Month: February 2020

Angie

Welcome back Searching for Love readers! I still hope that these entries of my sister’s quest for true love has a happy ending. My sister’s belief that there is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime connection to be found, a soul mate as you will. After so many years of failed relationships I admit that at times my faith in Angie’s convictions of finding her one true love has been shaken. And I know some of you have been asking about if I have a special someone and it would be great to find a special connection with someone but it hasn’t happened for me yet. And I don’t think it means that they are going to be my one and only and everything will magically fall into place.

And so here I sit on my bed, in the apartment I share with Angie, and I find my thoughts drifting back to her first date. I was 13 when I watched Angie enter into the world of 16 year old dating. The smile on her face when Dave Johnson picked her up on her first date was pure bliss. 

He didn’t ask her out again. And she seemed unfazed by it. I was devastated enough for the both of us. As time passed and she flitted from one boyfriend to the next, helplessly and hopelessly falling madly and devotedly in love with each one; I felt my own heart sadden. If my die-hard romantic sister was having such a hard time finding her one true love with all her buckets of optimism, how was I supposed to when I doubted it even existed at all?

Now, ten years later, I still watch my sister flit from guy to guy, always in love. After all, she flits around so well. A part of me has begun to wonder how she can put her whole heart into each relationship only to have it broken. Does the human heart have the capacity to be endlessly broken and still survive intact and undamaged in love when the one finally comes?

As I said, I still look at Angie and I find myself hoping for both her sake and my own that she finds her once-in-a-lifetime forever connection. Yesterday’s date has promise. After the guy came to pick her up, with me spying from the doorway of my bedroom, I knew that of all the dates my sister had been on recently this was one worth looking in on.

After she put down the little white flower that he’d brought her they headed out. Maybe it sounds a little creepy of me but I was thrilled as I watched from our tiny living room window when he opened the car door for her. Even my wary heart did a little fluttery pitter patter.

And I find myself wanting to clarify that I wasn’t some creepy stalker following my sister and her date. I may have followed them to the restaurant but I was only there for a few minutes before I headed home. What truly gives me real hope was Angie’s reaction to the date when she got home.

It was the first time in years I didn’t have to wait to pry information out of her the next morning at breakfast. 

I had been laying around reading and pretending I had been there all night when the apartment door slammed open, before she came bouncing into my room. She only made it a few steps in before she blinked and moved back to the doorway. I must have looked like I was sleeping or she hadn’t seen my book because the next thing I knew I heard her softly calling out.

“Hadley? Are you awake?” 

Too surprised to say anything I nodded. She never came to see me after her dates. Either it was usually too late and she assumed I’d be asleep or she would be sad and not want to talk. This new post-first-date Angie was intriguing to me. For a second I wondered if I’d not watched them on their date long enough, but quickly I checked myself. I was not going to be that nosy of a sister.

“I found him!” She declared. “Tyler O’Connell is the dreamiest, sweetest, more considerate man I have ever met! He’s the one.” 

I continued to stare. Was it really that easy to know? She’d never told me that anyone else was the one before. I didn’t know how to respond. 

“Hadley, say something.” Angie demanded as she came in and flopped on my bed as if crashing in my room for a girly chat about boys was commonplace.

“Does he know?” It was all I could manage to think to say.

“Know what?” Her bubbly cheer rebounding in my small space, not the least bit dampered by my less than enthusiastic response.

“Did you tell him you thought he’s the one?” I cringed, hoping and praying that she hadn’t. There had been a few long past boyfriends that she had become attached way too fast and they had ran the other way, leaving my sister a sobbing mess.

“Of course not.” Angie flopped onto my bed with a sigh, “I’ve learned something after dating all this time.”

I breathed. Maybe this one would last and she could find out for sure if he actually could be the one.

“So what did he do that has you convinced? Doesn’t it take longer than a few hours to know these kind of things?” I questioned, eager and curious to know. I wasn’t exactly overflowing with any sort of experience and I knew I would be writing this all to you.

Thus began Angie’s thorough evaluation of the evening, beginning with the fact that he came to the door with a daisy, continued with how he opened every door for her, seemed actually interested in what she was saying and even escorted her to her door at the end without demanding a goodnight kiss as payment for the evening. And yes, that has happened once or twice to my dear naive sister.

So readers, does true love exist? Is Tyler the one?

