Second Chances (9 page)

Chapter 16

Smoke filled the air, as Davis cracked the door to his new home. Cautiously, he dropped his briefcase by the stairwell, and hung up his cashmere coat, before poking his head around the kitchen doorway.

Tonight, he was hosting a dinner for a new prospect, whom he was courting away from a competitive firm. If he were successful, it would bring close to a half million dollars to their legal team. Under normal circumstances, he might have taken them to an upscale restaurant, but this potential client was big on family values.  Davis thought he’d earn more points with them if he provided a home cooked meal. It was of utmost importance that everything was perfect tonight, and the smells of burnt food from the kitchen wasn’t a good sign.

The first thing within view was a very distraught Veronica sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a tall glass of wine.  From the looks of it –  she had given up on anything remotely domestic in the kitchen.  Her normal stylish hair was a mess. The casualties of war from within the kitchen had left her with smudges on her face and clothes.  Forlorn and utterly helpless, Veronica was on the verge of tears.

Davis was about to step quietly out of sight – until she looked up from her glass and caught his eye.  She immediately burst into tears.

“This is impossible!”  Her face twisted.

Davis sagged against the doorframe, knowing he should comfort her – but he’d never seen this side of her and never had to step into this role.  Paige was always so accomplished in the kitchen or anything else that she put her mind to, that he’d never had to console her in any arena.

It dawned on him just how often he was comparing Veronica to Paige lately, where Veronica was lacking. Whereas only a short year ago – he was doing the same, only Veronica was the victor to any of the faults he felt Paige held.  At that moment, Davis realized that Paige’s shortcomings far outweighed by her positive attributes. He looked to Veronica, and although he was happy to be with her, he wished she were more like Paige when it came to finesse and culinary skills. 

“Are you just going to stand there?”  She whined, extending her hand.

Davis sighed, and walked over to pull her up from her chair. 

“Ronnie,” he whispered, lovingly calling her by her nickname before drawing her body tightly into his.

She immediately wound her arms around his neck, still sniffling from her outburst.

“There – there,” he said, leaning down to kiss her neck, and spur her to what she did best.  No more thoughts of Paige, when he could take Veronica upstairs to allow her to make this mess up to him.

“You’re not mad?  I ruined dinner.”  She began loosening his tie, with a pout.

“No,” he whispered hastily while pushing her sweater from her shoulders.  Abruptly, he lifted his head with clarity. “I’ll just call to tell them you’re sick, and offer to take them to dinner. Then you can stay home and anxiously await my return.”

She chuckled and pushed him against the wall, as she unbuttoned his shirt. 

“And when you get home?”

“When I get home, we’ll have more of this.”  He lifted her up and wrapped her legs around him as he carried her upstairs. 

Afterward, Davis stepped from his room to make reservations for three before calling his clients to explain the change in plans.  Veronica lay in bed, smiling to herself.  She had it all – money, a sexy attorney, and a life of leisure.  She was silently congratulating herself when the murmurs of Davis’ conversation floated down the hall.

“I’m sorry.  I know.  I’ll tell her to feel better …yes; I’m sure you will have plenty of time to enjoy time with Veronica as well…”

When she heard him pause to lower his voice, she softly padded down the hall to eavesdrop.  She lingered just outside his study in time to hear, “No, I’m not married to her anymore.  Your wife knows her, huh?  Well, I’ll be sure to pass that along.  Please tell your wife that Veronica and I will be looking forward to getting to know you both.  Okay – great.  See you in at eight. And again -  thanks for understanding.”

Davis turned around in time to see Veronica’s sour face outside his door.  He sent her a charming smile, hoping she hadn’t heard his conversation.

“They were asking about Paige?”  She pulled the sheet tighter around her and tucked it under her arm.  She narrowed her eyes and retreated to their room.

“How was I supposed to know that his wife had met her before?”  Davis defended himself. “I can’t avoid talking about her if someone else brings her up!”

