Last Chance: A Second Chances Novel (16 page)

Luke sped through the last series of jumps and flew across the finish line, back flipping in the air as flames shot up through the columns.

I couldn’t imagine anyone not paying attention to their kids. My parents were always involved with me and Summer. “That’s heartbreaking,” I said, watching Luke pump his fists in the air. He seemed to do just fine on his own, but it had to be lonely for him.

Evan shrugged. “Luke’s happy with what he’s accomplished. Growing up, he was never without me and our friends. My parents love him like a son.”

“Spaghetti’s ready, guys,” Summer called out. I was so engrossed in watching Luke, I hadn’t realized she was standing beside us. She waved impatiently for me and Evan to join her at the table. “Any day now.”

Luke took the podium and held up his trophy, waving and smiling at his fans. The sports reporter walked over to him and held out the microphone. “How does it feel to know you won again for the sixth year at Supercross Atlanta?”

Chuckling, Luke shrugged and looked at the camera. “It’s hard to describe it. All I can say is that it was a tight race and all the guys pushed hard. I look forward to competing again next year.”

“What are your plans tonight to celebrate?” the woman asked.

He smiled at her and then at the camera. I could almost imagine he was looking at me. “Actually, I think I’m going to go back to my hotel and take it easy. There’s someone special I need to call.”

The reporter winked at the camera. “Let’s just hope that someone special knows how lucky she is.” I was stunned into silence. When I turned to face Summer and Evan, they both stared at the TV and then at me.

“Was he talking about you?” Summer asked.

I looked at them both and didn’t know what to say. Summer was obviously
Team Grayson
and Evan was
Team Luke
. The last thing I wanted was to hear Summer say it wasn’t a good idea. “He called me last night and we talked. It wasn’t a long conversation, but it was nice. Then he texted me today and asked if he could call me after the race.”

Evan grinned, and Summer asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I knew you’d look at me like you are now,” I grumbled.

Sighing, she sat down at the table and we joined her. “All I’m saying is, you need to talk to Grayson. I’m not telling you who you should be with, but before the accident, you were engaged to him. You have a history.”

“So did her and Luke,” Evan cut in.

Summer closed her eyes. “Either way, they both need an equal chance.”

The thought of being with two men probably appealed to most ladies in the world, but to me, it was anything but. “Fine,” I gave in. “Instead of calling Grayson, I’ll go and see him.”

Summer nodded, but I could see the turmoil in her eyes. “It’s only fair, Lara.”

What wasn’t fair was getting my memories taken away by a drunk driver who decided to get intoxicated and go for a joy ride. I found out he was killed in the accident. At least he couldn’t drink and drive and hurt someone else. It was the only fair thing about the whole situation.

“I
think we’re going to head out, sis,” Summer called. “Emma-Grace is wiped out.”

I finished drying up the dishes and gave her a hug. “Thanks for cooking tonight. It was delicious.”

She beamed. “Thank you. And don’t forget, the tavern closes at ten, so make sure you catch Grayson before he leaves. I don’t want him thinking I didn’t tell you he called.”

I rolled my eyes. “I might have amnesia, but I’m not brain dead,” I joked. “I promise I’ll get there on time.”

“Okay,” she replied with another smile. “Maybe Monday you can work with me at the restaurant? I’m hoping something in there will jog your memory.”

“Sounds great. Although, I have to say it’s been nice lounging around the house.”

Summer laughed. “I’ll bet. But we need to get you back on a normal schedule, doctor’s orders.”

I followed her into the living room where Evan stood with my niece in his arms. I kissed her cheek and she smiled. “See ya later, princess.” Then I looked up at Evan. “Thanks for watching the race with me today.”

“You’re welcome. If I’m not traveling to a race, I always like to catch them on TV. Maybe one day next week we can watch him practice like we used to.”

Excitement bubbled in my veins. “That’ll be amazing. I’ll ask Luke tonight when he calls.”

Summer listened to our conversation with a look on her face I couldn’t decipher. She wasn’t happy, but she wasn’t upset either; it was almost as if she was sad. As much as I wanted her to approve my choices, I still had to think about myself, about my happiness.

Once they left, I had about an hour before I needed to leave for the tavern. I was afraid Luke wouldn’t call in time, but luckily, my phone rang. When I saw his name pop across my screen, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Hey,” I answered excitedly.

He chuckled. “Hey yourself. You sound awfully happy.”

“Of course I am. Congratulations on the win. You looked amazing out there.”

“You watched the race?” he asked in disbelief.

Pacing the living room floor, my cheeks hurt from smiling. “Evan and I did. He reminisced on some of the things we all used to do together.”

“Like what?”

“The times when we used to watch you practice at your house.”

He burst out laughing. “Did he also say you hurt your wrist after wrecking my little pit bike?”

I groaned. “Yes, and I’m kind of glad I don’t remember that. I bet I looked like an idiot.”

“Actually, you didn’t look that bad. I’m surprised you made it as far as you did. The ride home from the doctor’s office was the funniest part though. Once you got those pain meds in your system, I couldn’t get you to shut up.”

