Page 81 of A Me and Him Thing
Second chances are my favorite thing in the entire world. Without them, I’d be lost and alone. Surely everyone, at some point, must have a need for a second chance in their life. I can’t be the only one.
Quinn drives her car to 5201 Beachcomber Lane, and I follow. She invites me in, but I decline. Too many painful memories. I love that they’re both willing to let me see the girls anytime, though.
“The girls are ready. Let me grab their coats and we’ll go. Do you want to walk or drive?”
It’s a rare sunny day in January. It’s chilly with a soft sea breeze, but it’s beautiful out. “You’re walking for two. Your choice.”
“I feel like taking a walk. Sound good?” Quinn smiles.
“Let’s do it.”
While I’m waiting for Quinn and the girls, I frown at my thousand-dollar Gucci slingback pumps. They’re not great for long walks, and they’re horrible for the park. I wrap my eight-hundred-dollar Ralph Lauren trench coat around myself, knowing I will at least be warm.
I have a shopping problem. Ren calls me bougee. It’s true.
I should’ve worn my Josie and Jordyn clothes—leggings, a sweatshirt, and sturdy tennis shoes. I didn’t know I would have time with them today. Again, I’m thankful both Quinn and Sawyer are willing to let me see the girls. They have every right to deny me.
Josie and Jordyn come running out of the house, bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves. They can move and bend their arms. The memory of how I bundled them up makes me cringe—and laugh at myself. I didn’t know what I was doing. But we survived.
“Beezy,” they both holler, then give me the tightest hugs their tiny bodies can manage.
I close my eyes and soak up their love. I think caring for them was the best thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. It’s the only reason Quinn is so willing to forgive me. I know that without a doubt.
“Let’s do this,” Quinn says as she waddles down the sidewalk. Even with Josie and Jordyn present, Quinn wins the cuteness award today.
Once at the park, Quinn and I sit on a park bench and watch the girls play. They’re old enough to play on their own now. It sure makes the park a much more relaxing event.
“So what’s a grand gesture?” I ask. “I don’t know what to do.” I’m clueless.
“What’s something Ren loves? Tickets to a sporting event? A favorite restaurant? A concert? Plan a night just for him. While you’re together, explain how you feel. Let him know you’re willing to wait for him.”
“I guess I could do that. If he’ll speak to me.” I might’ve lost my chance with Ren.
“If he loves you, he will.”
“I’ve been visiting Ren’s wife. I’m not sure if Ren knows, but I’d be surprised if the hospital kept it from him. I’m sure that violates some law. But my name hasn’t been removed from the allowed visitor list, so my guess is he doesn’t mind. It’s weird, but she seems to like me, as if we have some sort of connection. I’ve told her everything. I swear it seems like she understands me. But that can’t be possible.”
“That’s so sweet, Bree.”
I shrug. “It doesn’t make me good. I have selfish motives. I’m just curious about Ren’s first love.”
“That’s called being human. Stop knocking yourself down.”
Josie runs our way. “Play ball now?”
“Sure,” Quinn says, pulling two kid’s balls out of the large bag she’s carrying with supplies for the park. Juice boxes and other snacks fill up the rest of the bag.
We move over to a large grassy field, spread out from each other, and start kicking the balls back and forth. Josie has a red ball, and Jordyn’s is yellow. Half the time, Josie and Jordyn miss, their little legs flying through the air. But they’re determined little gals. The other half of the time, they land a pretty darn good kick—at least for their ages.
I can’t help but laugh at their efforts. They’re so darn cute. Quinn and Josie grab my attention as they kick the ball back and forth, not missing a single kick for about ten rounds. I clap for them.
All of a sudden Quinn yells, “Jordyn!”
I glance to my left, realizing she’s not across from me anymore. I turn, only to see Jordyn chasing her ball just as fast as her little legs will carry her—headed straight for a side street. It’s not a busy street, but it’s a street with cars all the same.
Jordyn doesn’t show any signs of stopping. I understand Quinn’s alarm. I kick off my heels and make a mad dash after Jordyn. I strip off my trench coat, letting it fall wherever it may. It’s slowing me down. I’m so much faster than Jordyn, but she had a good head start on me. It’s my fault—I should’ve been watching her.
She’s approaching the street. Her little ball, caught in a breeze, rolls out into the street.
