The Lies That Save Us (The Broken Heart Series) Read Online Free Page A

and Eggs guy to buzz off and leave me alone and now she thinks I missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime.”
    “And you’re not so sure she isn’t right.”  Keith smiled, turning his coffee cup over.
    “No, I’m absolutely sure I was right and---“
    “Don’t play those games with me, young lady,” said Keith, “I’ve been around too long, and don’t have that much time left that I would enjoy the game now.  You liked him, and you know it.”
    Alexa dropped dejectedly down in the seat across from Keith.  “Did I really blow it?  I can’t fall for anyone again, Keith.  I really can’t.”
    Keith chuckled and looked down at his empty coffee cup. 
    “How old are you?  Twenty-six?  Twenty-eight max?  Don’t you think that’s kind of a long time to be alone?  You may have to do that ‘kissing-the-frogs’ thing for a while, but you don’t have to sleep with every frog you kiss, and you don’t have to expect every one of them to turn into a prince.  But you could at least enjoy yourself along the way.  I need some coffee.”
    Alexa sighed and reached across the table to pour the steaming coffee into his cup.
    “I can’t, Keith.  I mean it; and I don’t want to.  I don’t want to deal with another human being in my life.”
    “Yes, you do.” He said with determination.
    “How do you--How could you even remotely know that?”
    Keith looked at her across the table.  He picked up his coffee cup and took a slow sip, then put the cup back down on the table and stared into the dark liquid.
    “I know that because there isn’t a human being on the face of this earth that doesn’t need to be loved.”  He looked into her eyes.  “You’re not betraying the memory of your father, nor are you giving in to a life you swore you’d never want.  Be human Alexa; live again.  Square your shoulders, take a deep breath and give it a go.  It’s a ride you can stop at any time.”
    She set the menu down in front of him and squeezed his hand.
    “Thanks.”
    “For what?  Free advice from an old codger?  What’s that worth?”
    Alexa laughed and headed back to the front of the diner.  She walked around the end of the counter and put the coffee pot back on the warmer.
    She was standing with her back to the front door when the bells sent out the warning that someone had come in.  It was him, she knew it was him and she couldn’t bring herself to look.
    She felt the warmth of his body move in behind her, leaning into her.
    “Go out with me, just once,” he whispered in her ear.  “If you’re miserable I won’t ask you again.  Promise.”
    Alexa softly put down the coffee cup and paused briefly.  She turned to him, placing her hands on his magnificent chest.
    “I’m sorry I’ve been so rude.  You made that incredible breakfast for me and I didn’t even so much as thank you.  I’m…I’m truly sorry.”  Her eyes reached deeply into his, searching...questioning. 
    “Yes, I’ll go out with you.  Just don’t be expecting anything more than a date.”
    “Ha!” laughed Cayman, “Are you questioning my most noble intentions?”
    His laughter was music and it made her smile just to hear it.
    “Yes.  Yes I am.  Now move it and let me get to work.”  She pushed him gently to the side and turned to pick up a menu.  Cayman walked around the end of the bar and sat down in his usual place. 
    “I’ll have the #3 with coffee.”
     
    ***
    That evening Cayman picked her up and they drove to the ‘famous’ ponds to throw a few rocks.  Alexa laughed when she heard where they were going and what they would be doing.
    “I have to warn you,” she said playfully, “that was always my favorite date with my dad and I have a pretty good record at rock skipping.”
    “Not as good as mine, I’ll wager,” he grinned back.  “I’ve got the record for my high school of eight.”
    “Eight kids?  That’s not a very big high school.  Where’d you grow up, anyway?” she teased,