*Searching for Love is a fictional blog written by my fictional character Hadley

Emme

“I am so sorry, Emme.” Was all she heard him say before she mentally retreated inwards to fortify herself for whatever was to come.

Hearing Aaron so heartbroken tugged at Emme in a way that the words he spoke did not. Yet swamping her inherent need to sympathize was a healthy amount of shock as she reeled at what he possibly could have done that would have him sounding so dejected and apologetic. Carefully she sat down next to him on the curb, where he had slumped.

“Sorry for what?” She questioned, gently placing her hand on his knee.

He looked down at her hand and mumbled, “Please forgive me Emme.”

“I need to know what it is you want me to forgive before I can.” Emme did her best not to sound scared. She waited, her heart thumping faster and harder the longer the pained silence stretched.

“You know how my parents have been pressuring me.” He hedged.

She nodded when he didn’t continue.

“Well I agreed.” He blurted out in a rush.

“That’s not so bad.” Emme shrugged. “We can figure around a few months of you traveling with your dad for work.”

Even as she said the words Emme cringed as she watched him shrink in on himself, as if he could curl up and hide right there in front of her.

“Is there more?” She asked tentatively.

He nodded. He shifted so that he was fully facing her. “I didn’t exactly tell you everything that my parents were wanting from me. I was hoping to work it out so I wouldn’t have to, but they didn’t budge.”

“What didn’t you tell me?” She almost didn’t want to ask. In fact, she didn’t want to know the answer.

“It is more than a few months.” He trailed off. His head drooped, not looking at her.

“What else?” She prodded, tamping down her panic.

“No girlfriend. He says that I will be better able to focus and socialize with his associates’ daughters if I am single.” Even as Aaron spoke he didn’t look up at her.

She didn’t know how to respond. Instead she sat there. It was unreal. They had fought so hard, for so long, to be together and with no warning at all he had given up on her. He was breaking up with her and using his parents as an excuse. Shaking, she stood and rubbed her hands on her jeans.

“I have to go.” Emme forced herself to speak, simply wanting to leave.

In a few steps she was at the stairs leading back to her apartment, pleading with her body to make it up the stairs before she broke down weeping. It was a struggle to move fast enough.

“Don’t leave.” He cried, desperation tearing at his plea.

She stopped but couldn’t turn to face him.

“Why?” She tossed back at him angrily. “You apparently have already left me. For your parents.”

“No, I didn’t want to.” He mewled piteously.

“Want to or not, you did.” Emme forced herself to hold her head up straight and not slump as she went inside her apartment. Hidden behind the curtains of her front window she watched him leave. She loved him. With a tear falling down her face she forced herself to walk away from the window and into her bed where she cried herself to sleep.

The next morning Emme was not prepared to face the long lonely day ahead. She knew though that there was no way she was missing class. Head down, she walked to campus. Wrapped up in her thoughts she didn’t see him coming until he was holding her arms in front of him. She automatically jerked away.

“Wait!” Aaron stopped her before she took another step away. Caught, she slumped and refused to look at him. He pressed on anyways. “Emme, I realize how much of a jerk I was last night. I never thought of it as picking them over you. I thought I was making a compromise that would let us be together eventually.”

Eyes blazing Emme raised her head to glare up at him. “How on earth would dumping me and leaving to go schmooze with client’s daughters help us be together?” she whispered furiously.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna do it.” He pulled her close, going in for a kiss.

“Aaron.” She pulled back with enough force to break away. They both staggered back.

“Emme. I don’t understand. I told my dad I’m not going to do it. I’m not giving you up.” His sad, pleading eyes tried to read the turmoil in her eyes.

“That’s the thing.” She paused, stepping back. “You already gave me up. I’m not a toy you can leave behind and come pick back up on a whim.”

“No.” His whisper tore at the precarious bubble attempting to shield her heart from getting hurt even further. “What can I say or do that would prove I will never give up on you?”

She shook her head. “I need time. I can forgive you but I don’t trust you right now. And for our relationship to work there has to be trust.”

Instantly he stood up straight. Emme tried her best not to snuggle up into him. Physically she was still drawn to him. It was her head that was screaming for her to stay away. With no choice but to pull back she jerked her head up toward the nearby building. “I have to get to class.”

“I’ll walk you.” He ventured, adding quickly, “As a friend.”

