Anonymous
Dani-Lyn Alexander
A division of HarperCollinsPublishers
Contents
I live on Long Island with my husband, three kids and three dogs. I love spending time with my family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In my spare time, which is rare, I enjoy reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of my favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. I’m an incurable insomniac, and I have an addiction to chocolate.
You can follow me on Twitter @DaniLynAlexande
Greg, Elaina, Nicky and Logan - Thank you so much for all of your love and support. It means the world to me!
“Come on, Ali, I’ve got to get home.”
“I’m coming.” She stuffed the last of the paperwork into her bag. She’d have to spend the night working…again. Oh well. No matter. It wasn’t like she had anything better to do.
“What are you doing?” Kendra stuck her head in the door, car keys in hand, just as Ali slung the big leather bag over her shoulder.
“Coming. Sorry. I had to grab a few things.” She flipped the light off and hurried down the corridor with Kendra.
“Are you planning to work again tonight?”
A quick flash of annoyance shot through Ali. Kendra was her best friend, but she didn’t understand. Kendra went home each night to a great husband and two beautiful kids, not an empty apartment and a TV dinner.
“I have to. I told Calvin I’d have this legal research done by tomorrow morning.” She didn’t bother to look at Kendra. There was no need; she could easily envision the perfectly arched eyebrow as it rose in skepticism.
“What you need is a man.”
Ali pressed the down button and turned to face her friend while they waited for the elevator. “The last thing I need is a man. I’m in this mess because of a man. I certainly don’t need another one.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
The sarcasm grated on Ali’s nerves. She wasn’t in the mood for this tonight. “Don’t forget I won’t be able to give you a lift on Friday.” They stepped into the elevator, and she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror on the back wall. She looked tired.
Kendra hesitated, and Ali hoped she’d accept she didn’t want to discuss her love life. “What’s Friday?”
“Court.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.” Kendra’s voice held only compassion now.
Ali shrugged. There was so much she wanted to do, so much she wanted to say, but Mark had already made his decision.
They reached the car. “I know it’s tough, but you need to move on. Why don’t you try Anonymous?”
Ugh…not again. “I know you mean well, Kendra, but dating websites aren’t for me.”
“It’s different from other dating sites. Besides, you don’t have to actually hook up with anyone, just enjoy some conversation. Maybe you’ll meet someone nice. You know, just someone to talk to.”
“I don’t know.” Truthfully, Ali was still hung up on her soon-to-be ex-husband. “Can you drop me off at Lin’s?” She clicked her seat belt and glanced over at Kendra in the driver’s seat.
“Sure. No problem.”
The city moved by slowly as they crept through the rush hour traffic. Dark storm clouds gathered, the grayness mirroring her mood. Where had things gone wrong with Mark? Had he just woken up one morning and realized he didn’t love her anymore?
“Do you want me to wait?” Kendra’s voice broke through Ali’s thoughts.
Ali looked around. She hadn’t noticed they’d stopped.
“Are you okay, Ali?” Kendra’s eyebrows were drawn together.
How many times had she had to call her name to get her attention?
“Sorry. I’m all right.” Ali offered a weak smile. “Or, at least I will be. I just need this to be over.” She shook her head.
“Do you want me to wait? It looks like it’s going to rain.”
Kendra needed to get home. Her husband worked nights and she had to get home to the kids before he left.
“Nah. I’ll be fine. It’s only two blocks.” Ali got out of the car but leaned back in before shutting the door. “Thanks.” This time her smile was heartfelt.
“No problem. You know I’m here if you need me.”
As she pushed through the door into the crowded restaurant, she reached down to adjust her bag. When she lifted her gaze back up, she was face to face with Mark. She sucked in a breath, and her eyes darted immediately to the woman at his side. Ali’s wounded heart did a nosedive. Her stomach cramped as her mind fought to keep at bay the imaginary vision of Mark with this very attractive woman,