Free Reveal (Love & Beyond #2) by D. Griffith Page A

everything now, I never expect anything good anymore, it seem unrealistic, as when I allow myself to get that hint of happiness, it comes crashing down, so it makes perfect sense to expect anything less. So yes being negative is my only way to stop the misery. I’m knocked out from my thoughts with Andrew saying.
    “We’re here sir.” Jared turns to me and places his palm to my cheek, and strokes the side of my cheekbone with his thumb.
    “Are you ready for this babe?” I huff and close my eyes with the feel of his touch and already the sparks start shooting out, ready to be taken in by his toxins. I resist the temptation and move away.
    “Not really, but I have to face this one way or another, so I may as well get it over and done with.”  We get out the car and the freezing cold air, brushes through me and I start to shiver. Damn I should have put a jacket on, and talk about the wrong shoes for the snow. See, this is what Jared makes me do. He makes me forget things. I smack him on the arm and he looks at me puzzled.
    “Ouch, what was that for?”
    “You could have told me to wear something sensible, you made me forget what the weather was like and even when I left my house I didn’t notices as I was all flustered.” He starts to laugh.
    “So, I still make you flustered? I told you that you won’t be able to resist me.” The smug look on his face makes me want to smack it off.
    “Shut up, you smug git. I never said that.” I say in denial.
    “Oh, does the truth hurt darling?” I cannot help but smile and nod, I can’t reply to that, he will go to gloating next.
    We walk into the ranch, he was right; it’s not too fancy, a bar, brown decor all around, orange patterned carpet and brown tables and chairs all around, even some booths. They’re a few people here. Let’s hope there is no scene for them all to watch.
    Jared, walks to the waiter to check us in, he gestures to me to come over. “They’re all here waiting Danni, we’re just around the corner. Would you like to get a drink before we go over?”
    “Yes please, I think I need it.”
    “Martini and lemonade?”
    “No, not this time, I want a vodka and coke; I’m in need of something strong.” He laughs and orders two vodkas.
    “I’ve not had vodka in years.”
    “Then why are you getting one? It’s not if you’re about to meet someone who was a cow to you.”
    “I’m ordering one because I’ve got a feeling were hitting world war three, once we get over there.”
    “Such lovely support Jared, come on, its time.”  I reluctantly say and start to walk over slowly. This is it.
    As I get to the table, I can’t help but roll my eyes in ignorance towards her and all my anger issues towards her come flooding back. Adam gets up to greet me in a hug.
    “Hey peanut, thank you for this, you look great.” I nod and embrace him back.
    “It’s ok.” He goes and sits back down. He is sat next to Julie, she just glares at me and lets of a little nod and Jared walks over to Julie to greet her and give her a peck on the cheek. Andi and Alex are sat to the right of Alison, and Adam on the left, how it use to be when we were kids. I was always on the opposite side of the table, next to my dad on the end. Looks like I’m on the end where I’m facing straight at her. Jared holds my chair open for me to sit; I smile at his sweet gesture.
    Once I am sat, there is a silence throughout the table; I knew this would be that awkward. Poor Jared and Julie, they must feel extremely uncomfortable right now. I can’t help but stare straight towards Alison, I know she can tell I have many questions and want to kick off, but I can’t make a scene, it’ll be straight over the press.
    After another five minutes have past, a waitress comes to take our orders, even she can tell how bad the tension is.
    “Can I take your orders?” She asks, awkwardly.
    “Can I have the gourmet, chicken burger please.”  Jared nudges me for my attention. “What’s