Crazy Nights (The Barrington Billionaires Book 3)

Crazy Nights (The Barrington Billionaires Book 3) by Danielle Stewart Page B

Book: Crazy Nights (The Barrington Billionaires Book 3) by Danielle Stewart Read Free Book Online
Authors: Danielle Stewart
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running mascara and frazzled hair right now.
    “I can’t take those,” she said with a shake of her head as she toweled off her hands. “Those look like a very nice pair, and I couldn’t afford to pay you back for them.”
    “What’s your name dear?” the woman asked, tilting her head to the side and smiling with a hint of pity. Evie was reminded of her own mother sitting across from her after a particularly hard day at junior high with a plate of cookies and as many solutions as she could muster.
    “Evie,” she sighed, deciding the one heel she had left on didn’t make much sense. She pulled it off and tossed it in the trash as well.
    “My name is Sophie,” the woman said as she put a hand on Evie’s shoulder and led her out of the bathroom. Finding a bench in the large lobby of the office building, Sophie gestured for her to sit.
    “I should go,” Evie said. “I don’t belong here. I don’t belong anywhere because all I do is screw things up. Over and over again.”
    “First of all, this is my son’s building so you’re welcome to stay on this bench as long as you like. Second of all, I’m sure whatever you think you’ve screwed up can be remedied. Now put on these sandals.” She pushed the strappy gold shoes back at her and Evie accepted. Mostly because she couldn’t think of anything besides the fact that the one woman Emmitt had asked to avoid was now sitting by her on a bench handing her a tissue.
    “Trust me,” she argued, realizing now she didn’t have an exit strategy so she might as well just steer into the pain. This woman seemed nice and Evie could use a little empathy, believing Emmitt was an empty well in that department. “I have a laundry list of things I’ve gotten wrong lately. I’m just trying to find my path. I really thought I was well on my way to fixing all the broken parts in my life. I had a plan, and now I have absolutely nothing at all figured out. I can’t go home. Not until I can get a handle on things. But at the same time I miss home so much. But I can’t go back.”
    “Why not?” Sophie asked, leaning in and touching Evie’s shoulder gently. She looked pained by Evie’s aching heart, a true testament to a woman who knew what it meant to listen. To really listen. “Maybe that’s what you need? Going home can be very healing.”
    “My mother,” Evie said with the shake of her head. “I just can’t face it right now. I can’t go back. But what do I have if I stay here? I’m not even qualified to get a coffee order correct. There has to be something wrong with me,” she rambled through more tears. “He doesn’t even see me when he looks at me. I’m right there in front of him, and he just walks away. It’s like he can tell I’m worthless. He can see it.”
    “Slow down,” Sophie insisted gently with a tiny knowing laugh. “First off, any man who can’t see your worth shouldn’t take up even a minute of your time. Second, and please know this is from personal experience, you can always go back home. My daughter and I have had our troubles, but we’re making it work. Some days it really works. But you won’t get anywhere if you don’t face it.”
    “I just wish I knew where I was supposed to be. I wish I was doing exactly what I was meant to do.” Evie banged her fist into her other palm, angry with her failures. “Something that can actually help the people in my life.”
    “Life’s not a ladder you climb, Evie,” Sophie said eloquently. “You don’t arrive at the top, at the last rung, and realize you’ve made it. Life’s a big bright painting full of textures and colors. Every inch should be explored and touched and examined. Some days you’re a work of art and other days you’re just a work in progress. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to get somewhere.” Sophie’s eyes were flooding with compassion as she maternally brushed back a lock of Evie’s hair. “You’ve already arrived, Evie. You’re sitting right in

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