after the song ended, and I heard the applause die down in my head that I opened my eyes and saw him standing there, casually leaning against the door frame with his arms folded…and a totally amused smile on his face.

The scream I let out even startled me as I jumped off the bed and slammed my door shut, allowing him only a second to jump out of the way. Oh my gosh, that did not just happen! I could feel my heart racing as I imagined how ridiculous I must have looked. Maybe he would be the type to blow off embarrassing situations and make you feel like nothing happened. I slowly regained composure and cracked open my door. He was still standing there chuckling…nope, he wasn’t that type at all.

My cheeks flushed a crimson red as I stammered, “You must be Jake…um, sorry I slammed the door on you like that…you startled me.” I was fumbling over my words, sure this guy must think I was not only a nutcase, but an idiot as well.

“And you must be Avery, although Issy didn’t mention you were a performer.” He glanced at me, giving me an opportunity to respond. I didn’t take it. “Where is she, by the way?”

I had never felt more grateful for a change of subject than I did in that moment.

“She left hours ago. Said she was heading to Caesars to watch a band play.”

“Caesars…ugh…I hate that place. Total meat market.” He walked past me and started looking around my room, stopping at the bridge picture. “Why didn’t you go?” he asked, still not taking his eyes off the picture.

“With that glowing review? Go figure.” I felt exposed and vulnerable, so naturally I resorted to sarcastic wit…a talent I had learned from my father. I watched him