Page 6 of Animal's Reformation
“Kennedy’s taken an interest in going to their parties with a few of her other friends,” Alice said.
“I didn’t know she was doing that. She’s asking for trouble. The parties can get pretty wild, and not all bikers play nice,” Olivia said. Kennedy was a mutual friend of theirs and she taught sixth grade at the school. She had a real wild side and a reckless disregard for danger—a lethal combination.
“She’s nuts.” Harper shook her head. “She’s traveling on a very rocky road.”
Alice rose to her feet. “Don’t tell Kennedy that I mentioned about her going to biker parties. I probably shouldn’t have said anything.” She glanced at her phone and smiled. “Jonathan wants us to watch a movie and order a pizza.” She looked over at Olivia. “Are you okay? I know we were joking about what happened and all, but it’s got to hurt.”
Olivia looked down at her hands in her lap and gave a half-shrug. “I wasn’t in love with him.”
“Even so …” Harper said.
“I guess I’m more mad at myself for wasting the time and energy … and emotions with the relationship. Live and learn, right?”But it does hurt like hell. I just want to go to bed and cry it out.
“I’m here if you need me,” Alice said.
“We both are.” Harper placed her hand on top of Olivia’s and squeezed it lightly.
“I know. Thanks. I guess I’ll be staying here until I buy a house.” Olivia had been saving toward that for the past nine months.
“Or until I get married,” Harper answered.
Olivia nodded, smiling. “I hope you find your prince charming. You deserve it.”
“Well, I gotta run. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Alice slipped on her coat.
After the door closed, Harper went into the kitchen and returned with two bowls and a half-gallon of ice cream. “I keep this around for emergencies, and I’d say what jerk-face did to you is double-chocolate chip worthy.”
Olivia grinned and hugged her friend. “You’re the best. Let me change into my pajamas, then we can attack that ice cream.”
“Romantic comedy or a slasher film?” Harper asked as she picked up the remote control.
“Slasher for sure.”
“How about a Jack the Ripper horror film? I thought I saw one lurking on On Demand.”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll be right back.”
That night she’d stuff her face, cover her eyes, and forget all about what an asswipe Kory turned out to be. This was the beginning of a new chapter in Olivia’s life and the title of it was “No Men.” It was about time she focused on herself after years of giving her attention to men. It was her own mother who had taught her to fawn over men and make them the center of a woman’s universe, but not anymore.
For the first time, Olivia was going to have the starring role in her own life, and she wouldn’t let any man near her.
She was done.
Finished.
A surge of determination shot through her as she unzipped her suitcase.
