Learning to Heal (39 page)

Abby and Lisa with Abby's Book Blog, thank y'all for keeping me encouraged and making me laugh on several occasions. Xoxox

Jammie Cook, my sweet assistant that has really been a life saver and someone special to me, thank you.

Bethany and HEA Bookshelf Blogger. Such sweet ladies and love to pimp Indie Authors. Thank you.

Thank you, Max with The Polished Pen, for making Editing so much fun. You are so awesome.

Bella Bookaholic, Emma Readbooks, Patricia with A Literary Perusal, and many, many, many more Bloggers. Thank You All and I Love You.

Authors are my Rock Stars. \m/

R.D. Cole lives in lower Alabama with her husband and little girl. She is looking into adoption to help her family grow and loves animals. She has seven dogs that are spoiled and would take in every stray if she could. Her husband eventually put his foot down. She loves to read, write, paint, and dance, but also loves to go muddin’ with her friends on Team Mayhem. She believes in God, family, and friends.

Website:

http://www.authorrdcole.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/r.d.coleauthor

The Learning Series

Learning to Live (Book 1)

Learning to Heal (Book 2)

Learning to Forgive (Book 3 coming soon!)

Learning to Stand (Book 4 coming soon!)

New Series

Pretty Country (Book 1)

At this very moment I’m sitting on the back of a Harley, which could very well be stolen, setting off into the sunset with an amazing guy. His strong muscular form is driving and the vibrations of the motor send shivers through our bodies.

I recall the past few years I’d spent with my ex-boyfriend, Marc. I close my eyes and rest my chin on this man’s back. It’s easy to remember the heartache and the pain of loneliness. I can still sense the tears I shed for Marc. My ex never cared for me the way I loved him. I was in love with Marc for years; he played my family and me for fools. Marc stole my heart and stomped on it the day I found him in bed with my best friend Natalie. That day I lost Marc and I lost a huge part of me as well. I told myself I wouldn’t give my heart to another man again.

The wind ripping through us feels cool against my body and it’s tangling through my thick, wavy, brown hair. I scan my eyes looking down along his powerfully built chest and see my arms wrapped around his waist for fear that I may fall. The mere thought of falling in love scared me for too long.

My eyes move over his broad left shoulder and I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the side mirror. The twinkle in my big-brown eyes and the smile across my face bring out an emotion as if I’m a little girl just waking up Christmas morning.

I have a sense of freedom that I haven't experienced in a long time. I never imagined emotions this strong would consume me again.

The past few weeks are nothing I ever imagined. This man in front of me is the one who allows me to be me. He loves me for the person I am, not the woman he wants me to be.

"Shit, ouch, double shit!" I bounce across the living room on my left foot, stubbing my toe for the hundredth time. Ugh, when the hell is Chloe going to send for the rest of her shit?

My sister promised the movers would be here yesterday to move out the last of her non-essential things from my small one-bedroom apartment.

Surprise, the movers never showed or worse she never scheduled them to come.

As a single 24 year old female, I don’t need much living space; I do however prefer things have their place in my little world and these boxes do not deserve a spot here.

My apartment is indeed small. It’s really all I need for me. I have everything decorated the way I want it and my place is cozy. It has a modern flare to it with my wall décor, curtains, and the few pieces I have scattered around. The furnishings are a slightly used leather couch and chair in the living room which makes it extra comfy and a giant sleigh bed in the bedroom. The place comes together quite well, except for the cardboard boxes I want out.

I don’t know why I even bother getting angry. I love my sister, I do, but her lack of consideration for others amazes me sometimes.

Chloe is my older sister, the one I always cover when she can't figure a way out of a jam. Chloe is older than me by two years, but I always thought I was the more responsible sibling.

Ugh, to hell with her. I’m not going to dwell on the drama, at least not for the next five seconds. Then the pain of my toe smacks me in the brain, "Ouch!"

Chloe got an amazing job, the chance of a lifetime for her. Since the offer, she has relocated herself across the country from Boston to Los Angeles. She can pursue her dream career as a sports analyst for ESPN and to be honest, I’m proud of her.

In addition to these damn boxes, Chloe also left a wee bit of man drama here to keep in line. His name is Derrick Peters, and he is madly in love with my sister. Chloe and Derrick have been dating since they were in eleventh grade. I know that one day they will find themselves back together and get married, but for this moment he is once again waiting for her.

This isn’t the first time these two have attempted a long distance relationship.

I remember the day our mom and dad took my sister to New York University (NYU). I thought he was going to lose his mind. Derrick sat on the front porch as the car pulled out of the driveway and didn’t move for the remainder of the night. He was a hot mess that I couldn’t stand. Derrick was Chloe's problem to take care of, not mine.

Here we are, six years later facing the same Chloe and Derrick drama. The wonderful kid sister I am to Chloe and best friend to Derrick, I keep him occupied and make sure he doesn't get into trouble.

"Dude, where’s the hammer?" Derrick asks as I walk in the front door.