Free Beginning with Forever by Lan LLP Page B

even more sleep deprived than I already am.
    As soon as we both slide into the car, Amelia grills me relentlessly about my peculiar behavior around Mr. Bradley while she giggles. “What’s going on between you and that handsome Mr. Bradley? I’ve never seen you this animated around a man before. You couldn’t take your eyes off of him, and he couldn’t take his off of you. He was definitely checking you out, girlie.” She sounds proud that she’s onto us.
    Am I that obvious? “I don’t know what you’re talking about? I’m just trying to help a homeless man,” I unconvincingly defend myself.
    “ Yeah sure, I’ll drop it for tonight because we’re both dog-tired, but I expect answers from you tomorrow, Missy.” She narrows her eyes sideways and points her index finger at me. I nod my head with a pursed smile.
    We all arrive at the dorm at about the same time. The air in the elevator is unbelievably thick as soon as the doors close and seal the four of us in. I refrain from looking directly at Mr. Bradley, but can’t help taking in his handsome reflection off the stainless steel doors in front of us. I see Richard’s impassive expression from the reflection as well. No one opens their mouth, not even to breathe, it seems. This is by far the longest elevator ride up to the 10th floor. The doors finally open and release the dense air. We single file out, women first and then the men follow behind. Mr. Bradley unthinkingly places his palm at the small of my back to courteously guide me out. His brief touch sends a jolt of sensation throughout my body, but I shake it off promptly. I can’t lose my control in front of everyone, especially Richard.
    “Good night ,” I bid him and Richard.
    “Good night, Miss Ly ,” he responds with searching eyes. I quickly evade them. I’ve already made it this far. I can’t fail now. Richard just nods his head.
    Richard leads Mr. Bradley in the direction of his room. He’s not happy about sharing his place or his girl with this man. I can clearly see it in his sulking eyes while mine steal several more glimpses of handsome Mr. Bradley to add to my mental portfolio. Amelia catches me, but she’s too tired to wrestle for answers. I’m sure she won’t let me off the hook this easily tomorrow, so I better prepare myself for her interrogation. But the second I enter our room, my spent body plunges into my bed from extreme exhaustion. Sadly, I don’t even think I have enough energy to dream about Mr. Bradley. Well…maybe just a teeny bit.

C hapter 5
Lillian Ly
    I woke up especially early this morning to catch Mr. Bradley for a quick breakfast, only to discover that he’d already left without any mention of me. I’m slightly disappointed, but then what was I really hoping for? I try my best to brush off my disillusions and not allow them ruin the rest of my day. Why would a man like him want anything to do with a simple girl like me anyways? Wishful thinking on my part. Oh well, I can’t waste any more time fretting about it. It’s not worth the stress, and besides, I already have plenty to deal with.
    I take Richard and Amelia out for breakfast on me instead for all the help they offered me yesterday. If not for their dedication, I might still be there at the hospital right now. We pick Harvey’s, our favorite local restaurant. Between the three of us, we consumed four heaping of pancakes with hot maple syrup. Needless to say, my belly is so satisfied that it might even complain it’s too full.
    Richard is quiet this morning, not his usual charming, fun self. I’m guessing that he’s still bothered by my noticeable attraction to Mr. Bradley, and he should be, I’m bothered by it myself. Maybe I can touch on that subject after this awkwardness passes. Since he’s been so good to me, I feel like I owe him some kind of explanation even though I don’t understand it myself. I wish I know why I’m so drawn to Mr. Bradley. He stands for everything I dislike. He’s