Page 12 of A Second Chance Christmas Kiss

They all took turns giving me some type of jab and then fell into peals of laughter. Of course I was an easy target, being that the woman I loved and tried to talk into marrying me, in a church, right before she married someone else, didn’t help either.

Finally, Sebastian lifted his hand, signaling a cease-fire. “All right, bro, we will quit teasing you. If you tell us your action plan for getting this woman back.”

I sighed. “I don't have any plan.”

Liam looked dumbfounded. “Maybe this is a time to talk about the fact that the Deltas are better than the Navy SEALS. Because I'm pretty sure I would already have a plan.”

“Absolutely,” said Donovan.

Grandmother stood. “You can all discuss this while you take me and Hazel to the movie tonight.”

Sebastian nodded. “The town movie? Let’s go!”

I wasn't sure I wanted to take these guys to the movie and be grilled about my ex and deal with their antics, but I couldn't let Grandmother down. I laughed. “Let's go.”

Chapter Five

Melody

As I closed the shop, I was tired but happy. I didn’t have any more college classes until after the new year, and Mandy had taken a couple weeks off. The store had been busy today, which was good for sales but tricky for just one person to handle.

I was closing the cash register when there was a knock at the door, which I’d already locked. I turned and saw Gretchen. I was never too tired for my best friend. I was tremendously grateful for her acceptance and friendship since I’d moved back.

“Are you going to the movie tonight?” she asked when I opened the door for her.

“I don’t think so. It’s been a long day.”

She threw up her hands. “It starts in an hour. Get your blankets and your chair and come with us.”

I shook my head as I returned to the cash register. “No, you enjoy it with your family.” It was one thing to go with my friend; it was another to be pitied by her and her family. Even though I adored all of them.

She stood across from me, glowering. “I made extra hot chocolate for you.”

I smiled and put my hand over hers. “You’re a good friend, Gretchen. I couldn’t have survived the last few months without you. But going to a place where there’s a lot of families at Christmastime just feels wrong right now. Just let me deal with my grief in my own way.” We’d had a lot of talks about grief and divorce.

She nodded. “Fine. You’re coming with us to the gala, right? I already told Kent to save a seat for you at the table. Plus, there will be eligible men.”

My mind immediately flashed to Charles. “No.”

She gave me a look that I’d known since elementary school. If I didn’t come, she would pick me up and drag me off with them. “I’ll back down on the movie, but you’re coming to the charity event. It’s Wednesday, Christmas Eve.” She turned on her heel and moved toward the door. “You might want to follow me and lock the door behind me. There are lots of tourists walking toward the park.”

I followed, and we shared a hug.

“The event is on Wednesday at seven. I’ll pick you up at six-thirty. Okay?”

I scowled at her. “Fine, but I’ll meet you there. I don’t want to be stuck there all night.”

An immediate smile lifted her face. “Good. Wear that cute silver dress I saw in your closet the other day. It’s perfect.”

Gretchen had been up in the apartment with me, and we’d been going through my clothes, sorting them by whether they still fit me. She’d spotted it and loved it.

I acquiesced. “Deal.”

She threw open the store door and walked down the steps, waving. “Okay, bye.”

“Bye.”

I watched the stream of the tourists walking toward the park, carrying their chairs, blankets, and thermals of hot chocolate.

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