She fumed in silence as Davis stepped from his boxers and into the shower. As he continued to get ready for the evening, she was even more thankful she wasn’t attending his business dinner.  The last thing she wanted was to be

compared to her holiness by another woman from across the table.  She pursed her lips, wondering how many times his ex would interrupt her life.

In record time, Davis slid his jacket on and straightened his tie.  He leaned down and softly kissed her on the forehead.

“Be good.  Don’t stress over something that doesn’t matter anymore.”  He lifted her chin to get her attention.  “I love
you
.” 

Veronica attempted to lift the corners of her mouth but wasn’t able to give him a smile.

“Ronnie,” he said, and lowered down to kiss her full lips.  “I’m with you.  I’ll be home by midnight.  See to it you’re in a better mood by then.  Give me something to come home to.”

Veronica watched as he left the room, and thought,
something to come home to.

Suddenly, she had an idea that lifted her spirits.  She reached for her phone to call her faithful sidekick.  It was time for a trip to Davis’ hometown.

Chapter 17

Sam Knight stood reviewing the family calendar wondering how he could insert another opportunity to match-make for his sister and Nick. As he looked over the next few weeks, he felt his wife lace an arm through his.

“Whatcha doing?”  Amelia almost hummed.  She slipped from his side to grab a pen and circled the following Saturday night on their calendar.  “Don’t forget about this weekend.”

“Why? What’s up?”  His brow furrowed, as he tried to recall what his wife was referring to.

She spun to grab a flyer from the countertop.  “I told you about it.  I swear … you never remember anything. Remember the youth group fall festival?”

Sam looked over the piece of paper she’d placed in his hands, as a distant conversation they’d had rang a bell.

“I volunteered us to chaperone?”  Her eyes urged him to remember.

“Oh, yeah.  Sorry, I’ve had other things on my mind.”  Sam shrugged.

“Like match-making?”  Amelia snickered. 

“No, I would never interfere in Paige’s life.”

“Yeah, right. Since when does a Knight ever not interfere.  You guys were born meddling in each other’s lives.  Why do you think she left without looking back?”

“I know.  She was always playing referee between Maya and me, or we were always snooping into her business.  It’s what kids do.”  Sam crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter, still staring at the counter.

His wife gave him a look, but he shrugged it off. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

“Natasha filled me in the other day when I was carrying in the groceries. When I saw you lamenting over the calendar, I figured your wheels were spinning.  Once you get an idea into your head …”  She shrugged.  “For what it’s worth, they would make a great couple.”

“You think so too?”  His eyes lit up.

“I do.” She kissed him on the cheek.  “And, the church is needing a few more volunteers this weekend, so maybe you can manage to find a couple more?”

Sam’s dimples deepened. His wife was brilliant.  

“I can think of a couple of names that come to mind.”

“Good.  Your parents will be there to help too.” She reached for a bowl of sliced apples, leaving her husband to his own devices.

A few days later, Sam grinned across the barn to Paige, who waved, in return, as she put the finishing touches on the banquet tables.   She dramatically rolled her eyes for effect and laughed at his silly grin.  She had a sudden déjà vu, as it felt like yesterday when she was a teen, attending the fall festival at the Patterson’s barn.

Amelia snuck behind her and handed her a handkerchief. “Don’t forget to wear this.  All the volunteers get one.  You can wear it around your neck, in your hair, or where ever.”

Paige chuckled.  “As if my cowgirl boots and western wear isn’t enough?  I can’t believe I let Sam talk me into this.”

Amelia let out a throaty laugh and then tried to hide her amusement, knowing that Nick was only a few minutes out from arriving.

“What?”  Paige looked to her sister-in-law with confusion.

“Oh, I think you’ll enjoy it.”  Amelia watched Paige attempt at tying the red bandana around her neck.

“Yeah, more memories of my teen years with Davis in a place, where we were a couple.  You know I left Alexandria to get away from that sort of thing.  I never imagined I’d have to deal with it here too.”

