Chasing Shadows Read Online Free Page B

all the others for?” I asked, noticing how full the ring was.
    â€œI dunno. Probably for the entrance doors and stuff they keep locked in the office.”
    â€œIf they ever lose this key ring they’re sunk then,” I said, “though maybe they have a copy.”
    â€œYeah. Probably. Anyway, thanks again. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Impulsively, Nadine leaned forward and gave me a quick hug.
    â€œHey, it was nothing. I like getting out of the kitchen once in a while,” I assured her.
    â€œYou don’t like your job?” she asked.
    â€œIt’s not that,” I said. “It’s just that, well, I feel a tiny bit uncomfortable around Ben sometimes. I feel almost silly mentioning it. It’s not like some huge problem or anything. But he’s kind of flirtatious, if you know what I mean.”
    â€œI know
exactly
what you mean,” she said, nodding. “He’s the same way with me. My boyfriend, Leo, gets ticked off about it too, but I think it’s harmless enough. I don’t think Ben really means anything by it.”
    â€œWell, just tell your boyfriend that he acts that way with everyone,” I suggested. I couldn’t imagine Greg getting upset over something like that, when it wasn’t even my fault.
    She sighed. “To tell you the truth, Shelby, I’ve been kind of wanting to break up with Leo for a while now. I just don’t like the thought of the hassle.”
    â€œReally? How come?” I asked — just before I realized that it was none of my business. I was getting as bad as my gossip-loving friend Betts!
    â€œIt’s not only that he’s a bit jealous and possessive,” she said, “he’s full of himself too. He works outalmost every day, and he’s fanatical about what he eats and drinks.” She smiled ruefully. “A girl likes to think her boyfriend cares about her, but if Leo loves anyone, it’s himself.” Her voice lowered to a whisper. “He even looks at himself every chance he gets, if you know what I mean.”
    â€œLike walking by a window where he can see his reflection, and that sort of thing?” I knew a few girls who did that too. It always amazed me that they seemed to think they were doing it on the sly, as if no one else could see what they were up to.
    â€œExactly. He’s so arrogant! He acts like I should be, I dunno, thankful, I guess, that he’s going out with me. Like I won the big prize and I should appreciate him more.” She shuddered as she talked about him, which is hardly ever a good sign in a relationship.
    I was getting a fairly good picture of this Leo person. He didn’t sound exactly charming, but then not all guys can be like Greg.
    â€œHe’s kind of controlling too,” she went on. It seemed she really wanted to talk some of this stuff out, so I just listened and nodded every so often to show I was paying attention. It seemed as though she was pretty fed up with the guy.
    â€œHe’s on my case about
something
all the time. I don’t get enough exercise. I shouldn’t drink pop or eat junk food. He hates it when I have a Pepsi — and all Iever drink is the diet stuff! I can’t imagine what he’d do if it was regular pop. All Leo wants to do is work out at the gym and admire his muscles. I think he’d like it if I was a female bodybuilder or something.”
    â€œSo he’s pretty strong then?”
    â€œI guess. Anyway, none of this is your problem. I’m sorry I brought it all up, because he’s not really a bad guy, and I’m making him sound horrible. I guess it’s just that he’s wrong for me, and I’ve come to the place where I realize I need to end things, but I really don’t want to hurt him.”
    I’ve never had to break up with anyone, though I’ve seen Betts do it a few times. Well, I haven’t actually
seen
her do it, but