Fractured by Amanda Meadows Page B

mom likely had either a memoir or a historical romance book by hers. What they would not be doing, however, was watching television. His mother thought it a complete waste of time.
    Hunter finally located a black marker in his mother's small desk in the living room. Filled with new purpose, he strode back to his bedroom and searched in the closet for an old extra pillow. Then he sat down and began to sketch Amber's figure right on the fabric.  When he was finished, he propped the pillow up on the headboard and studied it.
    "What is it you need, Amber Holloway?" he asked the pillow sternly.
    "Why did you stop at the art gallery? Why was it so important now?"
    Pulling the schedule from his pocket, he studied the paper brochure. Stained glass art?
    "Are you bored, Amber?" he quizzed the pillow. "Are you missing your art that badly?"
    Amber's likeness stared back at him.
    "Giving me the silent treatment, are you?"
    Hunter pondered his own current life. Yes, his hours at the art gallery were crazy. But he had chunks of the day where he was encouraged to sketch or paint if there wasn't an important client to take around the city.
    "So I've been a selfish bastard by not considering your artistic needs?"
    Pillow Amber mocked him.
    "Okay, I can understand that. But why didn't you tell me?"
    As he stared at Pillow Amber, Hunter knew exactly why the real Amber hadn't said anything. She felt guilty that he gave her everything. And one thing he knew about Amber was that she was selfless to the point of hurting herself.
    Hunter sighed. Of course he knew that about her. He had just gotten so caught up in the fantasy of their living together in the hotel. It was almost like they were a married couple.
    "How do I fix this for you, Amber? Will taking classes be enough?"
    Hunter stared at Pillow Amber.
    She stared back as though he was crazy.
    "You're just as stubborn as the real Amber," he muttered at last. "Okay, I'll agree to the shrink if you agree to the classes. Deal?"
    Picking up his cell phone, Hunter mustered up the courage to contact Amber. He needed to proceed carefully, having promised his parents to give her some space. But what he needed to tell her could not wait. Especially if he wasn't going to chicken out.
     

Chapter Ten
    Amber
     
    After several minutes of sobbing, Amber made herself get up off the couch. She was determined not to allow herself to wallow in self pity. She walked to the bathroom to blow her nose and wipe her face. She made herself stare at the lonely bed for a full minute without crying. Then she quickly stripped her clothes and turned the water on in the shower. Maybe she could wash away the despair that clung to her.
    When she returned to the living room, clad in clean pajamas and warm socks, she checked her phone and saw that she had a few new texts from Hunter.
    Hunter: I feel like an ass for waiting this long. But I am sorry for losing my temper.
    Hunter: Found some of your stuff in the car. Can I call you?
    Amber bit her lip and then quickly typed her response before she could change her mind.
    Amber: Yes
    Hunter must have been sitting by his phone because her phone rang an instant later.
    “That was quick,” she said as a greeting.
    “I was afraid you might change your mind,” Hunter said.
    “I haven't made any decisions yet,” Amber said, to warn him in advance. “So I hope that isn't why you're calling.”
    There was a brief pause on the other end of the line and Amber realized she might have been too abrupt. Well, that was kind of the point wasn't it? Still, she did agree to the call.
    “Sorry,” she said. “I didn't intend to sound so harsh.”
    “Um . . . I suppose I had it coming. But for the record, I did call to discuss something else. I found your wig and stuff in the car. Also a schedule and some information on a stained glass art course.”
    Amber grabbed her purse and looked inside. She could have sworn she had put the papers in there. Of course, she had been flustered before