Free Rekindled by Nevaeh Winters Page A

loudly into the phone.
     
    Click. I stabbed the End call button and fell to the ground. The betrayal, the lies, and his double life came to an end; at least from where I was standing. A five-minute conversation shattered my five-year relationship. My eyes became instant water faucets, my lips quivered and my body trembled.              
     
    For weeks he tried to call, to text and to email me. He sent flowers, hand-written cards and presents, but I knew he was a liar, a cheat and a lowlife.
                 
    Time seemed to drag on; it had been about six months since my break-up. I felt bad for Karin, as well. I decided to contact her and thank her for calling me and letting me know the truth. I could tell she was probably a good woman; we were both victims.
                 
    When I called her, we actually spoke for about two hours, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly in regards to Roman. I learned he had tried the same exact strategy on her; some men never learn. Unfortunately, for her, she took him back. Ironically, I had heard through the grapevine that our most recent conversation ended their second go around.
     
    Learning about his duplicity had re-opened many old wounds. I knew it was a mistake to call her, but the urge was so strong. I am glad for her sake that I did. I, however, had not expected to feel the surge of pain and misery that followed that second call.
     
    I had really thought I was over him. Another six months and ten days had passed. I was still crying over this two timing piece of shit. Why? What was wrong with me? I didn’t want him back. I never wanted to see him again, and I knew that for a fact.
     
    He actually had the nerve to try and rekindle our relationship the same day that I had spoken with Karin. What kind of a monster had I loved so deeply? How would I ever love again after being betrayed so cruelly?
     
    On day three hundred seventy six, a year, I decided it was time to free myself. I had to re-find my inner woman and a piece of mind to move on. I needed the ocean, and I knew right where to go. My cousin, Lexi, owned a condo in Naples, Florida. Her home was three long hours from my house, but three miles from the beach. It would be the perfect get away.
     
    “Hey cuz,” I said with a fake smile. “How have you been?”
     
    “Veronica, I am doing wonderful. I am actually leaving for Paris this evening. I finally made it—I’m an internationally acclaimed author. Have you seen my work?
     
    “Yes of course; who hasn’t,” I lied.
     
    “I have a book signing at the Louvre. Can you believe it? I have always known this day would happen. And today is that day. Hooray for me!” Her voice pierced my ears.
     
    Lexi was my favorite cousin. After my failed relationship, I purposefully avoided talking with her. She was always so cheerful, and I was dismally depressed. I found myself being jealo us and angry at her happiness.
     
    “That is awesome. I am so happy for you.” I managed to smile. I was happy for her—my heart ached for myself. We talked at length. I caught her up on Roman and the break-up; it was inevitable and a matter of time before she would hear it in my voice. I had to unload. She listened patiently and of course said she never liked him for me in the first place. I told her I needed to get away, and, of course, she came to my rescue as best cousins do.
     
    “Veronica, I think you should stay at my condo while I am   off chasing my fame. I will leave the key under the mat for you. I know that is why you called me.”
     
    “No. Lexi, I called to check in on you,” I half lied.
     
    “My dear cousin, you know I can feel your energy. Who are you kidding? You haven’t called me in over six months; and the news you just delivered explains it all. Come down immediately to the condo. Stay here for two weeks. Besides, I dreamt you would call me today. I already filled the fridge with your favorite organic food. I love