All she chose to do was nod. At this point she wasn’t in the mood for a conversation. Yet a sliver of hope wiggled its way into her thoughts. Aaron seemed to sense her need for silence and walked amiably at her side, not getting too close and not pushing for her to talk. He opened the building door and stayed with her until she reached her classroom.

Before she went in his hand softly touched her waist. He withdrew his hand quickly.

“Emme I am serious. I am not going to give up on us. Take the time you need. Just know that I will be here for you. No matter what.” With that definitive assurance he gave her a small crooked smile and a shrug. “Enjoy your class.”

Lia

“Excuse me. Excuse me” Lia fought her way through the crowd, simultaneously fighting down her rising panic. She should have never let Casey convince her to come to this stupid party. There was too much noise and too many people. She had to get out. Stumbling, she pushed her way forward, hoping it was the right direction to get to the door. In the chaos she couldn’t tell. When she shouldered her way into a circle of guys, she found herself looking up into a pair of stark blue eyes. 

A blush flamed across her skin. “I’m sorry. Could you excuse me please?” It all came out in a jumbled mess as she moved to continue pressing through the crush of people. A hand shot out and gently caught her arm before she could pass. 

“You look like you could use some help.” Blue Eyes flashed a charming smile her way. “Where you headed?”

“The front door.” She admitted. 

“You’re leaving? The party just started ” He spread his arms, effectively blocking her way with his whole well-built, very toned body. 

With a genuine smile she shrugged. “Came with a friend. Leaving for my sanity.”

“Ahh.” He nodded and sidled in closer. “Your friend a girl or guy?” He asked, his lethal blues piercing her soft green ones. 

“Why?” The question came out before she could think about the implication.

“Well,” He cocked his head to lean in close to her ear. “If your friend’s a guy, there’s probably some romantic type feelings involved since you obviously wouldn’t be here of your own volition. However, if your friend is a girl, most likely she’s a roommate or friend who dragged you here so she could meet guys without feeling guilty for leaving you home alone on a Saturday night.”

He waited and she blushed. 

Lia shrugged, “Casey, my roommate, insisted I come have fun and meet cute guys with her.” Again she shrugged, unsure and uncomfortable.

“Ahh.” He wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulder. “In that case I will be happy to help you get to the door.”

It was Lia’s turn to tilt her head up at him. “And if I had said I came with a guy?”

His grin turned mischievous. “Then I would’ve pointed you in the right direction. Come on, let’s get you to the door.”

He let go of her shoulder and held out his hand for her to take. She tentatively placed her small hand in his. His grin quirked up a notch before he turned and began pushing his way through. It wasn’t fair how easily he could get people to move. His quiet authority had people moving a lot quicker than her desperate pleas had. 

In minutes she could see the open front door and exhaled in relief. Her rescuer faced her as soon as they stepped out onto the porch. 

“You’re really relieved.” He ventured.

Surprise zipped through her. “How could you tell?”

His laid back laugh made her feel warm. “Easy. I could feel the tension leave your hand as soon as we stepped outside. You stopped clenching.”

“Oh” She blushed again. “Well, to say I have a hard time in crowds is a little bit of an understatement.”

She watched as surprise and then anger flashed through his expression of concern. “And your friend chose to bring you to this party?”

Lia nodded and looked back at the party going on inside.  “More for her than for me.”

“Some friend.” He grumbled. “But you should know that I think you handled yourself wonderfully well for someone on the verge of a freak out.” He shrugged. “Let’s just say you had a look that I recognized.”

As she moved to leave she stopped and spun back to face him, sticking out her hand. “I’m Lia. Thank you for helping me out. “

He took her hand and tugged her back to him, giving her a warm hug. For a second she lost herself in a fuzzy happiness.  Then reality slapped her in the face as a pretty girl pranced up the walkway and greeted Lia’s rescuer. “Hi Cole.”

“Hey Jo. See ya inside.”

Embarrassed, Lia stepped back and looked down. She felt absolutely ridiculous for holding onto that hug. She’d known this guy for all of a minute and here she was melting and simpering like a clingy ex girlfriend. 

“Sorry for that.” She stammered out.

“For what?” He tugged her chin up to have her look straight into his all-too-sincere eyes. “I hugged you.” With an exaggerated whisper he leaned forward. She almost didn’t hear what he said because his very kissable lips were kissably close. “And I’d happily help you out again. Anytime Lia. When do I get to see you again?”

