Splitsville.com by Tonya Kappes Read Free Book Online

off the hook. “Heart research. Let’s not talk about my job. I get enough of that during the week.” I get another piece, telling myself it’s not really a lie. I do help people with their hearts. Heartache, specifically, but I leave that part unsaid.  
    We enjoy the rest of our dinner talking about the SPCA and his love of animals. Our glasses are drained, and the pizza joint is empty except for us and our morose waitress.
    On the drive back to my car, I discovered there’s more to Bradley than his blue aura. He talks about his family, love of animals and his zest in life. All of this is why I’ve always searched for a blue aura mate. Unfortunately I think I’m hook, line and sinker.

Four

    I couldn’t wait to get home to text Bradley after he dropped me off. “Thanks 4 dinner.” My fingers can’t type fast enough as I get settled at my desk before I check out my new dump clients. I don’t want to seem the eager beaver, but I do want him to call.
    My phone vibrates. “My pleasure. How about dinner tomorrow night?” My heart jumps as I read his text.
    I hit reply. “Sure, where?” I play it casual. I look at the list of dating stages on my desk.
    “We’ll play it by ear. I’ll pick u up.” His texts are short and sweet.
    With a few minor details on time and my address, we are set. As I push the off button, I see I missed a call. It’s a number I don’t recognize. I panic. Maybe it’s the police! Maybe they’ve already made a connection between Dabi’s murder and Splitsville.com.
    I read the number over and over in my head. My light isn’t blinking so I know they didn’t leave a message. Do I call the number back? Do I risk it? What if it’s someone I’ve dumped using Splitsville.com or what if it was Bradley calling from a different number. Maybe the SPCA?
    Without even thinking, I grab the phone and dial the number. It’s as if my arm
    and my brain is not even connected.
    “Hello.” A familiar voice answers.
    I slam the phone. Stupid, stupid, stupid. 
    My phone rings. I look at the Caller ID on the third jingle. Damn caller ID. It’s handy when I need it, but it totally sucks when someone else is using it.
    “Hello?” I say. I sound all sweet and innocent.
    “Did you just hang up on Kent?” Erin’s voice on the other end of the line is loud and demanding. And all I can think is that she’s already a goner. I just hope for Erin’s sake this Kent guy isn’t another gold digger.
    But she sure does sound awfully defensive about him. “I didn’t know who it was.” I assure her. “What’s going on?”
    I can hear Kent in the background talking over her. “Did you forget that tomorrow night is the Spring Fling at Pleasant Ridge Park?” she asks me.
    I slap my palm to my forehead. Yes, I’d completely forgotten about it. “A…no.” I say. Man I’m getting too good at this lying. Guilt coils through me. “Bradley and I are going and want you two to meet us?”
    I’m one great best friend. I really wanted to have some alone time with Bradley, but I can’t skip out on the annual Spring Fling with Erin. It’s a tradition. We always go together, even if it means an evening with Kent.
    “Oh!” she squeals. I wait out the long pause and she says, “Really? You want to go on a double date?”
    “Yes.” I’m surprised to hear myself say. “If you like him, I’m sure I will.”
    I can hear her in the background explaining to Kent what the annual Spring Fling is. “Yes, let’s do it,” she says after a minute and I can hear how excited she is. “We’ll meet you there.”
    “Great,” I say, though inside I’m dismayed. 
    “Oh, and Olivia?” Erin says. “I knew you’d get along with Bradley. He’s great, yes?”
    It’s the perfect opening. “Why did you say you told me about him? Because you didn’t.”
    “I didn’t?” She plays coy, but her innocent act isn’t sitting so well in the pit of my stomach.
    “No. You didn’t. It could have backfired.” I want