Reclaiming Read Online Free Page A

it was possible to feel any dumber than she did at that moment.
    “No glasses, no under bite, no kids…” he said with a wink.
    “Oh, I… um,” Daniella stammered. “I am so embarrassed.”
    Victoria turned to look at her. “What’s going on here? Hey, did you two meet already?”
    “More or less,” he chuckled. He extended his hand in Daniella’s direction. “Marlon… pleasure to meet you.”
    “Hi,” Daniella replied with an awkward smile. “I’m sure that’s not true but you’re sweet for saying it.”
    “Bah, don’t worry about it.” He said. “Excuse me for a second.”
    Mercifully he turned and walked away.
    Candi walked up and joined the group. As she did, Victoria leaned in to Daniella and said, “What did you say?”
    “Nothing… Ugh, everything.” Daniella replied as she threw back a healthy slug of wine. “I am so mortified. I’m gonna go.”
    “What?” Victoria said. “Go? Why? We just got here!”
    “I’m sorry.” Daniella said. “Maybe another time…”
    “Honey, wait…” Candi replied. She turned to Victoria and said, “What happened? We were only in the bathroom for a few minutes.”
    “I don’t know!” Victoria exclaimed.
    After another minute of awkward discussion, Daniella made a hasty retreat. As she exited the bar, she felt terrible about it all but she just wasn’t ready. She moved quickly across the parking lot with her head down and purse slung across her shoulder.
    “Hey!” A voice called out.
    She didn’t bother to turn around.
    “Daniella Tanner! Wait!” the voice called out once more.
    She stopped and turned. As she looked, she saw Marlon approach with something in his hand. He walked up and extended it towards her. In it, was her credit card.
    “Drinks are on the house… ” he said.
    “Oh,” Daniella replied as she pulled a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Thanks.”
    “Are you sure you have to go?” He asked. “I just got off my shift. Buy you a drink?”
    “No, I… I don’t think so.”
    “Ah, come on now. Don’t worry about all that. Tell you what… I know you feel terrible about it.” He paused for a moment and cracked a sly smile. “It was a terrible thing, of course. Why don’t you make it up to me and buy me a drink instead?”
    Daniella chuckled. He was cute. And charming. And not a coffee filter salesman with an under bite. And she really could use the company.
    “Okay,” she replied. “ One drink.”
    The two of them went back inside and joined up with her friends. Within a few minutes, she was already happy she ’d made the decision to stay. A couple of hours later, one drink turned into two which turned into three. With little food in her stomach, Daniella started to feel the effects as it came time for her to head home.
    “Whoa…” she said as she stood from the table.
    “Hey,” Marlon replied as he got up and grabbed her arm. “You, uh, okay?”
    “I don’t know…” she replied. “A little tipsy, maybe.”
    “I’d say a lot more than a little!” Candi snorted.
    “Hey…” Daniella said as she grabbed at her right earlobe. “You guys, do you see my earring lying around anywhere?”
    For a good minute, everyone scoured the area around the table but they soon abandoned the search when it didn’t materialize.
    “I’m sure it’ll turn up,” Marlon said.
    “Dang,” Daniella replied. “I love these earrings. I hope so. You’ll keep it for me if you find it, won’t you?”
    “Yep.” He replied. He gestured towards the exit and said, “You need a lift home?”
    “No, I…” Daniella began.
    “Yes, she does. Thank you Marlon.” Victoria interrupted.
    After a bit of protest, Daniella agreed and several minutes later she and Marlon prepared to leave. She hugged Candi and Victoria amid warnings to behave herself.
    As they walked to the parking lot, Daniella asked, “Are we taking my car or yours?”
    “Oh we’ll take your car. My brother has mine.” He replied. “Instead of picking