The Second Time Around Read Free

from?”
    Her aunt chuckled lightly. “It’s gotten really popular around here since you left. I think tourists have discovered that by traveling just a little farther south from Rehoboth Beach they can find a small town more charming than any other resort on the east coast.”
    Brenna nodded in agreement. In the last several years several families had converted their homes into a bed and breakfast. No sky rises. Nothing commercialized. Sheraton Beach offered their visitors beautiful blue waters, friendly local merchants, and old fashioned hospitality. It was some of the things she missed most about this place.
    â€œHow did you get along today?”
    Aunt Nellie gave her a dismissive wave. “Don’t worry. I was fine. Lucy came over and made me lunch and then rolled my hair while we watched the soaps.” At fifty-five, her thick shoulder-length hair still didn’t have a strand of gray.
    Brenna crossed her ankles and smiled. It had always eased her mind to know that the small close-knit community always knew how to pull together when a resident was in need. It was one of the advantages of living in a small town. The disadvantage was that everyone knew everyone else and gossip spread fast. She could bet word had already spread of her return to Sheraton Beach.
    â€œYou see anybody in particular today?”
    â€œAnyone like who?” Brenna asked, suddenly becoming suspicious.
    Aunt Nellie shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know…like maybe Jabarie perhaps?”
    Just as she’d suspected, someone had already blabbed about him coming into the bookstore.
    â€œWho told you that?”
    Her aunt turned to her with an amused look on her face. “Gavin Holmes said Jabarie stopped in the middle of Main Street and almost caused a traffic jam when he spotted you standing in the window.”
    â€œWhat?” she cried at the ridiculous story. Mr. Holmes was practically ninety and blind in one eye. “Aunt Nellie, you don’t actually believe that do you?”
    â€œWhen it comes to you and Jabarie, yes I do.”
    At one time she would have thought the same but not anymore. She shook her head. “It was nothing like that, believe me.”
    â€œWhat did the two of you talk about?” she asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
    â€œNothing really,” Brenna said trying to sound bored. “He asked how long I was going to be here. I told him then went to help a customer.”
    Aunt Nellie’s brow arched. “You sure he didn’t ask you to dinner?”
    â€œHow did…” she paused and gave her aunt a long suspicious look. She was fishing and she wasn’t about to bite her hook. “No, he didn’t, and even if he had, I would have told him no. He had his chance five years ago and blew it.”
    Aunt Nellie looked disappointed by her response. “I really wish the two of you would take the time to talk.”
    â€œWhat’s there to talk about? He betrayed me. End of story. There is really no point in reliving that time again. Besides, I’m leaving as soon as you’re back on your feet.” With that she rose. “You need anything?”
    Her aunt gave her a long hard look then finally shook her head. “No. I’m going to sit here and watch Deal or No Deal . Why don’t you sit back down and join me?”
    â€œMaybe later,” Brenna replied with a weary sigh. “I’m going to go shower and fix myself something to eat.”
    â€œMabel brought by some fried chicken.”
    At the mention of Ms. Butler’s famous southern fried chicken, her stomach growled. “Sounds scrumptious.” With a finger wave, she moved toward the door.
    â€œBrenna?”
    She stopped and turned. “Yes, Aunt Nellie?”
    â€œI’m glad you’re here,” she said with a wink.
    Brenna couldn’t resist a smile. “So am I.”

    Showered and dressed in an oversized orange T-shirt, Brenna leaned