Fire and Ice: Two Side of the Coin, #2

By Brenda Parrack

Fire and Ice

Bri is penniless, homeless, and starting over after Drew kicked her out of his house on Halloween night. She is lost without Drew and still desperately in love with him. Drew  seems to always show up just when her life begins to look up now. Bri knows she stupid to love someone that can be so cruel, but you can't stop your heart from loving someone. Can you?   Book 2 of the Two Sides of the Coin Trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brenda Parrack
• Release date: Aug 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393777106

Brenda Parrack

I was raised in Southern, Missouri and still currently reside in the Ozarks. I enjoy being at home with my family and writing. I have worked hard for years in the Medical Field but have decided to change directions and live my dream of writing. I enjoyed writing about my hometown and I hope you fall in love with my books as much as I have falling in love with these characters. B

Book preview

Fire and Ice

by

Brenda Parrack

Book 2 of the Two Sides of the Coin Trilogy

CHAPTER 1

Bri was still reeling from Drew throwing her out of his house, in the middle of the night but she was slowly putting her life back together. She had been staying with Shawn and Tori for about a month. Bri had found a job working at a clothing store and loved it except the fact that it was next door to Drew’s job. She had to go to work every day and see him going in and out of his store. 

It was hard to move on from someone that you still loved when you see them every day. She missed him like crazy and wondered if he missed her too. She was working the evening shift and hanging a shipment of blouses when one of the girls yelled out to her that she had a phone call. Bri had no idea who it could be since she still didn’t know anyone but Toni and her co-workers.

Hello? Bri answered the call.

Hey, it's Toni. Sorry to bother you at work but I have some fantastic news for you.

Really? I could use some good news for once.

I know you could, that’s why I couldn’t wait for you to get home. I found you an apartment! She yelled into Bri’s ear.

What? I don’t think I can afford an apartment by myself right now?

You can on this one. It’s the house right next to ours. Now, it needs some work and some paint but you can have it for $75.00 deposit and it’s only $150.00 a month. All utilities are included? Can you believe it?

You’re kidding me? When can I see it?

Tonight, after work. The landlord gave me the key so you can look at it. Is that not cool? We can still see each other but you can have your privacy and we can have ours too.

Thank you, Toni. I’ll be home at eight. Thank you so much. You are a lifesaver!

Bri’s heart was pounding and the first person she wanted to tell was Drew.  She knew she couldn’t but her heart still wanted too. Bri had watched Drew leave for the night at five and wanted to talk to him so badly. She was really struggling to move on but the thought of her own apartment has helped just a little.

Bri arrived back at Toni’s and they immediately went over to the house next door. It was an old home they had converted into apartments. Her apartment was in the back of the house on the first floor. She liked it already because her door was right off the parking lot. It would be easy to bring in groceries.  They walked in the door into the kitchen. It needed some work but nothing she couldn’t do herself. The kitchen was a fifties style table sitting in the middle of the room. It had an old refrigerator and a few cabinets hanging from the wall. Once counter an industrial size sink. Bri walked through the doorway into the living room/ bedroom. It was big and had a built-in shelf in the wall with scalloped trim around it.  She could easily fit her bed, dresser, loveseat, and a small entertainment center in the room to make it feel comfortable. She went through the next doorway and saw a walk-in closet to her left and a nice size bathroom to her right. A little farther down the hall was her front door.  The best thing Bri liked about the apartment was the hardwood floors. They were beautiful and Bri could see a lot of potential for this place. 

Shawn already said he would come over and fix the hole in the ceiling. The good news is no one is living up there right now. Toni reassured Bri.

I’ll take it. A little paint and some cute decorations will make this place perfect. I love it. How do I get the deposit to him? I would like to move in this weekend.

If you have the deposit and rent right now, I’ll take it to him. I have to return the keys to him in the morning. Toni replied.

Perfect, I’ll get you a check. Bri wrote 2 checks. One for the new landlord and one she gave to Toni for letting her live with her.

Bri, I can’t take this. We told you that you could stay with us and never asked for rent. We were happy to help you out and you have been no bother at all.

I insist. You and Shawn have been such great friends to me. Plus, it’s not a lot of money for what you have done for me. I would have been homeless and living in my car if it wasn’t for you.

Thank you. Shawn and I will help you move this weekend.

Well, thankfully I don’t have a lot of things at your house. I have to get the rest of my stuff from Drew’s house. I’m dreading that conversation.

Toni hugged her friend. We will talk to Drew if you need us too.

No, you all have done enough for me. Thank you so much.

Bri looked around again and smiled. She was finally going to be on her own again and it felt good.

The next morning Bri woke up feeling pretty happy. That was different for her normal wake up, dreading feeling. she had for so long now. Then she remembered that she had to talk to Drew today about getting her things. Her stomach did flip flops at the thought of that. She went about her morning routine trying to find the right words to ask Drew for her things. She knew it was stupid because she would fumble or forget the words anyways when she saw him.

Drew pulled up and parked her little car beside her work building. She saw Drew’s Banana boat car in the parking lot.

Here goes nothing, Bri whispered to herself.

The door chimed when she walked into his store. It sounded so loud in her head.

What are you doing here, little girl? Drew smiled at her.

Bri was a little taken back by his chipper attitude towards her. Uhm, I need to talk to you.

Shoot.

I’ve found an apartment and I need to get my stuff out of your house.

Wow, that’s great. No more living with Shawn and Toni? He asked.

No, I didn’t realize you knew I was living with them.

We are in the same band together. I also wanted to make sure you were okay. Drew put his arm around her.

Bri stepped forward away from him and looked at him. Seriously? You threw me out in the middle of the night but you still care? You have a funny way of showing it.

Bri, come on. I was just mad at the way you were treating me. I still care about you. Drew said quietly.

Oh, Do you still care about the slut you took off with that night? It doesn’t matter. I just need to get my stuff out of your house. Can I come to get it tomorrow?

Oh, come on Bri. That girl was with Trist, not me. What time do you want to come to get your stuff tomorrow?

I doubt she was with Trist but I will be there tomorrow around ten.

Okay, hey, I’m playing tonight if you want to come out? I’m playing at this cool club downtown on the square. I think you would like it if ya want to come.

I’ll think about it. I have to get back to work.

I hope to see you tonight, if not, I’ll see you tomorrow. Drew kissed her on the cheek.

Bri backed up quickly and walked out the door and went to work. She was so confused. Bri still loved him and felt the butterflies in her stomach when she saw him but how could she feel those things after what he had done to her.  She told herself to just get her things out of his house and continue with her life. She would forget about him after time had passed. She hoped that if she kept thinking this way that it would ring true.

When she got back to Toni’s that night she told her what happened between her and Drew that morning.

"You're not going to go back to him