Love's Second Chance (Second Chances #1)(19)

A knock came at the door and Rebecca poked her head in. “We had another client call and put in a request for Mrs. Anders. Have you asked her yet if she’d come work for us?” she asked me curiously.

Shaking my head, I replied, “No, not yet. I don’t want to push her or make her feel pressured. I sort of tried once before and failed.”

“I understand that. Maybe you tried too soon.” She sighed. “Does she not realize how amazing she is? We have clients every day wanting her to decorate their homes. She would be an amazing asset to the company.”

“She would be worth more than just a mere asset, a whole lot more. I’ll talk to her this weekend about it.”

Rebecca smiled while chewing on her pen. “Something tells me she’ll accept. She may be hurting, but I think she is stronger than you think.” Rebecca gathered the blueprints of our future projects and left my office. Soon, I was going to offer Korinne the one wish she’d wanted since she started her career. I just hoped she would accept it.





The phone rang before I even got out of my car. When I saw who the caller was, I couldn’t stop the smile that took over my face. “I thought I was going to call you,” I said into the phone.

Korinne laughed. “You did, but I had to ask you something. Or better yet, I had to tell you something because I’m not going to take no for an answer.”

“Ah, I like this side of you. Tell away then,” I teased, curious to know what she was up to.

Korinne shrieked excitedly, “We have plans this weekend just me and you!”

Her excitement had me smiling from ear to ear. “Do we now? What plans might that be?”

“I’m surprising you this time! Pack a bag, because we’re going out of town for the weekend. I’ll pick you up tomorrow after you get off of work.”

“I’ll be waiting,” I murmured.

“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said excitedly before hanging up the phone.

Now that was the Korinne I knew peeking out of her shell. She sounded like the happy and care-free girl from the past, but somehow I couldn’t help but be wary. Was she really happy or was it a front? Maybe things would turn around for us after the weekend. Spending more time together alone would surely help. Getting away with her was going to be something we both needed, and now all I had to do was wait for that time to come. Of course, the time wasn’t going to move fast enough for me.





Chapter Nine





By four in the afternoon my bags were packed and loaded in the car, and I was just waiting for the text from Galen saying he was ready to go. I’d been waiting on him to mention it was his birthday this weekend, but he hadn’t yet. Taking him away was my gift to him, along with something a little more intimate I planned on giving him.

Galen was my first real love. He made me feel special and understood, and never once had pressured me or belittled me in any way. He was always supportive and full of life. There was never a dull moment when he was around. When my phone rang a few seconds later, excitement bubbled in my chest, but when I reached for my phone I saw that it was my mother. She was probably going to scold me because I hadn’t called her in a while.

“Hi Mom!” I answered cheerfully, hoping it would smooth the situation.

“Why haven’t you called me?” my mother chided me. I silently groaned, knowing she would sound like that. She had always been adamant about me calling every single day to check in with her.

“I’m so sorry, Mom, but I’ve been a little … busy lately.”

“Uh-huh, how so?” Her tone sounded annoyed and disbelieving.

Excitedly, I said, “Well, for starters I actually decorated a house the other day.”

My mother gasped. “Oh, Korinne! That’s wonderful news. I’m so proud of you!” Hearing her encouraging words, I smiled. I knew she was worried about me, and at least hopefully that news would stop her nagging. “So does this mean you’ll be working again?” she asked, sounding hopeful.

“I think so … I really think so.” My mom squealed and yelled the good news to my dad, who was probably shaking his head, with his hands over his ears the whole time. “That’s not all, Mom!” I chuckled.

“What?! What else could you tell me that’ll make me happier?”

I took a deep breath before telling her the other good news. “I’m seeing someone,” I choked out quickly. I held the phone away from my ear when she cackled again, only louder that time.

“Who is he and when can we meet him?” she pleaded.

“His name is Galen, and I don’t know if I’m ready for that step yet.”

“Galen?” my mother repeated. “Hmm … why do I recognize that name?”

I laughed. “It’s because I’d dated him before … in college. You probably remember me saying his name.”

“I think you might be right. I’m starting to think fate has taken a turn here,” she said emphasizing the ‘fate’ part. “Wasn’t he the one you were so heartbroken over when you transferred colleges?”

“Yes, that’s him,” I answered softly.

“Well it looks like you two get a second chance. Maybe it was meant for you two to find each other again. I’m so glad you told me, sweetheart. I’ll be able to rest better at night knowing that you’re happy. I was really worried about you.”