Balancing Acts Read Online Free Page A

Maybe we could grab a drink or twelve?”
    â€œOooh, crap, I can’t,” said Bess. “I have to go to my ten-year college reunion.”
    â€œHuh?” asked Rob. “Since when are you the school spirit type?”
    â€œGood question,” answered Bess. “The only reason I’m going is because of this story idea I have. I think this might be the perfect way to get my rusty wheels in motion. At least, I’m hoping so.”
    â€œOh yeah, what’s the idea?” asked Rob.
    â€œNot to be a bitch, but do you mind if I keep it to myself for a while? Just until I have a firmer grasp on it? I’d hate to jinx myself.”
    â€œNot at all, m’lady,” said Rob. “Keep it close to the vest as long as you like.”
    â€œThanks, Rob.” She looked at her watch. “Oh shit, I have to go! I’m just going to freshen up my tired mug and then I’m out the door. I hope your dude weekend is all that you have been dreaming of.”
    â€œThanks, Bess. Have fun tonight. Be sure to take note of how big the homecoming queen’s ass is now.”
    Bess made her way to the bathroom. She dropped her coat on the couch in its foyer and faced the mirror. As she reapplied her makeup, she thought about the story idea that had been marinating in her head since the reunion e-mail had landed in her in-box. She wondered if she could pull it off. She withdrew the wand from her mascara tube and brushed it through her lashes. Maybe. But you have to focus, Bess. Really focus.
    Her phone rang. She glanced at it—Dan was calling. She shoved it deeper into her bag, even though she was dying to talk to him. No distractions tonight! she reminded herself, as she zipped into her jacket and headed out the door.

Chapter Five
Ten Years
    H i, welcome to ten years ago!” greeted an over-caffeinated woman.
    â€œUm, hi,” replied Charlie.
    The woman handed her a blank name card. Charlie hated those things, they always made her feel like a geek. When in Rome, she reminded herself. She filled out her name and stuck it to her chest. Hi, these are my breasts and my name is Charlie.
    She thanked the woman and moved past her into the bar, hesitantly searching the small crowd for a familiar face. No one was registering. She approached the bartender, suddenly feeling the need for a very large glass of wine.
    â€œCould I have a glass of pinot noir, please?” she asked as she plunged into her bag for her wallet.
    â€œCharlie?” she heard a raspy voice next to her say. She looked up and into the smile of a pretty woman with blond hair pulled into a severe ponytail. Wow, hello cheekbones, she thought.
    â€œI’m sorry, do I know. . .” Charlie paused. “Bess!? Oh my God!” She moved to embrace her.
    â€œHey!” Bess replied. “You look great! How are you?”
    â€œI’m well, thanks. You too. You haven’t changed an ounce. It’s ridiculous.”
    â€œWell, I hope I’m dressed a little better than the last time you saw me,” said Bess as she laughed, obviously pleased by the compliment.
    â€œWell, I guess anything’s an improvement over flannel pajama pants and a hooded sweatshirt forty-seven sizes too big,” agreed Charlie.
    â€œVery true,” said Bess. “Remember those Sunday breakfasts in the café? What I wouldn’t give now for a waffle station and an endless supply of Lucky Charms at arm’s length.”
    Charlie laughed. “Seriously. Did we ingest anything but sugar for four years or what?”
    â€œBarely,” said Bess. “I’m lucky all of my teeth haven’t fallen out.”
    Charlie and Bess had lived in the same dorm for two years and on the same floor their freshman year. Charlie remembered Bess’s luxurious blond ponytail—always piled on top of her head. Bess remembered Charlie’s long legs. No matter what the season, Charlie had always walked the