Blindsided - Chapter 4

“Look at you like what?” Connie retorted. “Like you shouldn’t ever let that amazing man walk away? Like you’re looking for trouble that’s not there? Or like you, of all people, should know how short life is, and everyone doesn’t get a second chance for a happily-ever-after. Is that how I’m looking at you?”

Erica stood. “I hate when you’re being a wiseass.” She grabbed their empty paper plates and dropped them into the trash can near the desk. “You act like this is easy for me. I don’t know if I’m ready for what Hudson is ready for.”

“You’re getting all worked up and he hasn’t even asked you to marry him yet.”

Maybe she was getting herself into a tizzy for no reason, but she knew it was coming. She knew Hudson was planning to ask her soon, and at the moment, she wasn’t sure how she’d respond.

He had closed on a new home the day before. A house that was her dream, too, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a swimming pool.

“I’m not ready,” Erica blurted. “Kevin has only been gone for two years. It might be too soon.”

Kevin had been her first love and her whole world. She thought she would never recover after his death. He had stopped for gas and a cup of coffee, but walked in on a robbery in progress. The gunman shot and killed him.

Though it was rare now, there’d been a time when Erica could still feel the intense, emotional pain that she’d first experienced when she’d found out. She had cried day and night. The only thing that had kept her going was knowing that she had to be strong for their daughter. Nakia had just turned six at the time.

Connie leaned back in one of the guest chairs in front of Erica’s desk. Erica didn’t have to look at her to know she was staring at her. She knew her sister was going to say it was time for Erica to move on.

“Can you give me a ride? I didn’t get a chance to pick up my car from the shop,” Erica said, wanting to change the subject.

“Yeah, sure,” Connie said, frustration in her tone, but she let the subject drop.