“Well,”  Amelia paused as she saw Nick stride in with his daughter, Katie.  “Maybe it’s time to make new memories.”  She nodded to the doorway.

As Paige’s gaze shifted to the barn entrance, she drew in a sharp breath.  As he walked inside, it was as if the air in the room changed and every current around her was lighting her up from the outside in.

“Wow.  He looks good,” she whispered.

Nick’s tight jeans and dark T-shirt complimented his athletic frame, and the Stetson hat he wore topped the whole look off.   Truly, he embodied everything masculine, and every woman was thinking it.  She watched a few female heads turn as he stepped inside.

Suddenly, she felt very self-conscious and lifted her hand to her hair to smooth what she was sure a ratted mess by now, wondering if he knew she’d be here.

Amelia softly nudged her forward.  “Your parents should be here soon, which means we’ll have plenty of help.  Maybe you could help Katie to her a seat?”

Paige dragged her eyes away from Nick long enough to say, “Sam told me to finish putting the centerpieces out, before working the kitchen.”

Amelia gently pulled a flower from one of the centerpieces and pressed it into her hand. “Take this.  I’ll take over for you, here.  Just go …”

Nick was busy helping Katie with her coat when Paige walked up behind them.  She nudged Katie and handed her the small sunflower.

“I bet this would look beautiful in your hair.” She tucked it behind Katie’s ear and gave her a reassuring smile. 

Nick turned when he heard her voice, and felt his pulse quicken when he saw her offering such a sweet gesture to his daughter.

“Thanks.”  Katie touched the flower at her ear and shrugged.  “Does it look okay?”

“You look beautiful.”  Paige sent her an adoring look, wishing she had her own daughter to tend to.

“You do.”  Nick lightly stroked daughter’s face.  She was growing up so fast.

“As far as you …”  He sent Paige a dazzling smile.  “I almost didn’t recognize you since you weren’t in your athletic gear.”  He slowly appraised her tight jeans and raised an eyebrow.  His voice dipped low enough that only she could hear. “Nice.” 

He’d always like a girl, who could kick a hot pair of cowgirl boots. Hers were the same shade as her hair.

After the look Nick had given her, she was surprised her muddled brain could assimilate a sentence, let alone flirt back – but somehow she heard herself saying, “I could say the same thing about you.” 

“Touche.”  He laughed, wondering if she’d ever actually seen him suit up in his uniform.  “Did you ever catch any of my games?”  He asked forgetting she’d never known about his career in the NFL. 

Paige bit her lip.  “To be honest.  I didn’t know you played football until you showed up at Tight Ends that night.”

Katie’s jaw dropped.  She’d never met a woman, who didn’t know about her dad - let alone try to stroke his ego by mentioning his career.

“Where did you live all these years?  In a cave?” Katie snorted.

Nick sent his daughter a look.  “Not everyone follows sports. Some people, like Paige, are more refined.” 

Nick had to admit – a part of him was bruised that she wasn’t aware of his career throughout the years.

“I’m sorry.  I was busy …” Paige’s mind drifted to everything she missed while married and then continued, “with other things.  I wish I could have caught a game.”  Her apologetic eyes filled with sincerity.

“Hey, dad – my friend is here.  I gotta go.  Catch up with you later.”  Katie darted off with a group of kids, who’d arrived a few seconds earlier.

“Is that her date?”  Paige watched her scamper off to join a young boy with a group of kids.  She grinned, happy to be off the subject of football.

“Well, he’s a friend.  Neither had anyone else to go with so …”  Nick shrugged his shoulders.  “Trust me.  If it were a real date, I’d have brought my shotgun.”

“Oh, I’m sure.”  Both their attention wandered toward Katie and her friend, who was helping her sit at a nearby table.  Paige cleared her throat and said, “She’s a great kid.”

“She really is.”  Nick lovingly stared at his daughter, and then frowned.  “Despite everything she’s had to go through.”

