Where My Heart Breaks Read Online Free

tire. The guy who helped me told me where to find the place which was helpful.”
    “What guy?” Patrice asked.
    “Late 20s, blue pick-up truck, tattoo on his arm,” I said, picturing him in my mind and trying not to drool. I thought about his toned biceps and pictured them curling around my body and pulling me closer to him. I was going to have some pleasant dreams tonight.
    “So you met Reed Black,” Patrice said coolly.
    “I didn’t quite catch his name,” I admitted. Reed. The name fit him.  
    At the top of the stairs, Patrice turned to the right and proceeded toward the open door on the left. “Not surprising. He doesn’t talk much,” Patrice said. “Mandy? Are you done in there yet?”
    A girl who looked like she was still in high school emerged from the room with her arms piled high with sheets. “Almost, Ms. Collins. I just need to run these sheets upstairs and remake the bed.”
    Patrice looked at her watch and frowned. “You’re behind again, Mandy.”
    The girl looked as if she was going to cry, and I instantly felt sorry for her. It wasn’t a surprise to me that Patrice ran a tight ship. A person doesn’t retire from an executive level position at forty-five without being disciplined.  
    “I’m sorry, Ms. Collins. I’m going as fast as I can.”
    “Well, you’re going to have to start going faster, Mandy. Starting next week, we’re going to be fully booked almost every week through August,” Patrice said. “By the way, this is my niece, Kate. Since you’re on your way upstairs, you can show her to her room. Then right back to work.” Patrice turned back to me. “I’ll let you get settled in, but I’d like to get started on your training first thing in the morning. Eight a.m. sharp.”
    I almost clicked my heels together under her stare. “Got it,” I said.
    As if she read my mind, her eyes wandered down at my feet. “I hope you brought more sensible shoes than that, Kate.” She sighed and then was on her way back down the stairs before I could say anything.
    I looked around and found Mandy already on her way toward the staircase to the third floor. So much for social time and getting to know my fellow employees. I hurried after her.
    “Hey, so I’m obviously new in town. Is there a place where the younger crowd hangs out?” I asked Mandy. I could barely see her face behind the tower of sheets. I knew that I should be staying in and doing something innocent like reading a book tonight, but I couldn’t stand the idea of being confined to my room for the rest of the evening.  
    “I’m not old enough to go to the bars,” she squeaked.  
    We reached the top of the stairs and her fingertip emerged from beneath one corner of the pile. “Room five, at the end. It’s unlocked.” Mandy turned the other way. “I have to go before I get in trouble again. Welcome to the Willoughby.”
    “Thanks,” I said, feeling a little let down. I wondered if Patrice told her employees any of the bad stuff about me. I started down the hallway when I heard Mandy’s voice again.
    “My older brother hangs out at Lula’s on Main Street. I think they’ve even got dancing on Saturday nights.”
    Dancing sounded promising, even in Bleckerville. “I appreciate the tip,” I said. Then I made my way to my room. As promised, the doorknob turned with no trouble and I pushed it open. I was greeted by a double bed with a drab beige blanket, an antique dresser, and a standing mirror. The open doorway on the right revealed a small bathroom. I sighed. Apparently, there were no five star accommodations for the staff.  
    The only thing notable about the room was the view. It looked out over the backyard and offered a breathtaking view of the lake. An unremarkable chaise lounger sat beneath it.  
    Looking out at the wide expanse of water, I felt the warring parts of me. For the past six months, I hadn’t had a drop of alcohol in my system, but then I had been under the eagle eyes of my mother.