Page 38 of Irresistible Second Chance

“Yeah, off and on, but nothing serious, as far as I know.”

“Well, all jokes aside, I’m happy for him. And you should be too.”

“I am,” I insisted, “It just caught me offguard. That’s all.”

I realized then that the girls were sound asleep in the back.

“Thanks for today,” I said to Chris.

“No need to thank me. I had fun.”

“You’re sweet.”

“I know. I’m definitely boyfriend material,” he said teasingly making me recall how everyone thought we were a couple.

I groaned. “That was so embarrassing. First the ice cream shop worker and then the girls...ughh.”

He shrugged, “I don’t know. I didn’t think it was embarrassing at all. In fact,” he said looking back. “I think it brings up a good point. What are we to each other, Syd?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“We’re...you know...friends.”

“Just friends?”

“No, but--”

“Are we home yet?” TJ asked sleepily from the backseat.

Grateful for the reprieve, I said, “Almost.”

“Good,” she yawned and then pinched her sister.

“Ouch,” Johnna said.

“We’re here. Wake up. You were sleeping.”

“You fell asleep first.”

“No, I didn’t. You did!I heard you snoring.”

“So, what, I heard you snoring first.”

I full blown out argument ensued and this time I was thankful for it. I got out the car as Chris slowed down in front of my house, and the girls gathered next to me on the sidewalk.

“I would invite you in,” I said to Chris tyring to sound regretful, “But I really need to get these two cranky monsters to bed.”

He nodded, refusing to meet my eyes, “I understand.” Then to the girls, he said, “Bye girls! Tell your mother I said hi!”

He pulled away without another word. I knew then that he was upset, but what did he want from me? We were friends and for now, at least for me, that was enough.

“Come on, girls” I said feeling a little down, “Let’s get inside.”

As we opened up the door, TJ said, “I really like your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I said for what felt like the thousandth time.

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