Page 42 of Irresistible Second Chance

“You have to admit, having me around is definitely a bonus.” It felt good to tease him for a change.

He shrugged, “Most of the time.”

I punched him in the shoulder, and he laughed at me, reached across the table and took my hand in his. “You should come over tonight, stop by and see my place.”

“I would like that.”

“It’s a date then.”

After we ate, we parted ways, and I went back to work feeling lighter. Chris was always good at helping me find balance. When I would stress over college entrance exams, or a recital, or even just choosing to turn left instead of right, he was always there telling me that they were just options and to just choose instead of overanalyzing everything.

As I entered the office, I ran into Robert. “You seem to be in a better mood.” Then in a lower voice he said, “Does it have anything to do with Chris?”

I waved off his suggestion, feeling self-conscious. Was it that obvious that Chris and I had feelings for each other? “No, not at all. Chris and I are just friends.”

He looked like he didn’t quite believe me, but not one to butt into my personal life, he left it alone, asked me to tell him if I needed any help with anything and then disappeared back into his office.

Shortly after that I remembered the kiss in the elevator and fought back a moment of panic. Was my makeup smeared? Did I look like I’d been making out in an elevator…because, well, I had? I got up to go the bathroom, checked my makeup, and was passing by the elevator when I saw two women step out holding babies. I recognized one as Krissy, Robert’s wife, and the other I didn’t recognize. The other woman had short blonde hair and was wearing a long flowy dress with a dirty hem. The dress was also backless, revealing a questionable tattoo.

Krissy waved at me, “Hi! Syd!”

I ventured over and hugged her. “Hi, Krissy,” I said, “It’s good seeing you.” I adored Krissy. She was probably the sweetest human being I’d ever met. I then turned to her little bundle of joy, Sebastian, and reached out to him. He came into my arms, and I gave him a little hug before handing him back to Krissy.

She gave me a wide smile and said, “You’re looking great. Syd, this is my sister-in-law Robin, Robin this is Syd, she runs this place with Robert.”

Robin reached forward and hugged me as if we were the best of friends already. She had a baby strapped to her chest with some sort of fabric swing, and rocked back and forth as she held me. It was so awkward. I felt like I was squashing her baby and shifted to give her little one more room.

She then placed her hands on my shoulders and said, “You have such good energy. Kind of anxious, but still good. You know what I mean?”

I had no clue what she was talking about. Her baby reached forward and tried to pull my lip. Or was it a toddler? I couldn’t tell the difference to be honest. They both looked small. All small humans looked alike to me. I knew the babies weren’t the same age, but I couldn’t remember how far apart they were. A year? Nine months? Who knew?I knew that Robert had told me, but I still was clueless. He’d been ecstatic at the thought of being an uncle.

“Umm thanks, I think. It’s nice to meet you. And your baby.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, and this is Elle. She’s named after her grandmother, Eleanor, on her father’s side. We call her Elle for short,” she said giving me a big smile. She seemed happy and at peace as well as she rocked Elle who cuddled up to her. The kid was cute. Robin was making motherhood look very serene. I’d only just met her but instantly felt like she was one of those women who made raising kids look so easy even when I knew that was far from the truth for most women. She seemed the type to go to baby yoga and use cloth diapers.

“She’s a beautiful baby. And it’s so nice to meet you finally. Robert talks about you all the time so fondly.” He and his sister were really close and spent even more time together now that they both had children. I turned to Krissy and asked, “So, paying a surprise visit?” Sebastian was now repeatedly pushing the elevator button. I didn’t care but I bet the people on the ground floor wouldn’t be amused.

She nodded, “I thought it would be nice to do lunch. Robin rarely gets a free day since she’s teaching, and I needed to get out of the house. Sebastian keeps trying to eat his crayons or he tries to feed them to the dog.”

“You’re a teacher?” I asked Robin. When had that happened? Not too long ago, she had been a starving artist living on Robert’s couch.

She nodded looking proud, “Art teacher. I like to think I’m inspiring little future artists every day. You should check out some of our work. You know that mural on 23rd street and Smith?”

“Of course, it’s beautiful!” I was impressed. The cross street she referred to was actually in a rundown part of town that I was forced to drive through on the way home when traffic was backed up on the freeway, but the mural was a bright spot in the area.

“My kids did that. All of it was their creation.”

“You should be proud of them.”

“I really am.”

While I was talking to Robin, Krissy and Sebastian had made their way over to Robert’s office. I turned in time to see her knock and then peek in. I heard Sebastian yell out, “Daddy!”

“That’s such a nice surprise,” I said. “I’m glad you guys stopped by.”

Robin nodded, “He’s working too much, again. He was supposed to be taking it easy.” She shook her head, “He needs a vacation.”

“Well, he works a lot less now than he did when we were at our previous company.”

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