Page 31 of Finding Redemption

“He asked if I loved you. I told him yes.” I blink innocently.

He roughly rubs his hand over his face before glaring at me. “Not all men want someone else’s woman. Just like not all women are gold diggers.”

“I know that, dammit,” I huff, crossing my arms defensively. “I was hoping he’d be jealous.”

“Some people don’t do jealousy,” he grumbles.

I jump from my seat, getting in his face. “Hey! You’re the one who started this. Don’t blame me because I’m no good at it.”

“And don’t blame me because you won’t be honest with him. Get over the ‘I’m fat and ugly’ horseshit. Nobody’s buying it.” His jaw ticks as his face grows red.

“They don’t have to buy it. It’s free for the taking.”

“Reese, one day a man is gonna knock you on your ass, and your walls are gonna fall.” He shakes his head with disdain.

“Men don’t see me the way you do.” I slump back into my seat.

“Walker does. Open your eyes.” He turns toward the stage.

“How do you know?” I call after him, making him twist around.

“I see how he looks at you. Open your eyes.” His eyes widen as he grins. I stick my tongue out at him. “Yeah, do that. I guarantee he’d respond to that.” He winks.

“It’s easy for you, Alden.” He walks closer to me. “You’re hot, talented, and have no baggage.”

“The baggage is the issue. You know you’re talented and if you can’t see how beautiful you are, I’m not sure how to fix it. Own who you are. That’s the hottest shit a girl can do.” He kisses my cheek. “You waiting for me or do I need to call a cab?”

“I’ll wait. Unless you’re taking home a groupie?”

“Just you, babe.” I watch as he saunters to the stage, women pawing all over him. He has no idea what it feels like to hate your own body.

7

Ipretend to be asleep on the ride home. I know Ava and Riley aren’t buying it, but I don’t want to talk about it. I’m not ready to admit how fucked up my life is, and I refuse to discuss why I moved back home again.

I’m not in the mood to see my parents either, so I sit in Ava’s SUV until they walk home. Laying my head against the seat, my thoughts run wild. A knock at the window does nothing more than make me angrier.

“What?” I whip my head around to see Ava standing at the opposite door.

“Open the fuckin’ door,” she commands, and I obey.

“Yes?” I glare at her as she climbs in.

“Do you realize you’ve been out here for thirty minutes?” I’m thrilled it’s dark in here. I bet her nostrils are flaring.

I look at my watch then glance back at her. “I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”

“Walker, I’ve been here. I get it, I do. Riley worries about everything but when it starts bothering me, there’s a problem.” Ava knows me so well.

“I’m okay,” I reassure her.

“The fuck you are.” She spins in her seat toward me. “When Riley and I first got together, you were running free. A different girl every night. Everyone was concerned, but I got it. I’ve been there. Too much alcohol, too many one-night stands, and too much time to think about it all.”

“Exactly.” Point proven.

“You’re not doing any of it now, though. You’ve gone… dead.” She touches my arm, making me realize how concerned she must be. Ava has a tough time with affection. Being close to people is not her forte. Neither is it mine.

“It’s better than bed-hopping.” I smirk.