Free Shira by Tressie Lockwood Page B

I’m free now, and I’m never going back. I’m going to make something of my life and see my dreams come true.”
    “Good for you!” Whisper hugged her. “Now let’s get this food on because Alec didn’t say but he’s hungry, and he’s a big grump when his stomach is empty.”
    Shira shook her head. “Does he eat like an animal, because Max sure does.”
    Whisper started as if Shira had surprised her, but she smiled. “Yeah, like an animal.”
    Just when they were setting a huge bowl of scrambled eggs, a platter of pancakes, and another of bacon and sausage on the table, a key sounded in the front door. Shira’s hand shook, and Alec nabbed the pitcher of ice tea she still held. She couldn’t help her gaze arrowing straight to Max when he walked into the room. His focused on her as well, but then he shifted his attention to his brother.
    “Hey,” he said.
    “Hey, yourself.” Alec walked over to him and shook his hand. Whisper elbowed past the big man and threw herself into Max’s arms.
    “Max! It’s good to see you,” she said. “Although I admit I thought you’d be looking less grumpy since Shira is here.”
    “Can you be less obvious?” he complained. “I had enough of your matchmaking before you left, woman.”
    Shira watched their interaction. They joked and prodded each other. When Whisper went into his arms, he hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head. Again jealousy rose in Shira’s chest. She tamped it down and turned to the table.
    “You’re just in time to eat,” she said.
    “Good,” he responded.
    They all sat down, and Shira remained quiet while Max and his brother chatted about family. Occasionally, Whisper tossed in an observation about whomever they were discussing. Shira shoveled her food around her plate, not hungry. She’d never felt so out of place, like she didn’t belong. Max had gone out that morning to get money so he could get her going on her way. She couldn’t blame him. After all, she’d been about to leave in the middle of the night. Yet, deep inside, she’d hoped he would ask her to stay. Pride wouldn’t let her beg. He didn’t want her.
    “I was wondering, Whisper,” she blurted, cutting off their conversation. She ducked her head when they all turned her way, and then forced it up. “Do you mind if I crash at your place a short while? I promise it won’t be long, just until I find a job and I can stand on my own two feet.”
    No one said a word, but Shira started a little at the clatter of Max dropping his fork on his plate. He rushed to pick it up, and then set it down again. From the tension she caught in his shoulders and the way he had clenched the utensils, she knew he was angry. So what? He was the one that left her a note like them having sex meant diddly.
    “You have a job,” Max snapped.
    She frowned. “A temporary one, and if I’m not mistaken, it was ending today!”
    “That wasn’t settled.”
    She turned to Whisper. “I can come here from your place every morning, and leave in the evening to go back. Is it okay?”
    Whisper hesitated. Her glance swung from Shira to Max. “Of course, girl, no problem. I’ve spent most of my time at Alec’s house, but I’ll be glad to stay with you and help you get back on point. It’ll be fun.”
    “I thought you were moving in permanently, Whisper,” Alec interjected. “We discussed it.”
    “Right, we talked about it,” Whisper agreed. “I never said one way or another.”
    “You can stay here a little longer,” Max said.
    Shira rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I think I’ll be fine at Whisper’s.”
    He grumbled. Shira didn’t know why he had a problem with it. Not like he really wanted her to stay. Maybe his issue was that he didn’t arrange the solution. She didn’t give a fat rat’s ass.
    Whisper and Alec began arguing about her living arrangements, and guilt assailed Shira. She would tell her she didn’t have to stay at the apartment with her. Shira would be fine on her