Page 45 of Irresistible Second Chance

Chris’ face and body language instantly became closed off. “Ok...take all the time you need. I’ll give you the space you want.”

“Chris,” I said feeling terrible.

He ran a hand through his hair, “It’s ok. I’m not trying to force your hand or rush you. You need space, I’ll give you that.”

He moved away from his door, “Just let me know when you’re ready to talk.”

Without another word, I picked up my purse and opened the door to his house and stepped out. Part of me said I was doing the right thing. The other part of me said I was being stupid. But mostly I was scared. Scared to commit. Scared to let him in again. Last time I did, all I ended up doing was hurting the both of us.

Chapter 12

I sat next to my sister watching the adoption festivities take place. Suddenly feeling weird about going somewhere alone, I had asked Starr to come along. She had brought the girls too. Everyone seemed to be having a great time but me. I was miserable, but it was my own fault.

The adoption event was at a park, so all the kids were hanging out on the playground. Eighties music was blasting in the background and dogs and cats were everywhere being adopted by super excited future fur-parents. I had met Robin’s husband, Max, who showed up with not only his kid strapped to him but a couple of puppies from the shelter on leash. He said he was trying to get them socialized. Max was nice and a bit reserved, but he had a calming presence about him, and I could easily see that he balanced Robin’s big, outgoing personality.

One of the dogs took a liking to me and was now sitting next to me periodically licking my foot. It was turning out to be an interesting day already and the distraction I needed from giving Chris space. I didn’t even know where Chris was. It had been two weeks already. He hadn’t called. He hadn’t texted. I hadn’t heard a word from him since I walked out of his home. But what had I expected?

“Hello, Syd, are you even listening?”

“Huh, of course, I’m listening.”

Starr stared at me, “So what did I just say?”

I shook my head. I had no idea. “Ok, so maybe I’m actually a little distracted.”

“A little? Dad said you locked yourself out of your car yesterday, while it was running.”

That had happened. I would have just called AAA, but Dad had been making one of his unannounced visits, so I had been stuck with the humiliation of my dad having to rescue me from my own forgetfulness. The problem was, I wasn’t forgetful. Not in the least. This was all Chris’ fault.

“That could happen to anyone.”

“Umm...you’re not anyone. You’re the most anal-retentive person I know.”

“What?!”

“It’s true!”

“You know who’s anal retentive? Sara. Have you met Sara yet? Robert and I have known her since we were kids. We’re best friends,” said Robin butting in from nowhere. “Sara!” she shouted loud enough to make my ears hurt. “Come over and meet Sydney! You guys have so much in common!”

I didn’t know if I should feel insulted or what. A woman approached dressed in smart jeans and a casual shirt that seemed to have been ironed. Not a hair was out of place, and she did seem to personify control. She came over with one of the rescue dogs on a leash. “I think I might take this dog. He doesn’t bark. He doesn’t drool. He’s a winner. Not to mention maybe that’ll get babies off Jake’s brain. He has baby fever. It’s crazy. Now, why were you screaming my name?”

“You think getting another dog will get Jake to stop thinking about babies?” Robin scoffed. “Good luck! He sent me a list of baby names already to ask my opinion.”

“Noooo,” Sara said, “I can’t believe he’s getting other people involved. The other day he told me his biological clock was ticking.”

Robin began laughing while Sara just shook her head frowning. Then Robin finally straightened up and said, “Sara this is Robert’s VP, Sydney, and her sister Starr. Starr’s daughters are those absolutely adorable two girls fighting at the monkey bars.”

Starr stood up immediately and excused herself. I tried not to laugh.

Sara smiled and stiffly held out her hand. She shook my hand like we were in a business meeting. “So nice to meet you, Sydney. I would love to do lunch sometime and pick your brain and learn more about your experience climbing the corporate ladder. I feel like my career is going nowhere fast. I’m just not achieving all the career goals I set out for myself. I think it’s time to pivot.”

“I’ve been there. Trust me. I’d be happy to meet up with you.” I pulled out my phone and she pulled out hers and we both started to pull up our calendars.

Robin stared at us and shook her head. “I told you. Like two peas in a pod. This is a party, you guys. No talking about work. Let’s talk cake. Speaking of which, I think my kid has her hands in the cake! Oh no! Hon, don’t touch that! Not yet!”

She rushed off and scooped up her little girl who I heard giggle. She walked with her to the playground to meet up with Starr. My nieces took over from there, taking the baby by the hand and leading her to a seesaw.

Starr and Robin started talking, and I could see Starr laughing at something Robin said.

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