Paige turned back toward him with questioning eyes, as Nick continued.

“Her mom, my ex … Let’s just say after I left my retirement – being married to a former player wasn’t her idea of the good life.  She left us and didn’t look back.”

“Oh, Nick.”  Paige laid a hand on his arm.  “I’m so sorry.”

Nick shook his head.  “Don’t be.  She had me fooled, and when the band-aid was ripped off it was rough. But, I’d rather know the truth than live a lie with someone who wasn’t really there for us.”

Paige nodded, silently commiserating.

Nick looked back toward his daughter, and rubbed his jaw, before saying, “I knew she and Katie were polar opposites, but I still thought she cared enough to be a part of her life.  I guess she didn’t plan on having a daughter, who didn’t share her passion for the finer things in life.  Katie had grown up with me on the field and shared my passion for football, but her mom, Ariana, loved fashion, makeup, and herself more than she did her daughter.” 

“Where is Ariana now?”  Paige’s heart broke for Katie.

“She’s remarried, to another NFL player.  He got traded, so they moved to California.  That area suites her better anyway.  Needless to say, I got full custody, and Ariana only reaches out on birthdays and holidays.”

“I had no idea.  I guess I’m not the only one with a nasty divorce behind me.”

“Nope.”  Nick noticed her phrasing and was about to comment on it - when he saw a stray piece of hay lodged in her loose ringlets.  He reached to pull it free, before handing it back to her.

“Oh!” She lifted her free hand to sort through her hair.  “I was sifting hay along the floor earlier this afternoon, and  Sam dumped some on my head.  I guess I didn’t get them all.”

Visions of pulling her down to embrace her in the hay played through his mind.  Something she could only describe as desire flashed through his eyes, as he stepped toward her. He was about to comment on the imagery that was flashing through his mind when he noticed Katie

from across the room. 

Her curious looks stopped him short of coming any closer, but it didn’t keep him from sending  Paige another

look from behind his draped eyelids.  And seeing the color her cheeks took on, gave him the boldness to approach the subject that had him up at nights.

Softly, he pulled a stray strand away from her face and almost whispered, “So did you mean it?”

Paige felt her face radiate and struggled to focus on his words and not how close he was standing.

“Mean what?” She blinked.

“You said ‘I guess I’m not the only one with a nasty divorce behind me’.  Do you mean it?  Is yours behind you?”  Nick grabbed for her hand.  “Mine is - and I’m ready to move forward.”

Paige licked her lips, feeling like she did when they stood in the bus tunnel all those years ago.  Except this time, Nick wasn’t holding anything back.

“It is … behind me.  And even though I never intended to - I might be ready to move on.”  She barely got out before she felt a set of arms wrap around her from behind.  She sent Nick an apologetic look for the interruption, as her mother embraced her. 

Paige turned to greet her parents, hoping the disappointment flooding through her didn’t show.  Her mother’s timing never failed.

“It’s so good to see you.”  Serena pulled her daughter in for a hug, wondering why she looked so perplexed.

As Nick quietly dropped Paige’s hand, he knew the momentum he’d been building up to was gone.  He made eye contact with Frank and reached to shake his hand in greeting.

“Good to see you, sir.”  He nodded.

“Same to you.  Is Katie here?”  Frank decided small talk was best, as it was obvious he and his wife had interrupted something private between the two of them. 

“Yes, sir.  In fact, I’d better check in with Sam to see what they need me to do.”  Nick sent a sweet look toward Paige and said, “We’ll talk soon.”

Paige shyly grinned in return, and said, “Yeah, I’m needed in the kitchen.  See you guys.” 

As the two walked in opposite directions, Serena turned to her husband with a knowing look.

“You think the two of them …”  She raised her eyebrows.

“I do.”  Frank watched Nick lean down to kiss his daughter’s cheek, before walking over to greet Sam.  He had a good feeling about this one and hoped his daughter did too.