Page 22 of Breaking Free

“Clearly, this is about more than enchiladas,” her intuitive neighbor replied.

“You’re right.” She didn’t speak for a moment before blurting out in a rush. “I got called for an audition. It’s for a lead role. I’m over the moon thrilled but gotta say I’m also freaking out a bit.”

“That’s fantastic news! Of course, you deserve to celebrate. Let me finish what I’m working on, and I’ll come over. How does seven o’clock sound?”

“No. I’ll take a rain check after I get the job and after your vendor fair.”

“Are you sure? I can squeeze in a quick break.”

“I appreciate that,” Piper reassured her. “You do what you need to do. I’m good. I can use the time to study my script—if it arrives by then.”

“You’re going to knock their socks off. I feel it in my bones.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Um. Not to sound selfish, but your newfound celebrity status doesn’t change our plans for this weekend, does it? You’re still planning to work the booth with me, right?”

“Absolutely. The audition isn’t until next week. And I’m hardly a celebrity. I haven’t gotten the part and might not. What am I saying? It’s more like a case of probably won’t.”

“Think positive,” Josie urged.

“Okay. I’m positive I won’t get the part.”

“Piper!” she cried. “What happened to mysunshine and rainbows always looking on the bright side of thingsnew friend?”

To be called friend instead of neighbor or acquaintance warmed her inside.

“I’m still here. But I suffer from a trait we share—the unremitting fear of rejection—which is rearing its ugly head.”

Especially after Tristan lit a fire in her blood with a kiss and then stomped her heart flat. But Josie didn’t know she wasn’t only referring to the audition. There was no sense in telling her about a one-sided romance that was done before it began.

“Now I’m definitely coming over!” she declared.

“I’m kidding.” Piper forced a laugh she didn’t feel. “But not about your booth. I’m looking forward to visiting the club.”

“Mm-hmm,” Josie hummed, still not convinced.

Piper quickly changed the subject to leather fetwear and what she could do to help. It turned out to be nothing since everything was cut and only had to be assembled and sewn together, which far exceeded her skill level.

She opened a bottle of wine, drank almost all of it by herself, ate two overstuffed enchiladas, and was in bed by 9 p.m. on a Saturday. So much for her glamourous big-city lifestyle. It was proof you could take the farm girl out of Iowa, but even in the big city, you can’t hide her farm-girl roots. With her acting career potentially taking off and a kink club event on her social calendar, she had hope of changing that, however.

ROCKING BACK AND FORTHwith her arms wrapped around her middle, with each hitching breath, her body shuddered.

“I can’t bear this anymore,” she cried, a heart-wrenching sob escaping her lips. “The hole in my heart grows bigger every moment we are apart. How can I live without you here with me?”

“Piper. Are you okay?”

Startled, she spun to face the tall figure on the adjacent balcony, barely visible in the darkness. When he took a step closer to the railing, the glow from the lamp in her living room provided enough light to make out his features.

“Tristan! I didn’t hear you come out.”

Scanning the balcony behind her, he asked, “Who’s out here with you? I thought I heard crying.”

“You did, but it’s not me. Not really.”

“Then why are your cheeks wet?” he pressed.

Her hands flew to her face, and she quickly wiped away her tears. “You have excellent night vision.”

---