All Chapters of Starting Again and Falling For Him: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Why are you so unhappy, Pearl? You've got a nice house. A good life. Nothing is ever good enough for you!"  Her husband Paul yelled as he grabbed his suitcase and headed toward the door. "Please don't go, Paul! Please. I know what you're up to. You're going to see HER!" Pearl cried. She wasn't stupid, she was desperate and lost. "You don't know me at all. You always make me out to be the bad guy when you're a mess and can't even manage your own emotions. You're the problem.  And you need to fix it. It's not always so dramatic, Pearl. You really need to get ahold of yourself." Paul said as he slammed the door behind him. Pearl fell to the floor in her foyer. She sobbed like a child for what felt like forever. Once she pulled herself together, she looked around. She

Several months had gone by since Pearl had left her marriage and left her life behind. She had filed for divorce and was working hard at getting at least some kind of settlement. Her job was going well, and life had fallen into a nice routine for her. John had talked her into trying out the band idea and they had spent some time getting some guys together to form what they could be proud of.  She was still embarrassed about being around Dylan and he was still incredibly difficult to read. She didn't remember much about the night he drove her home.m, only that she gave him directions and thanked him. The next morning she woke up on her couch, fully clothed, so she knew nothing had happened. Her divorce lawyer thought things should be finalized in the next week or two. She was so happy that was going to happen, finally.  She decided to apply for a promotion at work a month or so ago and her boss seemed really pleased with her work for the company

Pearl looked at the book Frank held out to her. It was the Bukowski book Rhys had been looking though. She smiled and placed it in the bag with the other books and thanked Frank. She headed to her car, still smiling from the interaction and how amazing her day was turning out to be. She continued with her errands, grabbing a quick late lunch and stopping for a few things she needed. She made it to John's house at around 5 and he and the guys were already getting set up for practice. His basement wasn't the most glamorous but it worked perfectly for their rehearsal space. His wife Janie was incredibly understanding and supportive. She had met them both in college when Janie and John started dating and was so happy to see them still going strong. "Hey woman! Having a good day?" John asked. He and Janie had been her biggest supporters recently during her divorce and she was so grateful. "I'm good actually. Today is a good day so far and that's all I can ask for, one good day at a time, r

Pearl grabbed her jacket and followed him out onto the balcony of his massive suite. He handed her a cigarette and lit it for her. She coughed. "It's been awhile since I've smoked.” She said. Rhys chuckled. "I can see that. Your hair is a bit of a hot mess and I'd lying if I said I wasn't VERY proud of that" He said, gloating and smiling. "Thanks man." She replied and made an attempt to pat it down. "Don't fix it, I like seeing my work. Damn Pearl, what was that in there?" “I don't know, but it was incredible". She meant it. It was intense and wonderful. "So is this when I say it's been fun and make myself scarce?" She asked, half serious. “No way! Unless you have to go. I meant when I said I wanted to hang out and spend the night talking and laughing with you. When I saw you in my room and knew we were alone, I couldn't help myself. I'd apologize but I'm not the slightest bit sorry. Stay for while?" Rhys seemed genuine and eager for her to an

Pearl busted her ass getting the brochures together for the meeting. She didn't get home until 10 pm and she still had to pack. She was a ball of nerves. She was flying out the next evening with her boss. A 3 hour flight with him and a 3 day business trip on top of it. She was a literal wreck. He had invited her to help her career, and she was aware of it. She just knew it. He could be doing what he was asking of her without her being there. He wanted to present her to the owners now that she had this promotion. She was terrified she'd let him down and needed to be on top of her game. She got her things packed and settled down finally for the night. She sent John a text letting him know she wouldn't be available for their Wednesday practice but to send her the song list and she would make sure she made the time to learn any new songs before their Saturday rehearsal. She was flying back Saturday morning and said she'd be at this house by the late afternoon that day. The