Tender Kisses by Sheryl Lister Page A

started toward the café entrance. “It’s almost one, so we should have missed the lunch crowd,” Siobhan said. A woman greeted them and directed the trio to a table.
    As soon as they placed their orders, Cynthia asked, “So, how’s it going with Justin? Has he asked you out yet?”
    Siobhan knew this would be the first question. “I met him twice at a coffee shop near the hotel where we had the fund-raiser.”
    Kendra rolled her eyes. “Met him? I can’t believe the brother didn’t even pick you up. Judging by the way he behaved that night, I thought for sure he would know how to treat a woman.”
    â€œI was the one who insisted on meeting him there,” Siobhan confessed. “Justin did offer to pick me up. He actually asked me out to dinner and a movie tomorrow, but I just canceled.”
    Kendra laughed. “The first two dates were that bad?”
    She sighed. “No. We had a really good time. He’s funny, charming...”
    â€œThen what’s your problem, girl?” Cynthia asked.
    â€œI don’t want him to get any ideas that this might be headed somewhere, so I figured it was better to nip it in the bud before we went any further.” The server returned and placed their food on the table. Siobhan picked up her fork and stabbed at the salad.
    Kendra pointed a French fry toward Siobhan. “You know you’re wrong punishing Justin for Arthur’s mess.”
    â€œI’m not trying to punish him.” True, she had no desire to put her heart on the line again, but more than that, being with Justin made her feel things she couldn’t explain, things that frightened her.
    â€œJustin sounds like a great guy, and you owe it to yourself to be happy,” Cynthia said. “At least let him mess up before you toss him aside. You should call him back and tell him you’ll be free tomorrow after all. I know you haven’t seen a movie since the last one the three of us went to—a year ago.”
    She opened her mouth to refute Cynthia, then closed it. A frown creased her brow. Had that been the last movie she’d seen?
    â€œSee, you know I’m right. Every time I call you, you’re at that office—day, night or even some weekends, when it’s supposed to be closed. Life is passing you by, Siobhan.”
    â€œCynthia’s right, Siobhan. Ever since the accident, you haven’t been the same. That carefree girl who loved life went away, and in her place is this serious woman who rarely laughs, never wants to go out and is always working.”
    Siobhan straightened her shoulders. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice certain things when you’re not a kid anymore and have responsibilities. Life isn’t always about being spontaneous and having fun.”
    â€œBut sometimes it is,” Kendra said, popping another fry into her mouth. She finished chewing and continued. “No one is saying you should neglect your job, run off and act like you don’t have obligations. We all have jobs, but it’s okay to let your hair down and have some real fun every now and again.”
    They ate in silence while Siobhan contemplated her friend’s comments. Had she really become such a serious and boring person? Admittedly, she worked a lot, but they didn’t understand the pressure of being the oldest and having to set the example for her siblings.
    â€œYou’re going to call Justin back and tell him you’ll go, right?” Kendra asked as they were finishing their meals.
    â€œProbably not.” As much as Siobhan enjoyed their mini dates, she couldn’t let herself be drawn into another relationship where she might end up with her heart broken again. She placed her napkin on the table. “I need to get back.”
    â€œOkay. It’s my turn to pay, so go ahead,” Cynthia said. “What day are we meeting next week?”
    Kendra pulled out her phone and accessed the