Run Like Hell by Elena Andrews

will get my mind off the guy’s unsettling smile. A smile I want to forget.
     
    Rory and I sit back into the plush couch and get comfy. Tiger squeezes onto the sofa beside me and I pet him while I listen to her story.
     
    “In high school I dated a guy named Adam. He was totally hot but the worst influence on me. My mother knew it too but couldn’t keep us apart no matter how many times she forbid me to see him. Adam and I were meant to be together, until he cheated on me. Then it ended. Soon after, I met Tyler. He was hot and smart, unlike Adam who wasn’t too bright. Tyler was everything I hoped for in a boyfriend. We dated for several years and continued dating in college, until he hit me one day. Then I refused to see him again.”
     
    My mouth drops open. I can’t imagine a man hitting my sweet aunt.
     
    I’m dying to know more. “What happened?”
     
    “After Tyler I realized I’d been in a relationship since I was a fifteen and needed some space. Seven or eight months passed and I dated a lot of guys but wasn’t interested in commitment. Then, I met Alex. He was sexy, smart and rich. Even better, I thought. Alex and I got serious right away. He wanted to buy me a condo but didn’t want to live with me. I didn’t care about his money. I found out he was married and he wanted me to be his mistress. I left him. I’m not seeing anyone right now.
     
    What I’ve learned from my relationships is no guy is perfect. They have their individual faults. As a woman, you need to decide what you’re willing to live with. Me, I wasn’t willing to live with being cheated on, beaten, or being a home-wrecker. I still haven’t met Mr. Right, and I may never meet him, but I’ll keep looking.”
     
    “Rory, I can’t believe your relationships were so bad.” I can’t imagine Jack every disappointing me the way her old boyfriend did with her.
     
    “Oh, they weren’t all bad. I had some great times with them, but they weren’t marriage material. But you’re still young. I’m telling you this so you can think about what you’re willing to endure for the love of a man. Jack seems nice. You two make a cute couple.” Rory pats my leg and stands to retrieve the movie from the DVD player. We weren’t watching it.
     
    Before heading upstairs I remember Mom’s call earlier. “Rory, Mom wants you to call her in the morning. She and Dad are on a dinner cruise tonight.”
     
    “Are you two getting along?” Rory asks. She’s witnessed the dissention between Mom and me. “If not, you need to start communicating better with her. I know she can be difficult, but she has her reasons and she loves you very much, more than you know.”
     
    “What reasons?”
     
    “She’ll share them with you when she’s ready. But remember she isn’t perfect even though she appears to be. Cut her some slack, okay?” Rory gives me a hug and kisses the top of my head.
     
    Why should I cut her some slack? It should be the other way around. I’m a good daughter and could be doing a lot worse. I don’t use drugs, or smoke, and my grades are good. I don’t roll with the wrong crowd either. Jack and Traci are good influences on me.
     
    I need to call Jack. I miss him. I planned on spending the whole weekend with him but only saw him for two hours. Plus, Traci should be home from her date with Carlos and I want to hear about their day together.
     
    “Thanks for making dinner, Rory. Remember to call Mom in the morning.”
     
    Before I go upstairs I open the front door to let Tiger out. He lifts his head and barks, then tears around the house toward the backyard.
     
    “Tiger!” I yell and chase after him. “Tiger, stop!”
     
    When I round the corner of the house I realize the gate to the backyard is still open. He’s growling and barking at the far end of the yard but I can’t see anything in the dark. “Come here, boy.” After more barking and growling, Tiger reluctantly comes after I persistently call him over.