My cheeks burned and I was pretty sure my face was bright red. “What all did I say?”

“I’m thinking it was something about a unicorn man in purple chaps, and how you wanted to eat cotton candy with him. If I wasn’t driving, I would’ve videotaped you. It was the funniest shit I’d ever heard.”

I gasped. “Oh my God, I can’t believe I said that.”

“You were always joking around and saying hilarious things. That’s how everyone could tell you and your sister apart. She was always the serious one.”

“Tell me about it.” I couldn’t agree more.

There was a honking sound in the background and my ears perked up. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“Nothing, why?”

“It sounds like you’re driving.”

He snickered, the sound of it sexy and deep. “I might be.”

“I thought you were going to relax in your hotel? Is there some big party you’re going to?” I was happy for him winning the race, but I couldn’t ignore the spark of jealousy in my gut. I didn’t like the thought of him being around other women.

Luke chuckled again and I held my breath. What was he doing to me? “No party, cupcake. I’m on my way home.”

I gasped. “Aren’t you exhausted?”

“A little, but I’ll be fine. I’m just three hours away. I was hoping we’d be able to spend the day together tomorrow. Maybe go out on my boat and have a picnic?”

Heart pounding, I sucked in a breath and blew it out slowly. The thought of being with him excited me, especially since he was driving home early to be with me. “I would love to. I’ll pack the lunch.”

“It’s a date then.” Butterflies fluttered in my belly. I couldn’t wait to see him. “So what are you doing tonight?”

It was the question I’d hoped he wouldn’t ask, but I had to give him the truth. “I’m going to visit Grayson.”

The line went quiet and all I could do was stand there, hating the fact I was going to be putting both guys through the same torment every time I mentioned the other. “I see,” he said.

“He didn’t know I’d gotten a new phone, so he called Summer. I was going to just call him back, but she thinks I need to give him the same attention I’m giving you. She knows I talked to you on the phone.”

He huffed. “I knew this was going to happen, but it still sucks ass to hear. I just hate you have to do this in the first place.”

“I agree,” I murmured. “But there’s no other way. Everyone’s keeping me in the dark when it comes to you two. They said I have to figure it out on my own. In doing that, I know I’m going to hurt you both and it kills me.”

“We’re big boys, we’ll be fine. You just do what you have to do, Lara. I might not like it, but I have to believe you’ll find your way back to me.”

Glancing at the clock, my time was running out. “I have to go,” I murmured regretfully. “What time will I see you tomorrow?”

“Bright and early. I want as much time with you as I can get.”

For once in my life, I didn’t mind getting up early to do something. “I’ll be ready. Be safe driving home.”

“Sweet dreams, Lara.”

“Same to you.” We hung up and my heart fluttered. But what if it did the same when I saw Grayson? There’d been a reason I fell for him, and if it turned out I had feelings for him, I was screwed. How would I ever be able to choose?

The tavern wasn’t far from my house, so it only took a few minutes to get there. One car was left in the parking lot, and I assumed it was Grayson’s. The back door of the building was locked, but Summer had showed me which key to use to unlock it. When I walked inside, I could hear the faint sound of country music and a man singing along with the tune; it was Grayson. He had a really nice voice.

I didn’t want him to know I was listening, so I stood back and peered around the corner. I glanced around the restaurant, at the tables and the memorabilia on the walls. Nothing looked familiar to me. It was hard to believe I was standing in a well-known restaurant I co-owned.

When the song finished, I stepped out of the shadows and approached the bar. Grayson had his back to me, straightening up the liquor bottles. “You sing beautifully,” I called out.

He jerked around and grabbed his chest. “Shit, you scared the piss out of me.” Sucking in a breath, he ran a hand through his tousled auburn hair and stared at me with emerald green eyes.

I sat down at the bar and snickered. “Didn’t mean to scare you. I thought I’d come by and see you. Summer told me you called.”

Clearing his throat, he leaned on the bar. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to call.”

“And here I am,” I said, holding out my arms. “Was it busy tonight?”

He snorted. “It’s always busy. We’ve had to hire lots of new people. While you were in the hospital, we promoted Victoria to manager. She’s been a big help.”

I couldn’t remember Victoria, but I figured I knew who she was. “That’s good. I’ll be back on Monday, but I don’t know how much help I’m going to be.”

“You’ll do fine.” He walked around the bar to join me. Sitting on the stool beside mine, he turned me to face him, our bodies only inches apart. His hands grabbed mine and I stiffened. “I have faith in you.”

When he leaned in to kiss me, my first reaction was to back away. It came out of nowhere, but I followed my instinct—it was the only thing I had to go on.

He immediately let my hands go, but I could see the pain in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. It’s just seeing you makes me think everything is back to normal.”

“It’s just weird for me. I know we were engaged, and obviously intimate, but I can’t pick up where we left off. I still don’t know what happened between us. You say you’re my fiancé, but Luke and Evan disagree.” His jaw clenched and he huffed, but I continued, “Summer doesn’t know what I should do, so it’s up to me to figure it out. And right now, I don’t know what to believe.”