“Oh, I. Well.” She blinked, flustered. ” I live at the Abbott house near campus.”
His pleased smile was worth the admission. It was rare for her to even admit that she lived near campus and she had just given this gorgeous guy everything he needed to find her. Her audaciousness had her brain spinning. She stood there frozen, unsure whether she wanted to stop him from getting any closer or lean in to let him kiss her senseless. He whispered against her lips; not a kiss but the ghost of a promise of a kiss. “See you tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow?” She struggled to process that this guy was going to come find her tomorrow. Less than a day. “Really?”

His chuckle slid deliciously down her spine. “I wouldn’t let you leave my side tonight if I didn’t think it would scare you off.”

“Isn’t…isn’t Jo waiting inside for you?” Lia was not interested in opening herself to have any feelings for a player or a liar.

“Jo?” His confusion was real for a few seconds as he tried to figure out who she was talking about.

“The girl who just went inside a minute ago.” She clarified.

“You must think I’m an idiot for not remembering her. Yeah that’s my best friend’s girl. We hang out all the time.”

“Oh.” 

“Jealous?” His smile never left his face as he slowly inched his hands around her waist. However, he must have been able to tell she was starting to feel uncomfortable because he didn’t press further. Instead, he gently kissed her cheek. “How soon tomorrow can I see you?”

“Do you have to leave at all?” Her eyes widened when her brain caught up to her impulsive outburst.

“You’re the one leaving Lia. Breaking my heart, leaving the party early.” He let her go and stepped back further onto the porch. “Tomorrow. Lia.”

Lia held onto the words like a promise as she slowly waltzed her way home on a cloud.

Jess

Jess stood behind her pedestal desk, trying to surreptitiously switch her weight back and forth between her equally aching feet. Stupid heels. Why did her job demand her to be in high heels? Looking over the high-end sales floor filled with art and antiques, she took a deep breath. The huge warehouse sized sales floor required more involvement than typical sales. With Owen loosely monitoring the cameras and the coms in each employee’s ears for any stress words and Jess swooping in to support but not steal sales, the whole team was improving and growing stronger. 

As she glanced around, Owen’s voice echoed into her ear through the com. “Rich guy just walked in. Your turn Jess.”

Straightening her skirt, Jess approached the tall man standing just inside the doors. His dark brown, almost black hair was combed back in a smooth sleek wave. Tall, dark, and gorgeous as all get out. 

“Anything I can help you with?” She asked politely, maintaining a distance to make sure he didn’t feel pressured by her proximity.

His dark eyes shot to her face before slowly taking her in. Head to toe. Jess tried not to shiver under the onslaught of jagged nerves prickling her skin.

“Yes.” He answered smoothly, not stopping his studied perusal and definitely not ashamed he was caught looking her over. “I was looking through the online inventory list and came to see what would fit my needs best.” 

Jess tamped down the urge to blush. “Could you tell me what pieces you are interested in and we can start there.” Most people came in with a list. But he was the first one to make her feel like she was on it. The suave smile he flashed her way almost made her want to be. Almost.

With a cough she raised her eyebrows. “Did you bring that list with you, Mr. …?”

“Quinn. Quinn Davison.”

Professional. Stay professional. When he still didn’t pull out any list she asked again. “Your list, Mr Davison?”

“Oh.” He flashed her another heart-stopping smile. “The list. Right.” Slowly he pulled out a neatly folded paper, keeping his eyes on her. He handed it over to her, pausing as their hands touched. 

She glanced through the list. “Any favorites that stand out? We can see those first.”

“No, no favorites. And I have the time to see them all today.” He held out his arm. “Lead the way Jessica.” She glanced down at her name tag. Figures.

For the next hour they went from painting to vase to antique. Jess realized quickly that she wasn’t dealing with a guy who wanted expensive art as a sign of success. He wanted histories, past owners, and quirks that made each piece special. Jess delighted in being able to share her extensive knowledge with someone so interested as well as interesting.

Jess saw Chloe, her overly flirtatious coworker, converging on her with fire in her eyes. As soon as Mr Davison faced Chloe though, that sweet angelic charm surfaced. Chloe smoothly interrupted. “Jess, Leon has an issue with an order. Would you mind if I helped out your handsome customer for a few minutes while you take care of it?” The sweetness oozed out her mouth and Jess had to swallow her frustration.  This was what she had been working towards, having the team look to her to solve problems. 

