To Hold and to Heal (BWWM Interracial Romance) by Naomi Lecroy Page B

grabbed it with a trembling hand. She put the bag down and started sweeping up the broken plates.
                  Her father stood up, taking his prize with him to the living room without saying a word. Later he would ask her for money and she would give it to him and then maybe he would disappear for a few days or maybe not.
    This was her life. Not Alden. Not those glimmering moments of safety and contentment in his arms. Those were all lies.
    Her phone went off every few minutes. She didn't look at it. She simply swept up the porcelain shards and put away the pots. It took her an hour to finish cleaning. When the kitchen was complete she picked up the bag and walked back to her bedroom.
    Shutting and locking the door behind her she half dragged herself to the bed and pulled out her phone. Alden had called her eight times. There were voice-mails that she didn't have the heart to listen to. She closed her eyes and thought about how to best handle this. Clearly her life couldn't just stop for him or even for herself. But she wanted him.
    God, how she wanted this man!
    Her phone vibrated in her hand. “Hello?” she said in a rush.
                  “What's the matter with you?”              
                  It was Tanya. “Nothing. Are you calling in again for the night?”              
                  “No, wasn’t planning to. Aren’t you going to open? I was just there and everything is all locked up.”
                  Nice's eyes opened wide as she turned to the clock. It was after five. “Oh shit!” she mumbled to herself.
                  “What?” Tanya asked.
                  “Nothing.” After a deep breath, she continued. “No, we’re not opening tonight. There's been a family emergency.”
                  “Oh yeah, right, emergency. I'm sure. Whatever. You need to check your Dad into rehab, Nice. He’s dragging you down.”
                  “Thanks Tanya for that advice. Feel free to mind your own fucking business.” The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them. She held her breath for a moment, waiting for her answer.
    “Whatever you say boss. Have a good night.”
                  The line went dead in her ear and she let the air out in a stream. She put the phone down on the bed curling into a tight ball.
    If he calls I'll tell him I can't see him again.
                  The phone began buzzing. She picked it up and answered without looking. “Hello?”
                  “Nice! Are you alright?” It was Alden.
                  “I'm sorry. I had to take care of something. Alden, I-”
                  “Are you alright? I don't care about what came up, I need to know that you're okay right now!” His voice was almost frantic on the other line. “Something’s not right.”
                  “I'm fine,” she answered softly.
                  “You don't sound fine.”
                  She closed her eyes tight. “I'm not,” she finally said, letting the words escape, letting herself finally admit to someone else what she felt.
                  His voice was soft. “Where are you? I'm coming to get you.”
                  “Alden, no. I have to stay here, there's some things I need to take care of. I can't leave. You don’t understand.”
                  “Where are you?” he asked again.
                  “Why? I'll be fine. Okay?”
                  “Because I NEED to see you!” he exploded. She was silent listening to the sound of his breathing. “Please, Nice. I’m really worried.”
                  “You can't come here. I'll meet you.”
                  “Where?” His voice was urgent.
                  “There's a park, umm four blocks