Page 1 of On Broken Wings

Prologue

Present Day

Jenni

Working at Ford Stevenson Securities was a perfect job. I was able to go to class, and then make some extra dough on the side. Mason had been busy with his fiancée, Dani, and I was getting ready to graduate soon. I’d soon have a degree in business. I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do yet. I didn’t go out at night, and other than work I really didn’t go out during the day. Evan and I have been studying for an Ethics in Business class that we have now. I don’t even think we have the same major, but for two semesters he’s had at least one class with me. This semester we have two.

Mason keeps encouraging me to tell him ‘yes’ when he asks me out again, but I just can’t. He’d never understand what I’ve been through, and I don’t know how I’d even be able to tell him. It’s summer now, and business has really picked up at the firm. Dev has had me do all the accounting for the business, and Mason is taking me out to dinner tonight to celebrate that I only have one more year of college.

“You about ready?” He stuck his head around the corner.

“Almost.” I tapped a few keys on my computer. “I’m heading out now if that’s ok,” I called to where Dev, Jase, and Mark were huddled around Dev’s desk. They’ve been talking about a new job they were hired for. Jase hasn’t been too keen on it, but Mark and Dev keep promising him that it’s a good thing.

“See you tomorrow.” Dev waved in my direction before winking at Mason. Something was up, but I didn’t care. I was just happy that school was out for the summer.

“Don’t you ever get tired of coming here?” I laughed as Mason held open the door to The Rusty Nail. “You work here. You really want to come on your night off?” I glanced around at the people in the bar. I never go out, especially at night and even though my brother was here with me it still made me feel vulnerable.

“I drink for free here. Why wouldn’t I want to take advantage of that? Besides, the company isn’t too bad either.” His head tipped to the side as Evan stepped around the corner.

“What are you doing here?” I stepped closer to Mason. He was my protective shield, and even though I knew Evan, seeing him somewhere outside of school still put me on edge.

“I was invited.” He smiled as he shrugged. He looked nice in his khaki shorts and polo shirt. A braided leather strap was tied around his neck with a green stone fastened to it. He shuffled his feet before motioning to the bar. “Let me buy you a drink.”

“I’m not much of a drinker,” I mumbled as I stepped closer to Mason. I was acting like a child and being rude, but I couldn’t help it. I didn’t like being blindsided, and that’s exactly what was happening.

“Get her something girlie.” Mason chuckled as Evan stepped away.

“Why did you invite him?” I hissed. “I can’t do this.”

“Yes you can, and he’s a nice guy.” Mason laughed as I narrowed my eyes on him. “I spied on him at the bookstore. I asked Dev to check him out. He’s on the up and up. Give him a chance, Jen. He’s a nice a guy. You deserve to find a happily ever after too.”

“Fine,” I huffed, “but you don’t get to leave. You’re playing wingman tonight.” I pinched his arm like I used to when we were kids. Mason let out yelp just as Evan reappeared with drinks for us.

“Wanna grab a table?” He motioned toward the back where the billiard tables were.

“Your funeral.” Mason chuckled as he led the way.

The guys shot pool as I sat at a high-top just watching from afar. Evan was hot, I couldn’t deny that, but my past wouldn’t let me feel anything. I’d let my guard down before, and got hurt worse that anyone deserves and swore I would never fall for someone again. If my brother wanted to play matchmaker tonight, I’d give it to him but nothing was happening between Evan and me, I couldn’t let it.

Chapter 1

4 years ago…

Jenni

“Hey, Mom?” I shouted as I ran down the steps toward the kitchen “Darrin and I are going to study for that chem test after school today. I might be late getting home.”

“What about practice?” My mother sighed. I’d been blowing off gymnastics for weeks now, and she was starting to get annoyed.

“I’m going to practice. I meant after practice. He’s staying, and giving me a ride today.” I shrugged as I rounded the corner and grabbed a slice of toast off the counter.

“Jenni.” Mom gave me the ‘I don’t believe you’ look.

“I am, promise.” I shoved the toast in my mouth as I opened the fridge to grab the juice. “Coach says I’m doing fine,” I mumbled as I chewed. The truth was, my coach had warned me that if I kept blowing off my practices, he was going to bench me at the next meet; my mother didn’t need to know that though. I loved gymnastics, but I wasn’t going pro, and after I graduated this year, I probably wouldn’t compete again. The idea of being tied down in college made me feel as if I was suffocating. I wanted the freedom to do as I pleased. Hearing stories from my brother when he came home made me yearn for it.

“I think maybe Darrin is taking too much of your time. Most gymnasts your age don’t date.” Mom faced me with her hands on her hips.

“Darrin isn’t taking up too much time. I hardly ever see him,” I whined as I grabbed my backpack, and rushed toward the door. Darrin would be here soon to give me a ride, and I wanted to be ready. We were usually early and used that extra time to hang out in the senior parking lot. If we were late, that wouldn’t happen and I wasn’t ready to give up my time with him in the mornings. We’ve been together almost two years now, and since he finally got his license, we are just now getting some private time.

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