Free Out of The Box Awakening by Jennifer Theriot Page A

know how to respond to that. I am, after all, married, and I am just his ‘date’ for a special purpose. Not for the real thing, but because I didn’t have anything else to do tonight, and Ash needed some arm candy to placate his family.
    We head back to the house. Ash tells me again, “Olivia, you look so beautiful. I am so glad you decided to come with me. I had such a good time tonight, and I hope you did as well. De-funking is becoming more and more fun. I hope you’re feeling better about your move. “
    “Ash, you are the perfect gentleman. I had a wonderful time. Thank you for bringing me. I would probably have just sat around the house tonight miserable and feeling sorry for myself, so you did good!”
    We head up to our respective rooms. I cannot sleep, thinking about the evening and how Ash is the perfect gentleman. He makes me feel like a cherished woman. I check my phone and am not surprised to find I have no missed calls from Alan. I wonder what he is doing and why he feels he doesn’t need to check in. I do have a text from Lainey, asking what’s up. I decide I’ll call her in the morning. I put on my nightgown and slip into bed. I’m so relaxed I immediately fall sound asleep.
    Monday morning, Ash tells me that he is free from work and has planned a day for us in town. He’s arranged for me to meet Sarah at her shop.
    “Don’t be nervous. She will love you. I think you’ll be able to help her out a lot in her shop. She has lots of clients who need design work, so you’ll be the perfect fit.”
    “But I don’t have a degree…all of my experience is from the school of hard knocks.”
    “Not to worry. You will do great, I just know it!”
    We meet Sarah at her shop. It is a darling, eclectic store. Lainey would be in heaven here. Sarah is a pretty redhead—a tad heavyset, but very attractive, and a trendy dresser. She has beautiful eyes and naturally curly, shoulder-length hair that is half pulled up in a knot.
    Sarah said she is overwhelmed and needs someone to come in and take control. We immediately hit it off. Sarah says I can start at my own pace and work as much or as little as I want. This seems perfect. I am thrilled
    “See, I told you this would be something you would love, Liv!” he says as we head back to the car.
    “Thank you so much Ash, how can I repay you?”
    ’Well, I’ll just have to think on that and get back to you!” He winks that damn sexy wink at me again.
    I start work the following Monday, and I immediately feel right at home. Sarah has every faith in me, and I soon dig in and find my way around nicely. The shop is the talk of the town. It’s busy from the time Sarah opens, until closing.
     

     
     

Chapter 10
     
    Days turn into weeks. Alan’s phone calls to me are few and far between. Ash, though working in the city, does come home often to stay and spend time with me. I work five days a week, now, and love every minute. I miss Alan, but find I now have something to occupy my time and satisfy my needs. I finally feel like I have found “me.”
    Halloween is in a few days, and I am looking forward to it. I ask Reba if any kids trick-or-treat in the neighborhood.
    “Mr. Harper isn’t usually here for Halloween, so we haven’t done trick-or-treat here in a very long time. If you want to give out candy, just turn on the porch lights and they will come. If you want candy, just let me know and I will be happy to get some. It will be fun for you.”
    With Ash in the city, I’ve been keeping busy with my work. After a long day at the store, I stop on my way home and stock up on Halloween candy. Just as I come in, the house phone rings, and I answer it.
    “Oh, hey, Olivia! How’s it going?” It’s Tommy. I am so glad to hear from him.
    “Hi, Tommy! How are you? Look, your dad is in the city tonight. You may want to call him there.”
    “I was just checking in to see what the holiday plans are. Dad said your family would be in for Thanksgiving and