Page 26 of Irresistible Second Chance

He laughed, “Come on, it’s a full house. Even my Fantasy Football league buddies are here.”

“I’ll be right there. I just need to freshen up.”

I waved them off and rushed to the bathroom. I took a quick shower to at least look like I was awake. I put on a loose-fitting maxiskirt that I didn’t even know I owned and then a tank top. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and added a little lipstick for confidence.

I then grabbed my crutches. I wasn’t self-conscious about them anymore. After all, I used a motorized cart to shop at the grocery store, which garnered more stares than the crutches until people noticed my cast. Crutches were part of the my “look” now, as far as I was concerned.

I slowly made my way down the hall and into my living room. It was transformed. My sister had outdone herself. There were streamers. There were balloons shaped to make a gigantic 67 sign. There were even party favors. And my little kitchen had been turned into a bar. Food was arranged on tables that Starr had rented. I certainly didn’t own so many. Now I was wondering if she even bought the skirt I was wearing and put in my closet because she figured I would need it. I wouldn’t put it past her. She was considerate, always had been.

“There she is,” my dad said standing up and approaching me. He had been standing with a crowd of older men, none of whom I recognized. “Come on, over here. Sit down. Sit down. Give me those.” He took the crutches and practically shoved me into his recliner that he kept over at my place since he was here so often. “This is my oldest daughter, Sydney. She’s crazy successful too. Works in microloans for a startup. She’s a vice president.” If he could stick out his chest in pride, I’m sure he would have right then.

I was impressed that he remembered all that. I thought comments about my work life went in one ear and out the other when it came to dad.

The guys around him murmured impressed. One said, “I’m surprised someone like Charles here could produce girls as successful as you two. You should see his fantasy football choices.”

All the guys laughed, and I did too, but I wasn’t too sure why. I knew nothing about Fantasy Football. Eventually, when my dad wasn’t looking and insisting that I sit down, I made my way to the refreshment tables. I was piling up my plate with mini-bundt cakes and too much cheese, when I heard my dad say, “Barb, Jeff, you made it. Thanks for coming.”

I turned around to greet them when I saw him and froze in place. Dad saw him too and his smile widened. “Chris!” he hugged him hard, and then yelled my way, “Hey, Syd, look who’s here! Chris!”

I smiled tightly and waved. I then turned back to my plate. My heart was beating so fast. I couldn’t make a quick, graceful exit. I also couldn’t hide under the table. I’m pretty sure if there were a window in front of me, I probably would have attempted to jump out of it.

I prayed that he would just ignore me. My prayer was not answered.

“Hi, Sydney,” he said behind me.

I turned around, plastering what I hoped was a warm smile on my face. “How’s it going?”

“The usual,” he said, leaning his hip on the wall and staring at me. “I figured you would be out of the cast by now. Are you healing ok?”

“Yes,” I said grateful that he was sticking to a neutral subject. But what had I expected? Chris wasn’t the type to get confrontational or make a scene. That’s normally what I did, provoked or not.

“That’s good to know.” He then pushed away from the wall and gave me one last look, “I’m going to go catch up with Starr and the kids. Enjoy that cupcake.”

He then walked away and left me staring after him. Really? That was all. That’s all he had to say to me? Fine. Two could play that game. If he wanted to ignore men, then I would ignore him too.

But the more he ignored me the more upset I became. He had been all over me and acted like I was his entire world just a month ago, and now he could barely say a word to me. I started eating faster, getting more and more upset with each bite. When I started to choke, I told myself to slow down, but I was still angry. How dare he act like nothing happened between us!

Fuming, I walked over to confront him when I heard a voice I hadn’t heard in a long time.

“Sydney, how are you my beautiful girl?” I turned around and standing there was my mom. I just stared at her unable to believe it. What was she doing there? Who had invited her? I studied her, not knowing what to say or do. I felt eyes on me and caught my sister looking my way guiltily. It was clear who had invited her now.

“You have a beautiful home,” my mom was saying. She continued talking. I could tell she was nervous. I’m sure she saw it on my face, the disdain I felt for her was strong. I never hid that. She deserved my disdain and more. She looked good, I had to grudgingly admit. She was no longer emaciated, and her eyes had lost that sunken look. Her hair was shiny, clearly freshly washed and the biggest difference, she didn’t reek of booze. When we were kids, that’s how I knew she was home sometimes. The scent of booze coming from her pores would fill the air.

“Thanks,” I said not knowing what else to say to her.

She looked around, “So, this is a great party.”

I nodded. “Yep.” I forced myself to say something else, “I didn’t’ know you were coming.”

“Your dad invited me.”

“Oh, so you and dad are on speaking terms?” That was news to me.

“We try to be. He’s a forgiving man,” she said softly.

I shook my head, “Well, I guess that makes one of us.” I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt like she was taking up all the air in the room. “I’m going to get some air,” I said truthfully. I couldn’t help myself. As fast as I could, I made my way to the door, and then without a second thought, I grabbed my car keys.

I was in my car about to turn the ignition when someone knocked on the passenger window. I leapt, startled. It was Chris.

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