Love's Second Chance (Second Chances Series) Read Free Page A

larger would’ve made the loneliness seem greater. My phone buzzed, rescuing me from my thoughts. Looking down at the screen, I saw that it was my life-long friend, Jenna Perry, now Matthews, since she got married. The name on the screen read ‘Twink’ which was the nickname she had gotten in college. A few drunken nights had left us with some pretty ridiculous nicknames. Mine happened to be ‘Ducky’ and Jenna loved to use it. We met in college and had become instant friends. We kept in touch after I transferred, and saw each other often. Once she got married to Brady, they packed up and moved a couple of hours away. I missed her greatly, and wished every day that she could be here with me.
    Hearing her voice was exactly what I needed. “Hey, Twink.”
    “Where are you?” she demanded, sounding impatient and concerned. “I called your parents a few hours ago and they said you decided to come home. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    I sighed. “Because I didn’t want to bother you. I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”
    “Well, it is a big deal when I drive all the way to your house and it looks like a ghost town. You’re not here, so where are you?” she ordered again with more force in her tone. “What’s going on?”
    “Wait!” I exclaimed. “You’re in town? I didn’t know you were coming down.”
    “Yes, I came to see you, silly. Now stop dodging the question. Where are you?”
    I had hoped to keep my living situation a secret, but again it’s a secret that couldn’t be kept for too long. Sinking down into the cold leather of my stiff couch, I decided it was best to try and explain to my friend how weak I had been, and how I couldn’t handle walking into the house I shared with Carson.
    “I couldn’t do it, Twink. I thought I could go home, but I don’t think I can face it alone. I’m just not ready. I rented a condo not far from the house, so I’m going to stay here for a few months until I get back on my feet.”
    If there’s anyone I could admit my weaknesses to, it would be Jenna, but it killed me to sound so weak. I had always been the strong and stubborn female out of my friends. Always the leader, the one who took charge and wouldn’t take shit from anyone. Where was that woman, the one who was strong and fearless? How can I get her back, and how long was it going to take to feel normal again?
    “Give me your address and I’ll be right there. And just so you know, I’m staying the night because tomorrow we have big plans.” She screamed the last part in my ear, so obviously she was excited about something.
    I groaned. “What kind of plans are you talking about?” Knowing her, it could be anything.
    “I’ll tell you later, but for now we’re going to have some girl time. I’m bringing the cookie dough ice cream!” she squealed. I could just picture her now, jumping up and down with a goofy grin on that face of hers. It made it hard for me not to smile, and if anyone could get me to smile it would be her. After giving her my address, she said she would be right there and hung up. Now I wondered what those plans were for tomorrow night.
     

Chapter Four
     

     
    “What kind of party are we going to that requires me to dress like this?” I asked skeptically. Obviously amused, Jenna smiled at me, winking for emphasis.
    “Ducky, stop worrying. You look fantastic.” She grinned sweetly. I watched her as she put on the finishing touches of her makeup and fluffed her brown curls until they were perfect.
    The dress Jenna made me wear was very beautiful and worked perfectly for the weather, since it was a chilly night in March. The black sweater dress fit snugly over my slight curves, but had somewhat of an itchy feel to it that was kind of annoying. Luckily I knew I would get used to it. Jenna came behind me and placed a thick silver belt across my midsection and fastened it in the back. Groaning at her persistence, I knew it was no use to argue with her. I had argued with