Page 24 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

Chapter Eight

Iwas glad I had the entire weekend to get myself together, away from Kristoff. If I didn’t need the money and the job so bad, I would have quit right then and there. Saturday morning, I took my girls hiking to our favorite spot and after six hours of hiking through the woods of the Appalachian trail, we all felt tired but good and happy.

Seeing my kids’ ruffled hair, rosy cheeks, and smiles across their faces, I decided we should have an early lunch out.

“So how about we celebrate Mommy’s new job, and my first paycheck at the new company, by buying lunch?”

“Yeah,” they all agreed as one.

“Where are we going to go?” Sienna asked.

“Let’s swing by D.C. and we’ll see what catches our eye. We’ll park in Georgetown,” I suggested and while ideas were being thrown around, I drove down Route 270 towards D.C.

Thirty minutes later, we were walking around little streets in Georgetown, scouting for the best lunch place. The weather was beautiful, and all of us were in a great mood. We spotted a bistro with outside seating and decided on it.

“Ok,” I said. “Let’s go for this one with outside seating. We can enjoy the weather and good food.”

Saoirse started jumping since she hated being inside. She ran left and right.

“Saoirse, love, please pay attention where you are walking. Stay close to me or Sienna.” I looked down to my youngest that was pulling my sleeve to make me listen to what she wanted to say, and when I looked back up, Saoirse hammered right into an elderly lady dressed all in elegance.

“Awww, I’m so sorry,” I apologized to the lady. “Saoirse, take your sister’s hand and settle down. Now what do you say to the lady?”

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled in a voice that did not sound like she was sorry at all. Then she began talking like she’d known the woman all her life. “We are going out for lunch. And we are going to sit outside.”

The elderly woman smiled at Saoirse. I couldn’t blame her; most people found Saoirse’s enthusiasm contagious.

“Gemma,” I heard a familiar voice call, and I froze. Turning around slowly toward the voice, I met Kristoff’s gaze. How could it be that my luck sucked so much that I had to run into him out of all the people on this planet?

He was so much taller than me; it felt like he was towering over me.

“Hi, I’m Saoirse,” my daughter said to him.

I looked at my daughter, while holding the hand of my youngest, and absently I said as I did million times before. “Saoirse, remember what we said about talking to strangers.”

“He’s not a stranger,” she chippered. “He knows my name. And he knows your name, Mommy.”

“That’s because you just told him,” Sienna was more than happy to butt in. “C’mon, Mom. I’m hungry.”

I looked back at Kristoff and felt a little ache in my chest. I was counting on not seeing him at least till Monday. I was not mentally prepared for this.

“Hello,” I said to him. Because what else can you say to a boss who gave you the best orgasm of your life just the day before.

“You know each other?” the elderly woman asked.

It was Kristoff that answered, “Yes, Mother. This is Genevieve Rose.”

I reached my hand to the woman. “Hello, nice to meet you. I actually work for your son.”

Kristoff’s mother was about my height. Her silver gray hair was an elegant short hairstyle. I couldn’t see any resemblance of her in Kristoff. Her eyes were warm and kind, the color of deep brown. She was thin and looked fragile; although, I got the sense that she was a very strong woman.

“Nice to meet you too, my dear.” Her voice was gentle, and she smiled wide while she talked. “Your children?”

“Yes,” I said proudly. “These are my daughters. Sienna is my oldest.” Then I pointed to my younger two smiling. “Saoirse, you already know since she can’t resist telling everyone her name. And this is Sierra, my youngest one.”

Saoirse pulled on Kristoff’s arm, and I cringed. He actually kneeled down so they would be eye to eye. “Yes?”

“My mommy is taking us out to lunch,” she rumbled looking at Kristoff and his mother. “Want to come? She got a new job.” I guess my Saoirse thought that explained it all.

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