Fighting For You by Megan Noelle Read Free Book Online Page B

to stop me from talking.
    “Oh no, Danielle. I am not mad.  I was mad when you left with no warning, swamping my very dedicated Bailey with so much that she nearly quit.  I was mad when you chose that moment to stand up to your mother, leaving me the only one to deal with her issues.  Then I was very mad when you gave me the most ridiculous goddamn excuse for why you left and then expected me to believe it.  Now, my dear, I am far beyond mad.  I am borderline pissed off and here is your chance to change that - I want an honest to God reason as to why you left.”
    I opened my mouth, ready to spew out whatever elaborate lie first touched my tongue.  But I stopped.  I couldn’t keep doing this, lying to others and to myself.  For the past three months, it has been eating away at me, day and night.  I was never free from the memories I ran from and I didn’t know how much longer I could deny the obvious.  So, with a deep breath, I revealed the undeniable truth. 
    “I had fallen head over heels in love with Corey.  I wanted him and needed him so badly I couldn’t breathe without him.” My eyes remained downcast on my intertwined fingers, letting them strengthen me through the rest of this moment.  “Throughout my life I have experienced absolutely terrible relationships, each leaving me battered and broken, starting with …” my voice caught. 
    I swallowed back the need to cry. This wasn’t the time.  I cleared my throat and continued.
    “Starting with Dad.  I became used to being treated poorly in all relationships. So, when I found someone who was the complete opposite, I ran.  Yes, I truly was returning to help the magazine, but more than anything it was my excuse.  Corey was my best friend and I reacted in the worst way possible. I let go of whatever chance there was for a relationship but worse - I lost the absolute best friend I’ve ever had.”
    My eyes squeezed out a couple tears as I finished my story, resisting any eye contact as the truth from my heart hung heavily in the air between us.  Because there it was—everything I kept hidden from everyone, myself included.  That was also the first time I have ever been so honest with my Grandmother, especially with anything quite so personal.
    An undistinguishable sigh escaped Gram and, finally, I met her hardened stare.  Apparently over the years she perfected the look that gave away absolutely nothing.  Despite my need to know, preferably immediately, what she thought, I waited.
    “Danielle, you truly made the situation a mess.” I nodded, unable to disagree.
    “But Sweetheart, I know for an absolute fact that you didn’t lose him.” My partial attention became completely focused.
    “Wh … what?” I asked, stuttering out the word in disbelief.
    “I told you before that you two were clearly meant to be.  I am sure my talk of marriage during our dinner terrified you but, I meant what I said.” My mouth remained gaped open like a fool.  I didn’t dare move or even make a sound at the risk of breaking this surreal moment.
    “Dolly, that boy has missed you so much.  He has taken care of your home, came by the Inn to help.  He would even call me regularly to make sure I was okay, but I never missed the subtle questions about you.  Danielle, you broke his heart, but you most certainly did not lose it.”
    My heart was breaking at her words and my stomach churned.  Nausea was starting to settle in and I wondered if my little love was feeling as sick at what Gram said as I did. 
    “You just have to work like hell to get him back.  Now that you have come home, you can.”
    For a moment we stared into each other’s eyes and for the first time—we understood one another.  I gave a firm nod of my head, as did she.  A small, lighthearted smile touched my lips and then together we stood.  I saw the shared moment between us fade and stern Violet was back.  Her hands brushed imaginary dust off her pants as I felt the bizarre need