Page 32 of Shattered Dreams

“I see that.” She giggled. “I still have your wallet.”

“We should grab some cotton candy.” I smiled at her and stopped at a small booth that offered it.

Armed with a large lemonade and a snack, we got in line for the ride. Her laughter filled my ears, and for a moment, my world shifted.

“Been a long time since you laughed, huh?”

“What makes you say that?” She looked up at me.

I shrugged and let myself get lost in her eyes. “The boys told me you haven’t smiled in a long time.”

“Oh. Well. Things were rough and then with mom dying and Emma being born.”

“Just two a’ you?” The carny asked.

I nodded and handed him some tickets. We got into our gondola and sat beside each other. I stretched my legs out onto the seat across from us and put my arm behind Jo.

“What?” She joked. “Are we on a date?”

“Just getting comfy.”

“Your hair isn’t as thick as I remember it.” She ran her fingers through it.

“Yeah, well, it’s been an interesting ten years.”

“It’s been a crazy ten for me, too.”

My voice came out low. “Did he hit you?”

“I … please, Richard.” She shook her head. “Not tonight. Not now.”

“Awe, Jojo.” I pulled her closer to me. “You deserve better.”

“I keep hearing that.” She dropped her head against my bicep.

“You do.” I took her hand in mine. “We’re still friends.”

“How?” She took a deep breath. “How can you be so kind after the way I left?”

I love you.

“Because sometimes there are things that happen that are out of our control.”

She sniffled and reached for the cotton candy. “I talked to your mom. She tried to make me feel better.”

“Hell.” I blew out a hard breath. “She’s a really good person to confide in.” I shrugged and reached into the bag, snagging a chunk of sticky goodness. “She’s a volunteer at a women’s shelter now. Coop and Jere don’t know. I only know because we ran into each other there.”

“Why were you out there?” Her soft voice made my heart hurt.

“I knew from watching ma that sometimes there are other factors stopping a woman from getting out. And I wanted to help.”

“What did you do?” She looked up at me with her teary eyes.

“When we first opened the garage, I took some gift certificates down to them. And I gave them my cell number. So, if a woman needs a car or repair to get away, they can.” I shrugged.

“Oh, Richie.” Tears fell from her eyes.

I leaned over and kissed both cheeks. “You’ll be okay. You got out.”

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