Haven from the Storm (Storms of Life #1) by Sarah Dosher Read Free Book Online Page B

the hesitation I was truly feeling. She reached her hand out to me and, like I always did with Violet, I gave her what she wanted by taking her hand and sitting next to her. She began to rub small circles with her thumb on the palm of my hand while she hummed and pushed off with her feet so we were slowly swinging. We stayed this way for what felt like an eternity as the tension built inside me. I knew what she wanted and she knew I couldn’t give it to her so we sat, stuck in a stalemate and waiting for the other to break. Usually in these games I clearly had the upper hand because I never cared as much as my opponent. However, Violet was the most stubborn human being in the county and might as well have her hand tightened around my throat. I’d grown fond of Violet over the past few years and for some reason always wanted to please her. Even though I had tried hard not to, I’d actually grown to love her.
    She finally broke the silence and a small part of me felt like a victor, but that feeling didn’t last long. “Okay, let cuts the theatrics and get on with what we both know is coming. Dean’s back in town and you’re avoiding him.”
    “He’s been here for less than twenty-four hours. How can you possibly be so sure I’m avoiding him?” I asked, even though I already had a pretty good idea what her answer would be.
    “Because I knew you would avoid him before he even decided to step foot back in this town. I also know you’ll continue to avoid him until you’re somehow forced to face him and the feelings you’ve buried so deep that you probably don’t even know they still exist.” She lightly squeezed my hand in a show of support.
    I withdrew my hand from hers as gently as I could and stood up. “Violet, I have zero feelings concerning your grandson being back in town, buried or otherwise. And even if I did, you know it would take more than a few hand pats and nicely timed words from you to make me listen to anything he has to say to my face or in a note.”
    A slow smile spread across her face and I was immediately afraid of what it meant. “So my grandson’s already working on you with some note, huh? Well I guess I should leave him to it then, until my services are needed.” She stood and gave me a hug. She reached up to lay a gentle hand on my cheek. “Liliana, you know I love you like my own and I only want what’s best for you. You’re young and can’t see past the hurt you feel, but please keep in mind that even those who love you can unknowingly inflict pain when they themselves are hurting. I don’t believe everyone deserves a second chance, but those willing to try and place a patch on past wounds at least deserve the opportunity. Now, that’s all I’m gonna say until one of you invites me back into your drama.” She turned me around and gave me a light push to start down the stairs. “Now go, before I can no longer control my big nose and the business it wants to get in to.”
    After I left Violet’s I decided I had no desire to go home, so I headed back into town. It was a sunny, warm January day. The snow that was covering the ground just yesterday had already melted, leaving everything wet and covered in a white film. It was a perfect day to relax and enter a whole new world through my camera lens. I pulled into the parking lot of an abandoned building that was once a Dairy Queen. It used to sell the best blizzards you’d ever eaten. My favorite was the Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard . Who didn’t love pieces of brownie, chocolate and fudge mixed in creamy vanilla soft serve ice cream?
    Before I completely lost focus, I pulled out the note from my pocket. My name was written in elegant, yet messy script across the front. I unfolded the paper.
    Please let me speak to you. You don’t have to talk, but at least let me explain the last four years and why things ended up like this. Please give me a chance. After I explain if you don’t want me around, I’ll try my best to honor