Free Good Together by Valentina Heart Page B

I enjoyed the attention.
    "I kind of wish I could have been there for you, even though I know it wasn't possible. But on to brighter and happier subjects." Adam squeezed my hand before carrying on. "Do you have any family? I apologize if that's another sore subject. Last time you were really short on the answer and it left me a bit baffled." He raised his eyebrows and barely lowered his head, looking at me as if he might have done something wrong.
    "I don't even know myself. Maybe we're just uncovering a lot of dirty laundry for a first," then I thought about my words, "Shit, this is our second date, isn't it? God, I'm really sorry about the last one." I pulled my hand out of his and hid my face in my hands.
    "Hey, hey, it's all right." Adam reached over the table for me and pulled on my arms to uncover my face. "I still don't know what happened there, but we have plenty of time to talk about it. Can you just finish what you started telling me? I want to know." And his gaze was so earnest, I couldn't keep on running from each and every mistake I'd made with Adam.
    "It just seemed like we've stumbled into all these difficult subjects and a second date should be light and fun. Something to make us like each other, not run in the other direction." I collected myself, tightening my grip on the edge of the table and realized I'd avoided his question once again. "I skipped the family answer again, didn't I? At least that is something I can fix," I mumbled the last part then continued.
    "Both my parents are still alive. I might speak to my dad once a year or something, but it's rather casual, like the right thing to do rather than any type of honest emotion. When I was a kid he made sure I had my books, enough money, and food. He worked most of the time, and we barely spoke, but if not for him I probably would have lacked the very basics to survive. So I guess I'm just grateful to him, and I stay in contact because of it. Surprisingly enough, he's still with my mother who is pretty much the definition of a stone-hearted woman. She doesn't care for him, always ignored me, and I think I probably would have died if I'd been left with just her as my parent. She actually made it a point to stay locked in her room whenever my dad wasn't at home, and I might be. So despite living in the same house I barely saw her. My parents are a bit of a difficult subject. They certainly never helped me feel wanted," I finished, staring at the table, uncomfortable and sad.
    "I'm not gonna say I'm sorry again, but the truth of the matter is, some people are not cut to be parents, and others simply don't deserve it. You've been dealt a sucky hand. What I can do is make the present better, if you'll let me." Adam reached and tapped my chin with his finger, encouraging me to lift my head.
    There was only sincerity in his eyes, something I was getting used to with Adam. Part of me even felt sorry for him, because he was so obviously stuck on me despite all my flaws. But I shushed that part quickly and just nodded, wanting Adam to convince me in everything he believed in.
    "As for subjects, don't worry about it," I said. "I kind of like the fact that I'm getting to know the real you and with each depressing secret I tell, you'll either love me more or make a quick escape. At this point I would prefer the former, but latter will give me closure and spare me all the pining." Smirking, Adam reached forward and trailed one finger down my jaw. I was just about smitten.
    "You're probably right. I keep waiting for us to fit some kind of a mold, but in all actuality, I do like knowing things about you, and sharing my issues makes me more secure if that makes sense." Looking straight into his eyes I agreed and wished I was closer to him, that I could just lean on his shoulder and silently ask for comfort.
    "Forget about molds and expectations. We're taking this at our own pace. We just have to communicate this time because I don't think I can handle another silent