“If you would excuse me Mr Davison. It appears I am needed. Chloe can help you with whatever you need, while I look into the matter.”

Mr Davison actually looked disappointed. At least Jess hoped that was what she glimpsed before heading off to track down Leon. With any luck Chloe wouldn’t lose the sale by not knowing enough information. Her sales were mostly based on batting her eyes.

“Owen, where’s Leon?” She snapped through the com once she was far enough away. 

In seconds Owen’s voice sounded in her ear, “Receiving doors. I told Chloe that Leon could handle it.” 

Jess sighed. “Thanks Owen.”

Minutes later, Leon’s problem had been solved and Jess began her search for Chloe. She was only halfway through the room when Owen crackled in through the earpiece. “Go save your sale, Jess.”

“What?” Jess asked, startled.

“Chloe isn’t asking for help but she is losing your customer quick.” Owen chimed. “R-7”

Immediately she turned and made her way over to R-7. She found a near tearful Chloe and an upset Mr Davison.

Cautiously she approached, “Everything alright over here?”

Mr Davison whirled to face her. “This woman knows nothing of these pieces. Furthermore, she also attempted to…” He paused, still livid. She patiently watched him take a deep breath, not looking Chloe’s way. “Jessica, is there a day that you will be working that you would be able to assist me when this woman will not be here?”

Her eyes wide, Jess shook her head. “I am so sorry for whatever has happened. I don’t know what days she works, but I do want to make sure you don’t leave here dissatisfied.”

He nodded. “I will take that up with Eric this evening.” 

Chloe whimpered slightly when she heard the owner’s name.

Instinctively Jess placed her hand on his. “Please tell me how we can fix this Mr Davison.”

His eyes softened as he glanced down at her hand. “Call me Quinn.”

“Quinn.” She smiled in genuine surprise. 

“Come to dinner with me.” 

Jess dropped her hand from his. “Dinner?”

He nodded slowly. 

“Is this coercion to get me to go on a date with you?” She whispered.

He laughed. “As delightful as a date with you sounds, tonight’s invitation is solely to discuss business with you and Eric.”

Her mind whirling at the thought of having dinner with the boss of her bosses, she subconsciously stepped closer to him and nodded. 

By then Chloe was catching on that she was going to get out of this whole fiasco with no trouble and dried her tears. Without a word she stalked off. 

“Are you going to say yes?” Owen’s voice chirped in Jess’ ear. “Say yes! You so deserve it.”

Startled by the voice in her head she laughed. “I would love to join you for dinner tonight.”

Quinn dipped his head down, his hand tilting her chin up to his. “And what about another time. As a date?” He whispered. 

Cocking her head to the side, she freed her chin enough to look up into his eyes with a snarky little grin. “I think I’m going to make you work a little harder for a real date. Mr. Davison.”

He chuckled. “It’s Quinn.”

“I know.” She paused to draw out the silence before capitulating. “Quinn.”

Brietta

Cringing as her mother’s shrill laughter echoed through the small garden, she couldn’t go any further away. That laugh was as inescapable as the afternoon tea. Brietta had been strictly forewarned against venturing any further than the small garden. So there she was, wandering the fringes of the garden, just in case any of her mother’s friend’s sons, nephews, or any eligible male relation stopped by.

“Brietta darling!” Her mother called over, shattering the illusion of tranquility. When Brietta turned to look in her mother’s direction she discovered a rather attractive young man standing slightly off to the side of the group. With a stutter, her heart skipped a beat leaving her a little breathless. He was tall but not gangly, more broad than spindly. With gold-streaked, dark brown hair and his full masculine attention fixed on her, Brietta had to focus as she inclined her head in his direction.

“Yes mother?” She responded, not moving closer; no matter how tempting it now was. The little freedom she had would not be given up so easily. She could see her mother’s eyes roll in exasperation even from this distance.

“Dear girl, come meet Lady Bristol’s son. He’s only stopped in for a moment to check in on his dear mother.” Brietta’s mother kept waving her forward even after she began making her way through the manicured shrubbery. As she drew closer his eyes followed her, tempting her to stare into their depths. Brietta gave a small curtsey, swaying as she realized she’d been holding her breath. 

