Tainted Love

Chapter 3

Amara

"So how's everything at work, Celine mentioned that it had been exhausting," Adam asked.

Adam is Celine's husband, the most humble and down to earth person I've ever met. Brown eyes with brown hair, tall and a good physique with a face cut like a Greek god he is handsome and have women drooling for him. Bad for them he is already taken and loves his wife and son more than anything. I never knew guys like him existed before meeting him. After my experiences with men in my past I had given up hope on finding such committed and loyal man.

He is a real sweetheart and the most loving husband I've ever seen. He is hope for women waiting for men like him, a complete family person. He has been like a big brother to me, supportive of me and motivating me. 

"There's this new project and we are yet to close the deal. Once everything is finalized it'll get back to normal till then it's overtime and long working hours," I said remembering the excess  workload.

"You know Amara I support you and your work but you seriously need to take some time off. You should go out there, let yourself free and look out for what is waiting for you," he said with concern and pity lacing his voice.

"Nothing is out there waiting for me and you know it well what had happened in the past. I don't have the strength to go through with it again. I hardly survived it the last time and this time if something happens I won't be able to take it," I said with unshed tears in my eyes.

"This time we are with you and we won't let someone break you, and there are better men out there who would be lucky to have you Amara. You are beautiful, talented, kind with a heart of gold. Anyone who has your heart will be the luckiest person," he said keeping his hand on my shoulder and holding my gaze keen on talking me into it.

"My heart..." I said the words which brought back the memories of Liam and the way he broke it. It still ache and pain me to remember what had happened. I will never be the same again. I've become much more reserved and cold, there's no laughter or joy or happiness left only thing that's left in its place is coldness and darkness.

"Yes Amara, you can't forever live like this, like a shadow of who you used to be. I'm so sorry to be this harsh but you need to move on meet people, have some fun," he said the last part with a smirk and I know what he means by that. 

He changed the serious conversation on a lighter note seeing my uncomfortableness with it.

"Come on..." I said pushing his shoulder back and he started laughing seeing me blush.

"See.. that's what I meant. Go out there have some fun, give yourself the treat you deserve," he said.

"Yes sir," I said nodding like a kid.

"Okkk... I shall leave now," I said looking at the time.

"If you don't mind I have a suggestion," he asked and I don't know I don't feel good about it.

"Go on..," I motioned him to continue.

"Chris is a good guy Amara and he likes you, before you get to conclusions just hear me out..

I know what you have been through and believe me he understands and will give you the time you need. Just go out with him, give him some time to warm up to you and if you still are not interested then you can back out. But at least give that guy a chance," he said.

"Why are both you and Celine so interested in setting up me with Chris," I asked.

"We are not interested in setting up you with anyone, we just want you to know what you've been missing on and decide for yourself," he said.

"Ok... I will give him a chance," I said after taking in all the reasons why I should and why I shouldn't. Chris is a good guy and it's just getting to know each other and if it doesn't work out then we can always go back to being friends, no hard feelings.

"Hey Chris," shouted Adam before I could change my mind. 

"Amara here want to leave, can you drop her home," he said to Chris, smiling at my helplessness.

I cursed him silently, I said I would think about it and give a chance but it did not mean that I ready for now. Adam, just wait I will get back at you for this.

"You want me drop you," asked Chris and I so bad wanted to curse Adam for this but instead I just smiled and nodded.

"See you soon Adam," I said in a dangerous tone and he just laughed at my misery knowing full well that I won't be able to do anything about it.

"Let's go Amara, I wanted to show you this place and then..." said Chris and continued talking while I wasn't a bit interested.

I smiled and nodded at him to not sound rude or retarded. I felt bad for him. He is good looking for sure and kind of good and though he’s attractive enough, he’s not really doing anything for me. I really wish he was.

“Hey,” I say softly, forcing a smile. At least I don’t want to look shy and reserved anymore. I should give him a chance just get to know him and see how it goes. 

Adam is right I can't hide behind my office work forever. I need to go out and experience things like others give myself a chance at this. Past experiences and haunting memories won't dictate my future. My future would be bright and happy. Not like the one I lived. I am young and beautiful and was stupid earlier but now I am much or independent and can handle myself if needed. I am not broke and I will move on. I will give myself and Chris a chance.