Page 49 of Irresistible Second Chance

“Robin is a good judge of character, even though she sort of sounds like a hippie when she talks.”

“I know, right! I kind of like that about her. She gives off really good vibes. I was thinking about having her on my channel. I wanted to do a few features on wellness and creativity in the gardnen and I think she would be perfect for it.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more, but back to that friend of hers or his--I think you should do it. Go on a date. See how it goes.”

“You think? Does going on a blind date seem kind of desperate?”

“Not at all! I would do it in a heartbeat.”

“Then why haven’t you done it?”

“I’m not a huge fan of strangers.”

Robin laughed. “So, you can only date people you know...” she paused dramatically and said, “Like Chris?”

“Woah, woah woah, why are you bringing him up?” I knew my words came out too strongly, but she really had caught me off guard.

“Oh, please, the girls told me how you guys were all over each other at the ice cream shop.”

“We were not!”

“And Dad mentioned that he was avoiding popping up at your house unannounced because he saw Chris’s car here several times.”

“There are lots of cars that look like Chris’ car!”

Starr began to laugh. “Oh my gosh, I love how you’re in denial. That’s so funny. So, you and Chris are an item again. You and Chris are just so secretive.” She leaned forward and whispered, “Is that you guys’ kink?” I wanted to just disappear into nothingness. I was so embarrassed. “I was waiting for you to officially tell me, but I guess you like to keep secrets from me.”

“I don’t keep secrets from you!” I felt like I was a teenager again arguing with my little sister. “In fact,” I said narrowing my eyes, “You’ve been keeping secrets from me.”

She frowned, “What are you even talking about?”

“I’m talking about Mom--”

“OMG, Sydney! I already apologized for not telling you that Dad invited her to his birthday party. How many times do you want me to apologize?”

“I’m not even talking about that! I’m talking about the fact that you let the girls visit her. She’s a bad influence, Starr.”

Starr’s face darkened. “Look, I know you and Mom don’t see eye to eye---”

“She’s your mother not mine.”

“She’s our mother. Last time I checked, she gave birth to both of us.”

“That’s where the mothering stopped, believe me.”

“Look, Sydney, TJ and Johnna love spending time with her. She’s different with them. She likes having them around too. Part of me feels like she’s trying to get back the time she lost with us by spending time with them.”

I wrinkled my nose, “That’s terrible. So, she’s using your children as her replacement kids? Her do-overs? Are you kidding me right now, Starr?”

“Why do you have to make even the most innocent things sound sordid and terrible?”

“Because what Mom is doing is terrible!”

“What’s so terrible about spending time with her grandkids?”

“Well, because she’s going to get tired of them and then ditch them and then you’ll be stuck with putting back the pieces,” I said nastily.

Starr stood up, “Wow, ok, Syd. You’re seriously projecting right now. I think I should leave.”

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