It’s Never Easy
Dani René
Contents
It’s Never Easy
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
The Boudreaux Universe
Acknowledgments
Also by Dani René
About Dani René
It’s Never Easy
A Boudreaux Universe Novel
By Dani René
Copyright © 2020 Dani René
Edited by Candice Royer
Proofed by Illuminate Author Services
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book
or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.
The following story contains mature themes, strong language, and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in the work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Cover Design: Kari March Designs
Published by: Lady Boss Press, Inc.
For the broken hearts who don’t believe love is possible,
change your thinking because it most certainly is.
Prologue
NeaSixteen years old
You never think about your parents dying. But then, one day, you turn around and notice that the person who you believed would always be there is leaving you. It happened to me before, when my father decided he didn’t want my mother or me anymore. He walked out, leaving me with my mom, who had to be both parents while working. She gave me all she could, ensuring I was clothed, fed, and schooled.
And I loved her for it.
But as she walks into the room, I no longer see that Wonder Woman who’s taken care of me all my life. My heart aches because she’s become a shell of my mom; the dark circles under her eyes, the sallow hue of her skin, and the frail limbs that used to carry me for hours gone.
“You should go to school, Nea,” she tells me, but I shake my head. I’ve always been stubborn, and normally my mother would give me one look that would make me change my mind. But now, she can’t because I’m not leaving her side.
“What would happen if I left, and you weren’t here when I got back?” I challenge her, and she can’t dispute me. Even as the words leave my lips, I feel the familiar pain. It’s my heart breaking. My mother taught me about heartbreak when I was younger, and she said it feels like you’re physically breaking.
“I’ll be right here. You don’t have to worry, sweetheart,” she tells me with a sad smile, and I know it’s not the truth. I have to worry because my mother is dying, and no matter what we do, we can’t make her well again. She’s not coming home; I heard the doctor tell the nurse.
“I just want to be here. Can I please be here?”
Silently, she nods, settling back on the bed, and for some reason, when she pulls me in, I’m sure she’s about to say goodbye to me. My mother takes my hand and kisses it before she sets it back. Her eyes are watery, and I feel mine burning too. I don’t want her to see how much this hurts me because I know she would want me to be strong.
“I love you, Neacakes,” she tells me in a breathy voice. She used to call me that because I had an epic love of cupcakes, but my mom would put a large, buttery icing on top with the letter N. And they became Neacakes.
“I love you too, Mom, you know that,” I tell her, and she nods. She doesn’t say anything more as she lies back on the pillows. She’s tired. I can tell by the way her eyes flutter, but she manages to keep them open and on me. She watches me with so much affection, but the pain that’s mingled in those familiar eyes makes my heart lurch. I can hear the gentle breaths coming from her. “Tell me about one of your happiest memories?”
She smiles. I can tell the sadness has taken over her. “Besides having you?” she whispers, making tears burn my eyes. “My childhood was filled with excitement. Growing up in New Orleans was special. The city brings out the magic in everything. As if it can bring happiness to anyone. And there was never a dull moment.” Her breaths come out shallow, but the more she speaks, the deeper she smiles. “That house, Neacakes,” she says, looking into my eyes. “It’s special. It’s a home, and if you ever get a chance to visit, go there.”
“I will, Mom,” I tell her. “I promise.”
“I know you’ll love it. The city is . . .” Her words falter, her eyes flutter, and my heart stops for a second before she reaches for my hand. “The city is filled with places to fall in love,” she tells me. “Love will heal you from any heartbreak. It’s never easy getting over pain, but you will.”
I know she’s trying to tell me I’ll get over the heartbreak of losing her. I don’t want to say goodbye, not yet. I want her to stay, to grow old, and walk me down the
