Love Takes Hold: The Helena's Grove Series Book 3 by Ivy Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

thanks to Aunt Gabby, who had agreed to give Roger a loan in order to help him get his business back on track. Jen was glad they’d left her out of the deal. She loved her father but hated dealing with him when it came to money. In her experience, he became a different man when dollar signs were involved.
    Jen smiled when she thought of Aunt Gabby and those first months of their relationship just over a year ago. Her life had changed so dramatically since that wonderful old lady had come into her life. Even though her father’s intentions for Jen going to Ohio had been less than genuine, she was happy she’d gone, happy with the way things had turned out… that is, when she and Zack ended up together. Now that they were separated she felt she had to completely reevaluate her life. All the plans they’d made were gone – disintegrated, just like that. Jen looked down at the coffee in her hand. Will I ever be able to go on without him? she wondered. Countless times in the last few weeks she’d picked up the phone to call him, to tell him she was sorry, she wanted him back, wanted to be with him; but every time she’d hung up before the first ring. She knew she couldn’t lie to him about what she wanted in her life. She couldn’t lie about how she felt about marriage. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them if she pretended. So, instead of giving in, she went inside herself. She shut the world out and tried to figure things out on her own. The result of that had left her weak and miserable. Her hair was a mess, she had no makeup on, she hadn’t shaved her legs in three weeks and knew she was in desperate need of a manicure. This is what she’d come to call ‘the breakdown stage’. It was her way of dealing with failed relationships. Although she had to admit, she’d never spent this long in breakdown.
    She sighed heavily; contemplating going out and doing some shopping. The idea was quickly dismissed when she remembered she’d have to get dressed.
    “Good morning,” Roger said as he walked into the kitchen.
    “Morning Dad,” Jen said feebly.
    “What are your plans for the day?” Roger asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
    “Well, I thought I’d lay around this morning, then around noon I’ll make myself a high calorie snack followed by an afternoon of daytime TV, after which I’ll make another high calorie snack and then I’ll be off to bed.” Jen knew she sounded pathetic but she didn’t really care.
    Roger sighed. “Jenny, honey, sit down.” He gestured to the sofa and sat opposite her. “I understand that you’re hurting. I understand that this is how you deal with breakups, and that’s fine, I’m not judging. But at some point you’re going to have to get back out there. This isn’t good for you; you can’t hide in this apartment for the rest of your life. You’re too beautiful and too smart to give up on yourself.”
    Jen looked down into her coffee mug but didn’t say anything; she knew he was right.
    “You should go out with some friends tonight. It’s Friday and I’m sure there’s something going on.”
    “I don’t know… I’m not sure I’m up for all that.”
    Roger scooted a little closer to her and took one of her hands in his. “Listen to me Jenny; I’m not sure what went on between you and that boy.”
    “Zack,” Jen reminded him.
    “Yeah, that one.” He feigned a look of disgust and Jen chuckled despite herself. “You deserve to be happy. So get out there, get yourself all dolled up and go out into the city. You love this city – and that always cheered you up before.”
    Jen nodded. “I know.”
    Roger smiled and kissed her forehead. “I’ve got to go. I have a couple meetings this morning. But if you need anything, you let me know.” He grabbed his briefcase and started towards the door.
    “Hey Daddy,” Jen called after him. He turned, waiting. “Thank you. For letting me stay here and not asking me about Zack or what happened.”
    He smiled,