Second Chances Read Online Free

after exiting her car. “Is that you?”
    “Who’s that?” Skylar mumbled under her breath.
    “Someone from one of the many committees I used to be on.”  Paige half waved, in greeting.  “Hi.”
    The woman gave Paige a slow once over, and said,  “Well, I almost didn’t recognize you.  It’s been forever!  I thought surely we’d see you at the end of the year luncheon.   You used to be so active with the group.  What happened?”  The woman curiously stared down them, apparently unaware of Paige’s current status.
    Paige took a deep breath and prepared to recant the response she’d given so many others in the prior weeks.
    “Davis and I are divorced. I kind of cut ties with all things that related to him or his work.”  She grimaced awkwardly.  “I’m sorry.”
    “Oh! It’s okay.  I just thought you’d gotten sick or something.  I’m glad you’re okay.  Other than …” She stopped short of saying the word.  “Well, I’m sorry.  You know you’re welcome anytime.  We could do lunch?  I’ll call you.”
    “Yeah. I look forward to it.”  She smiled and turned back to Skylar with a look.
    “I will.”  The woman hurried inside.
    “That’ll never happen.”  Paige pursed her lips.
    “She could call.” Skylar laughed.  “Don’t be such a pessimist.”
    “I’m sorry.  It’s just been par for the course.  Anyone in Davis’ circle …” Paige shrugged.  “Let’s just say that when they find out we’re not together – the divide has become more apparent between them and me.”
    “Well – you aren’t getting rid of me.”  Skylar gently laid a hand on her arm.
    At that moment, the barista arrived with their drinks.
    “Your iced latte.  And this for you.” He gently set down Skylar’s drink and twisted it so that the writing was facing her.
    “Thank you.”  She grinned up at him.
    “Anytime.”  He raised his eyebrow before returning inside.
    As Paige was about to take a sip of her chai, she glanced down to her cup, where the word ‘Page’ was written across the top.
    “He may be cute, but he can’t spell.”  She laughed.
    “Oh, he’s smarter than you think.”  Skylar bit her lip and turned her cup to show the phone number, neatly printed across the top.
    Paige let out a belly laugh.  “You’ve got to be kidding me?” 
    Skylar raised her eyebrow and said, “Apparently he likes cougars.”
    “Apparently!”  As she finally took a sip, she was thankful that he, at least, got her order right.
    “Come on.  Come out with me this weekend.  Let loose.”
    Paige contemplated it.  Although done with relationships, maybe it was time to boost her confidence. Why was she pining away for her ex anyway? After all, not only did he not know who she really was – but he didn’t care.  So why should she?
    “Okay.”
    And with one word, she felt hope once more.

Chapter 3
     
                   Paige woke up with a pounding head and groaned as the sounds of chirping birds filtered into her room from outside.  She slowly lifted her arm to bring the shades down, hoping it would muffle the sounds.
                  What was I thinking?   She softly cradled her head, as her stomach started swirling once more.  Gently, she rolled onto her side and breathed slowly through her nose.
                  Don’t throw up.  Don’t throw up.             
                  As she was fighting the urge, a shrill chirp sounded next to her head.  For a minute, she thought the birds outside her window were accosting her pounding headache taking her pain to another level, but by the third shrill – she realized it was her cell.
                  She covered her head with a pillow, fumbled for the phone by her bed, and knocked it off the nightstand. By the time she retrieved it – it had gone to voicemail only to start ringing again.  She saw her sister’s smiling face light up her Smartphone, and