Playing for Keeps Read Online Free Page B

was no longer something to write about. She'd started writing in it after moving to DC, embellishing the entries the more unhappy she became. In this diary she had a man who loved and cherished her and supported all her efforts. They traveled together and laughed and loved. Oh, how she wished she could have lived this life instead. She closed her eyes and hugged the diary to her chest. She wanted a second chance. She wanted to fall in love again and learn how to laugh again. She wanted to reclaim the woman she'd once been. She wanted to prove that she could be a success, without Marshall, and prove to everyone that what he'd said about her had been a lie. Stacy opened her eyes and sighed then tossed the diary in a side drawer and closed it. She had to be realistic. Nothing would change.
     

Chapter Three
     
    Hell not only had a smell, it had a queen. And her name was Laurice Hanover. She disrupted the class even more than last time, leaving Stacy feeling the weight of her sentence. She left the cafeteria eager to put the day behind her and made a wrong turn. She was about to correct herself when she heard barking puppies. She looked across the courtyard and saw a group of inmates walking with several dogs.
    "Grab him!" a woman shouted.
    Stacy saw a brown ball rush past her and then into the parking lot, narrowly missing getting hit by a car backing out. The busy parking lot was a dangerous place and Stacy knew the brown Labrador mix was going to get hit if someone didn't grab it. Stacy raced after it then stopped. If she chased it, it may think it was a game. She stopped and whistled loud. The puppy stopped. "Stay”, she said. To her surprise, the puppy didn't move. She approached it. The puppy’s tail began to wag, but she ignored it. She didn't want to reward bad behavior by petting it, although it was adorable. She bent down and took its leash then said, "Come," and the puppy followed.
    The woman looked at her grateful. "I can't believe I let Houdini get away again."
    "Houdini?"
    "Yes," the woman said with a laugh. She had silver hair and a thin Nordic look with beautifully manicured fingers. "He wants to get out of this place just like most of the women, but I'm not sure he's suited for this course. I found him and wanted to give him a chance, but he's too much to handle."
    "He's smart and knows commands," Stacy said impressed by how calm the puppy stayed beside her.
    "Maybe you have a better knack with him than we do. He actually looks good on you."
    Stacy shook her head. "Oh no, I couldn't have a dog."
    "Why not? You're a natural."
    "I’d like to hear more about your program," Stacy said eager to change the subject.
    "Sure, by the way, my name’s Nila. This program helps to give the women skills they can use on the outside. Some work in shelters, animal hospitals, vet clinics and other places. Having skills like relating to others and patience, can be useful in any line of work. It gives them something to do and something to love. Both animal and human heal."
    "Sounds wonderful. "
    "I think so. It was a fight to get the program started but we've been going strong five years now."
    Nila led Stacy, and Houdini into a small office. They sat and shared some coffee. "Would your husband object to you having a dog?"
    "Oh, I'm not married. Thank God that's over," Stacy added with a bitter laugh. "It's not that. I just don't have room in my life for a dog."
    "Boyfriend?"
    "What?"
    "Do you have a boyfriend?"
    Stacy frowned. "No, but I don't see--"
    "He needs you and you need him. I can always tell a perfect match when I see one."
    "I'm sorry but--"
    "Just give him a week, if he doesn't grow on you by then give him back to me."
    It seemed reasonable and Stacy did like him. And she thought it would be nice to fill the house with a companion. Something she could trust. "Okay." She bent down and stroked the puppy who slept soundly, exhausted from his recent escapade.
    "So how come?"
    Stacy frowned. "How come what?"
    "You're not