Page 69 of Seasoned
“Not at all. You’ll succeed. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Renee said firmly.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
“Have you mentioned to Hector that you’re going to get your diploma?” Jackie asked.
“I did.” Adelaide broke off a piece of brownie, hesitant to divulge his lackluster response.
“What’d he say?” Renee asked.
“He congratulated me on my decision,” Adelaide answered.
That was the truth, and they didn’t need to know about her disappointment from his comments. She was moving forward with the decision regardless. She was doing this for her.
Adelaide looked at both of her friends. “I have a confession to make. I’mextremelyworried about failing.”
Jackie covered Adelaide’s clenched fist on the table. “What did you tell me when I was worried about becoming a mom at my age? You said that I wouldn’t be doing it on my own. You’d help me. Renee would help me. You think we’re gonna have you out there on your own, struggling? No ma’am.”
“That’s right. We won’t let that happen. Where’s the brochure?”
“Now?” Adelaide asked.
“Yes, now. And bring your laptop,” Renee said.
Adelaide hesitated, but the scolding look on her friends’ faces made her stop delaying. She went inside and retrieved the brochure and her computer. When she came out, Renee had dragged her chair around to the same side as hers.
As Adelaide sat down, Jackie perused the brochure. “You can do everything online, including pay the application fee. Let’s go. Chop-chop.”
She knew better than to argue with them in this mood. At the school’s website, she completed all the fields, and Renee helped her craft an impressive short essay. She plugged in her credit card information and hovered over theSubmitbutton on the screen. Tears filled her eyes as she chewed on her bottom lip. Could she do this?
Renee took her hand and whispered, “You’re going to be the best student they ever had. They’ll be asking you teach the classes.”
Jackie nodded in agreement.
Adelaide inhaled deeply. She’d dreamed of having a career, something separate from the family for a long time. Now was her chance, and she couldn’t let fear keep her from achieving that goal. With a wince, she pressed the button.
And then the tears fell.
Jackie hugged her against her side and rested her head against hers. “You did it! Congratulations on this new chapter in your life. Soon you’ll have your diploma and you’ll start your catering business.”
Renee squeezed her hand tighter. “And good luck to you and Hector. The two of you were always my ideal couple, so I would love to see you get back together, the way you used to be.”
Adelaide grinned through her tears. “A new career and a second chance with the man I love. My life couldn’t be better.”
13
Wow.
Hector’s eyes remained glued to Adelaide in the doorway. She wore a forest green wrap maxi dress that brought out the green in her hazel eyes and looked great against her dark gold skin. A skinny waist tie showed off her narrow waist while the gauzy fabric flowed down the length of her body to where tan, one-inch sandals peeked from beneath the hemline.
“Ready?” Adelaide asked.
“Ready.” Hector offered his arm, and when she took it, he placed a kiss on her mouth.
Adelaide smiled up at him, her pretty eyes glowing. “I’ve been looking forward to this sunset cruise all day.”
“Happy to hear that. It’s supposed to be really nice,” Hector said.
He opened the passenger door and Adelaide slid in. When both sides of the wrap dress fell apart and exposed a thigh, he bit back a groan and closed the door. He was a lucky man to have her back in his life, and he promised himself he wouldn’t squander this second chance.
