Cracked

Cracked

By Tara Logan

Copyright 2012 Tara Logan

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Dedication

To my dear friend Jan McDonnell. Thanks for being there and pushing me to write. I dedicate this book especially to you because I put it away when I had a deadline and forgot about it. You reminded me of it when you started working in the chiropractor’s office. If not for you it might still be in a folder only half written.

And to Jacqueline DaSilva for a lifetime of memories, swimming lessons at Spring Lake, the love of reading, and the true art of sarcasm. I always loved your maiden name and promised I’d use it in a book. With no male to pass down the name, I say we keep it Allarie alive and in the family by using it here.

Chapter One

Come on, Al, stay for the game.

Allarie Healy stared at her sister as if she’d suddenly gone daft. Suddenly? Who was she kidding? Simone had always been a little on the flighty side.

Simone, the high school cheerleader, knew Allarie wasn’t in to sports. Somehow, Simone had managed to scrape out an associate’s degree in business management, but her social life had always been more important than school.

Allarie, unlike her younger more popular sister, was a nerd. And proud of it. High school had been hell when her sister became an instant success as a freshman, when most of the student body didn’t even know Allarie as a junior.

Now at twenty-six, Simone had a husband, a mortgage on a nice house, and ran Allarie’s chiropractic office.

And Allarie who suffered through a grueling chiropractic degree had a few rooms above her office and a lot of lonely nights.

Al, aren’t you listening to me?

She hadn’t been. Since they were young Allarie had the ability to shut out her sister’s words so that her voice just slightly buzzed in the background, but she always knew from her expression when she demanded a response. Not listen to you? How would that even be possible?

Simone’s husband, David, laughed and instantly quieted when his wife glared at him. Yeah, not tough to know who really wore the pants in that relationship.

Ha, ha. Very funny, Al. What are you going to do instead? Simone raised her eyebrows.

I’m going to go home and watch television or read. Is that so bad? She knew her sister would think so.

You’re twenty-eight years old and it’s a Friday night. You should be out having fun. You’re not getting any younger you know.

Oh, no. She knew where this was going and she didn’t have the energy to deal with it tonight. It’s been a busy week, I’m tired.

You’re not tired, you’re dull.

"Thanks, Sim. That makes me feel so much better. Can’t tell you what fun it is having you for a sister." They had the split second stare down before Simone glanced away. Not a good sign. Simone never looked away.

Dave’s friend Chuck is coming over in about a half hour to watch the rest of the game. Why don’t you stay? We’ll have a few drinks...

She should have known. Oh, no, not a set up.

Dave shook his head. Swear Al, your matchmaking sister had nothing to do with this. He’s just coming to watch the game. He doesn’t even know you’ll be here. You don’t have to like each other. But he’s a nice guy. He teaches and coaches at the high school.

I love you guys, really. But I’m not into sports.

You’ve never tried, Simone whined. You always had your head stuck in a book.

Better than stuck to some guy’s face. The retort came too fast and she instantly regretted it. No offense, Dave.

He shrugged. None taken. I took me years to be that face. He pulled his wife close to him and nuzzled her neck.

Simone laughed and elbowed him. She turned back to Allarie and grinned. Are you calling your only sister a slut?

Allarie grinned back; relieved her sister hadn’t taken it as any more than the teasing it was. If the tube top fits, babe.

Maybe I need to dig out an old tube top for you so you can snag a man.

Do not, Allarie said starting the volley.

Do so.

No wonder your parents winter in Florida. And at first I thought it was to get away from the cold weather.

Allarie and Simone both turned to stare at Dave. He raised his hands in the air and stood up. I’m getting a beer. Anyone want one?

I’ll have one, hun. Simone blew him a kiss and Allarie shook her head no.

Ohhh, Al, check out this one guy on television. Simone slapped her thigh five times in quick succession. He’s coming up to bat now. Wiggle it Wood. Simone stared at the screen the way a child would watch the circus.

Are you serious?

Watch.

The ballplayer dug his left cleat into the dirt and started moving his shoes like he was doing a dance and the camera zoomed on his butt. The crowd screamed, Wiggle it.

For once Allarie had to agree with her sister. A very fine butt indeed did a few circular motions before stopping. Strike one, the referee called.

Dave entered the room again and handed his wife a beer. Your favorite ass up to play?

She stroked his back as he sat down. No honey, you’re my favorite ass, but his is awfully cute too.

Dave beamed at his wife. You think my ass is better? Better than the most famous ass in Pawtucket? He twisted his hips a bit and stretched a glance behind him at his own derriere.

Of course, sweetie. She leaned back and settled in the crook of his arm.

They had been married over a year, but it didn’t look like the honeymoon was fading. Inwardly, Allarie was thrilled for her sister. Dave was as good a guy as anyone could get and he treated her sister like a goddess. Outwardly, she spent a lot of time harassing them about affection in front of others. Bleck, do I have to hear this? I feel the urge to gag.

Dave acted wounded. Hey, it’s important for a guy to know his wife would prefer him over a famous guy.

Allarie eyed the television as the player wiggled his butt for a second time. I’d hardly call a minor league ball player famous.

He’s famous in this city, you’re just still... Simone stopped.

She knew why Simone stopped in the middle of a sentence. She didn’t want the conversation to go that way so she attempted to lighten it up. What no insult? It’s what I live for.

For the first time Simone’s expression was serious. Al, I understood high school and college. You knew what you wanted and you kept your eye on the prize. But you became what you wanted to be. If Mark hadn’t died you’d be married by now. But he did and you have to move on. You can’t live like a monk forever. Now it’s time to reward yourself and have a little fun. You need a little ass of your own.

Her heart clenched. She hadn’t dated as much as a lot of girls in school. Academics had always come first. Then in chiropractic school she met Mark. They were going to set up practice together, get married, have kids. One freak accident ended it all. She didn’t want to think about how her life might have been different. I’m up to my neck in asses every day.

But they’re covered in underwear and a Johnny and they belong to someone else.

"Tell you what, you check out their files and give me a sign when