In the silence that followed her mother’s pleased smile, Brietta angled herself towards the handsome newcomer. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance Lady Bristol’s son.” She quipped.

“Brietta!” Her mother scolded. Brietta braced herself for an embarrassing public reprimand.

“Forgive me.” A deep baritone voice interrupted smoothly before her mother had a chance to begin. “I should have introduced myself. I would be honored if you would allow me to do so now. Lord Trenton.” He bowed.

Brietta bit her tongue in an attempt to maintain decorum and not stick her tongue out at him. She knew she had already surpassed her mother’s limited patience for the day. Thankfully, he lifted his arm to her in open invitation. “Would you allow me to escort you around your lovely garden so that I may further apologize in order to appease your delicate sensibilities?” She glanced at her mother, who was doing her best to nod her head off…subtly.

After only a few steps down the path he leaned over to whisper in her ear, amusement coloring his tone. “Now that we are practically old friends may I call you Brietta, as your mother so sweetly named you or must I remain formal? You don’t seem as traditionally intent as the ladies over at the table.” He confessed, teasing her with the hint of a roguish and downright mischievous smile.

Brietta’s polite smile brightened with delight. In as serious a tone as she could muster she declared. “Since you have brought up the subject, I confess that I must insist you address me formally.” She paused, checking the distance from her mother before deeming it safe to continue, “In fact, allow me to appease your delicate sensibilities. Most people address me as Lord Aubrietta. I am gratified to make you acquaintance, Lady Bristol’s son.” Her attempted haughtiness failed as she struggled to conceal her grin.

Immediately he bowed low. “Forgive me, Lord Aubrietta I had no idea I was in such lofty company. May I please grovel at your feet?” He glanced up at her from his bowed position, his grin matching hers.

“Oh, do get up before my mother faints or mistakenly believes you are proposing to me.” Brietta sighed.

Lord Trenton stood slowly and once again offered his arm for her to take. They strolled further into the garden in contented silence before he smiled down her way again. “So Brietta, how is it I find you alone in this garden while a bunch of matrons of high society gossip over tea nearby?”

She took a moment to formulate her answer. “How trustworthy are you?” She asked boldly, leaning forward in commiseration. “If I tell you the truth, will my mother be hearing of it before the week is out or will you hold my secret close?”

“No one will hear it from me.” He promised solemnly. They proceeded to walk to the furthest corner of the garden, away from the matrons.

Once far enough away she said, “I was required to stay for just a circumstance as this. My mother is convinced that she will snag me a husband through her entertainments with their mothers. You are not the first son or nephew to stop by for their aunt or mother or even grandmother, and you may have noticed my obvious lack of competition here. However, if it were up to me I would be an hour into those woods over there and decidedly absent until suppertime.”

“Ahh, to be free from marriage-minded mothers. Take me with you on your adventure into the woods.” He beseeched, pleading. “My mother is insisting I attend an afternoon concert with Lady Sophia Grace. A stroll in the woods with no such expectations sounds much more appealing.”

“I hear Lady Sophia Grace is well sought after. You should feel honored by the opportunity.” She muttered, well aware of where she stood in the social hierarchy compared to the elegant Lady Sophia Grace. There was a reason why she wasn’t attending parties where she would be compared to the other ladies her age. Her mother never hesitated to make her aware of her shortcomings in looks, form, and accomplishment. “Besides, I am not able to take you with me, whether I want to or not, because I’m not going anywhere.”

“But you want to?” Lord Trenton smiled. She didn’t have to answer, he could see in her answering smile that she was long to go anywhere and would happily take him along.

His shoulders slumped slightly as he took both her hands in his. After several seconds of simply holding them he looked up, straight into her eyes. Brietta felt positively speared by the determination and tenderness she saw within the depths of his gaze. With a heart-stopping grin he said, “I have decided. I am going to make it my mission to spirit you away from the confines of this garden so that we may go adventuring to your heart’s content. I will just have to keep coming back until we are both free of this garden and of the Lady Sophia Grace. I will see you tomorrow.” He bowed abruptly and left her standing alone in the back of the garden.

She watched as he gave his mother a sweet peck on the cheek and strode off to his waiting horse.

To read part 2 of Brietta’s story, click here.