Perfectly Broken by Emily Jane Trent Read Free Book Online Page A

her anyway. But Susanna wasn’t in a
mood to try to explain about Tomas. The feeling was too raw, and
she didn’t understand it herself. Talking about it might push her
into lower morale, knowing it was a one-time thing. And that would
lead to more of everything she tried so hard to curb.
    She rubbed her fingers over the rough wood of
the table’s surface. “I just sort of hung out.”
    He nodded, seeming to understand what that
meant.
    The pub was bouncing and live music resounded
from the bar. That night it was classic Irish stuff. Every night
was different. It was invigorating, and Susanna liked to come by
and listen. It was better when Rowan was available. It helped to
put her out of reach. Alone, getting picked up by the man of the
moment, was bound to happen.
    The food was served and Susanna watched her
friend eat. He wasn’t like a normal guy, at least the ones she’d
had dinner with. Rowan put his napkin on his lap and used his knife
and fork properly. Chewing, he looked over at her and winked.
    He was the only person she knew that could make
her feel better. It was nice that he never took issue with her life
choices. Rowan accepted her as she was, and enjoyed her company.
Without him, Susanna would have no one. A sobering thought.
    Rowan cut into a large chunk of beef in his
stew. “Busy tomorrow night?”
    She shook her head. “Don’t think so. Why?”
    He grinned. “There’s a showing of The
Dead .”
    Susanna laughed. The movie adaption of James
Joyce’s short story starred Anjelica Huston. The best part of the
film was the Dublin ambience, so different from modern times.
“Sure, you know I love those classics. Of course I’ll go.” She
paused. “Are you just trying to cheer me up? Because I didn’t know
a story about relationships at a party in 1904 was your first
pick.”
    Rowan pushed his food aside. “There’s a lot you
don’t know about me.”
    She smiled. “Apparently.”
    He leaned back. “But a little cheering up
doesn’t hurt either.” Rowan took a swig of his water. “That music
is calling to me. How about you?”
    She nodded.
    He stood and helped her up. “And I need
something stronger to drink. Let’s head into the bar.”
    Susanna had nearly forgotten that she was
panty-less, but nothing with Rowan was sexual. And she wasn’t about
to go home to change, and come back. Taking his arm, she let him
guide her to a dimly lit booth.
    From time to time, Rowan had girlfriends. The
relationships never seemed to last long, and the women were as
different as he was. She hoped one day he would find a good match.
Meanwhile, she welcomed his companionship, and could count on a
relaxed time with him.
    Will power wasn’t Susanna’s strength, so she
ordered a glass of wine when her friend got a Guinness. Listening
to the band play familiar tunes, her mind wandered. It was too loud
in the bar to do much talking, and Rowan was engrossed in the
music.
    Often she wished her life was different. But it
was what it was. There wasn’t a lot she could do about it, which
had been the case since the day she was born. Susanna knew she had
to deal with what she was given, like it or not.
    The band played a long time, and when they
wrapped it up, it was late. Outside, it was cold and dark, but the
lampposts provided enough light. She turned up her collar and
buttoned the top button of her wool coat. Rowan walked her home,
only a few minutes from the bar. The one glass of wine had led to
another, and Susanna felt a little giddy, but not badly so.
    Rowan walked her to the door and gave her a
friendly hug. He held up a hand as he walked away. “Tomorrow
night,” he called, then turned to hustle home in the cold
night.
    Susanna waved back then entered the lobby. Rent
was too expensive to get a place of her own. She walked across the
main area, her feet sinking into the padded carpet. Down the hall
was the door to her shared apartment. Likely her roommate’s
boyfriend would be staying over, as he often