Enlightened (Red Flags) Read Online Free Page A

pouty face.  "Because even if you won't go back to Jason, you can't expect us to not try and set you up.  That's just cruel."
    I just laughed.  What else could I say to her?  Mila and Chelsea, for all of the love that they provided, were still ridiculously overbearing and opinionated. 
    We paid the bill and made our way back to the parking lot.  I gave Mila a warm hug and told her to give it to Ryan, since she was on her way up to North County to spend some time with him.  Chelsea and I hopped into her car and took off in the opposite direction.   
    "I know you want guy space, Cara, but seriously, do you feel anything for Chase?"  Chelsea asked, obviously unable to leave the guy conversation alone.
    "Chels, I just had my heart ripped into a million pieces a week ago, I don't even want to think about a guy right now."
    "Understandable.  I just hope when you recover from all of this, Chase is still around.  He is a great catch Cara."
    "Chase has his issues too.  Just like every other guy.  We know first-hand," I reminded her. I looked out into the side mirror, still admiring the new me.
    "Yeah, but he has been a rock for you.  Sometimes you just have to start slow and work your way up."
    I gave her an irritated look, and she smiled guiltily.  For all of the words in the world, Chelsea was not one to adhere to boundaries that she felt didn't apply to her.  Part of keeping my sanity would be working overtime to avoid her suggestions and prodding, and to make myself heard in her overbearing presence.  I loved her, but she needed to back off.  If it came down to it, I'd have to out a side of me that Chelsea wasn't used to seeing, and I definitely didn't want to do that.
     

Chapter 3
     
    We rushed home so Chelsea could spend hours getting herself ready for her date.  The dinner date she was going on was to celebrate the anniversary of her first date with Hunter.  Although Chelsea and Hunter had been dating for the past four years, they never overlooked the small things.  Date nights were just as important to them now as they were when they first met.  That was probably a good reason why their relationship was so alive.  They took the time to invest in one another and didn't allow complacency to be a factor.
    After showering, powdering, primping, and curling, Chelsea looked like a million bucks.  She was in a strapless silver dress that stopped just above the knee, and silver wedges to match.  Her long, sandy colored hair was down and curled, and her make-up was flawless.  She looked like a San Diego sophisticate with her smoky eyes and pale pink lips.
    "You look great, Chels," I told her, but felt great just wasn't a strong enough word.
    "Thanks, Cara.  Can you hand me that silver necklace with the black pearl hanging on my jewelry rack?"
    I handed her the necklace.  I couldn't recall ever seeing her wear it. "Is this a new piece?"  I asked, handing it over to her.
    "No.  Hunter gave me this on our first anniversary, so I wear it every anniversary."
    "It's beautiful," I chimed in, watching her put it on to complete her ensemble.
    "Thanks, doll."
    The doorbell chimed and Chelsea's eyes grew large.
    "Damn.  Get that, Cara, I'm not ready yet," she said, and quickly ran into her bathroom to do who knows what.
    "You look ready to me," I threw in, laughing at her in the process. 
    "Well, I'm not.  Just tell Hunter I'll be ready in a few minutes."
    I shook my head, but made my way downstairs to open the door.  I thought it was cute that after four years, she still acted like it was her first date with Hunter.  He had seen her at her worst, and yet, she still felt compelled to look like a super model to go out for a celebratory night with him.
    Opening the door, I saw Hunter and Chase standing together.  Hunter looked impeccable with his blond hair, freshly cut, and wearing what I believed to be a designer label suit.  They both looked at me in awe, and Hunter gave me a hug and walked in. Chase also