Free Deceived - The Complete Series by Kylie Walker Page B

frowned wondering why Joanne was asking.
    “Thomas is taking care of the listing right?”
    “Yes. His friend is the realtor. He said he would handle everything for me so I didn’t have to worry about it.”
    “Do you think that is a good idea?” Joanne said in a serious tone.
    “We’ll see. I don’t want to think about that right now.”
    They discussed the weekend plans then. Joanne would pick her up at noon and they would drive to Long Beach to start their Fourth of July long weekend. Angela was looking forward to getting away and not being around any drama. She just wanted to be with her friend and relax which would give her the much needed time to collect her thoughts. Joanne was getting up off the stool when the front door opened.
    Angela watched Thomas walk in and slam the door shut. He looked at both of them and walked to the fridge. “What?” He snarled at them grabbing a beer.
    “Wow. Hello to you too,” Joanne snapped back with a disapproving look. She turned to Angela and whispered, “Do you want me to stay?”
    Angela mouthed. No, it’s ok. Angela watched Thomas stumble to the couch. He was clearly drunk and must have been drinking after she yelled at him. She opened the door for Joanne. “Thanks for everything Jo. Love you!” She said giving her friend a kiss on the cheek.
    “Have everything packed. I’ll pick you up at 10:00 am sharp. Be ready ok?”
    “I will.” Angela shut the door and turned around and looked at Thomas who was now standing up.
    “You’re leaving?” He shouted. A look of stress plastered on his face.
    “No, I am not leaving. We are going away for the Fourth of July weekend. Remember? Long Beach?” She said, becoming angry with his attitude again. “What the hell is going on with you? Why are you acting like this?” She asked him in a firm clipped tone.
    “I’m sorry Ang!” Thomas said, sincerely. “I just don’t want to lose you.”
    “What are you talking about? You’re not going to lose me.” Thomas’ light brown hair was tousled and his bright green eyes looked like they were begging her for forgiveness.
    “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I had no right.” He told her, looking at his beer.
    “Yes Thomas, you had no right! You really hurt me. You made me feel like I was screwing around behind your back or something.” She went into the kitchen and emptied her glass into the sink before turning around to face him. “Joanne is going to help me find a place. I will be moving out as soon as I find something that is available.”
    “But we agreed you would stay until the end of August,” Thomas pleaded.
    “That was before our run in today. Listen, you know I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me. But I need to move on with my life.” She said. “I’ve made my mind up Thomas and you’re not changing it.” She turned and headed for her bedroom.
    *****
    Thomas sat there and watched her walk away. He was angry...mostly at himself.  He knew he had fucked up and he had to figure out how to convince her stay. Taking a long swig of his beer he placed it on the table and walked into the kitchen and grabbed another one.
    Walking back into the living room his eyes landed on Angela’s brown leather satchel still sitting next to the black leather chair. He paused and told himself what he was thinking was not okay. Then, he took a quick glance down the hall and walked back over to where it sat. Sitting down in the chair he slid his hand down into the bag. He pulled out a folded piece of paper. Opening it he looked at the ads that were circled in red. A slow grin turned up at the corners of his mouth. He folded the paper and shoved it in his pants pocket. He closed her satchel, drank the rest of his beer and went to bed.

Chapter 12
    Thomas leaned against the bathroom door. The gentle scent of lavender wafted up from underneath it and the smell of Angela filled his nostrils. He shuddered at the thought of her in there, soaking in the