Page 20 of Irresistible Second Chance

“Where were you before you arrived at the airport with me?”

“In Mexico City meeting with a few clients.”

“And how did Robert find you?”

“Like I said, I have a solid reputation. People like me, they hire me. I do a good job. Rinse and repeat. After I got injured and booted from the majors, I realized I needed a real job, so I got one. I learned all I could from it and then started a business of my own. Simple enough. But enough about me, I want to know what’s going on in your life. What happened in your life after you unceremoniously dumped me at my going away dinner?”

My stomach sank at the memory. I played it a million times over and over in my head, wondering if all those years ago I had done the right thing. I don’t think I did, but I couldn’t go back. I just had to move on. Trying to add a teasing tone to my voice to hide the hurt, I said “Are you still holding that against me? It was ten years ago.”

“It feels like yesterday,” he said, and I knew he meant it.

“Let’s not rehash the past.”

“Hmm…I don’t know. I think it’s worth resurrecting.”

I shook my head, “Let sleeping dogs lie and all that.”

He was silent for a long moment and said, “Is that what you want?”

No. But I said, “I’m not sure what I want, Chris. I’m still trying to figure it out.”

“Do you want Mark back?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell if I want him back or if I just don’t want my life to change. Ask me in a year, I think that’s how long I’ll need to process.”

I was joking, but his expression was serious. “I can wait.”

“Wait for what?”

“You.”

I stared at him, not knowing what to say. He’d always been so sure of himself, sure of his feelings, and sure of us.

“There’s no us, Chris,” I said unable to look at him.

“But there could be…again.”

“We’re not the same people we used to be.”

“You’re right. I’m better.”

“I’m not.”

I could tell we were at a standstill, an impasse. It seems like much hadn’t changed.

“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Sydney.”

“Credit for what?”

“Being able to change.”

“I don’t have problem with change. It’s the aftermath that upsets me.”

He laughed and a knock sounded on the door.

“Expecting someone?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No one. Be right back. Don’t waddle off anywhere.”

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