Page 56 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

He took her hand and shook it. “Sienna, this is Jack.” I introduced the two. “He is your age.”

Jack smiled at Sienna. “Sure, I would love to play. Although I’m not good at volleyball.”

Saoirse gave him a big smile. “That’s ok, Jack. We’ll help you… I like you. My dad’s name is Jack too.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him away along with Sienna and Sierra.

“Where is their dad?” asked Jacqueline and I was surprised by the question.

“My husband passed away,” I answered shortly, not wanting to go into it. I felt Kristoff’s arm around me hug me tighter.

“And where did Kristoff find you?” Jacqueline’s voice was cold.

“Looks like your girls took Jack under their wing,” Jonathan jumped in switching the subject and I was grateful for it, regardless if it was intentional or not. I glanced over seeing them all laugh together.

“Excuse us.” Kristoff finally spoke and we went over to the seating area. When we sat down, he asked me, “You ok?”

I smiled at him. “Yes, I am. How about you?”

He leaned into my ear and whispered, “Never better.” He then kissed my neck and instinctively I wanted to tilt my head to allow him better access.

“Kristoff,” I whispered breathlessly. “People will see.”

He didn’t answer, but kissed my neck one more time. Then more people joined our seating area, and conversation started about everything and nothing. The kids were playing nicely, enjoying themselves, and I relaxed next to Kristoff. It somehow felt right to be here with him. I asked about his trip, and he asked about my hike, and we were lost in our conversation when Rick, Betty’s husband, came and sat next to me, opposite of Kristoff.

“Hey, beautiful,” he greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.

“Hey Rick,” I answered. “Good job with the party. Turned out great.”

“Ah, Betty did most of it,” he answered.

“Okay, she did a great job then,” I chuckled. “So you invited people from work to the party too? I ran into Jonathan.”

“Yes, he’s a great guy,” Rick answered. “He’s the only one I invited. Betty doesn’t know him so I guess he is my guest. Although I didn’t know his wife was going to accompany him. Usually it is just him and his son,“ he elaborated, and then added glancing over his shoulder. “She is a piece of work. Crazy if you ask me.”

I realized Rick didn’t know that Jacqueline was Kristoff’s ex-wife. It is indeed a small world.

“Rick, not sure if you met Kristoff,” I changed the subject and introduced the two men. “Kristoff Baldwin is my boss.”

Rick and Kristoff shook hands. Rick glanced at me and then him. “Did you come together?”

“Ah, no,” I answered quickly. Rick glanced at Kristoff’s arm around my chair that gave the impression of me hanging out with my date rather than my boss, and he looked back at me with a slightly raised eyebrow. But to his credit, he did not say anything. Kristoff, on the other hand, had looked slightly irritated at Rick. He made no effort to be friendly or nice to Rick.

What is his beef with Rick?I thought to myself. I glanced between two men looking for clues but saw none. I loved Rick, he has been with me through many good times and many hard times. He and Betty were the closest to the family I had.

Betty strolled down the lawn with a glass of wine in one hand, smiling happily, and joined her husband and us. She was all bubbly, teasing her husband with smooch on his cheek, her movements slightly clumsy, spilling drops of wine down her shirt.

“Let’s slow down on the alcohol,” Rick grudgingly said.

“Don’t be a party pooper, husband,” she spat back happily. Nothing and nobody was going to ruin her time. Betty had that look on her face I knew so well. She had decided to have a good time, and nobody was going to stop her. “Right, Gemma?” she added trying to drag me into it.

“Party is certainly hopping,” I answered vaguely, not wanting to be part of their disagreements. I glanced at my children to confirm they were alright. My little ones were playing with Betty’s little ones, being used to each other’s company since the time they were born. Sienna, on the other hand, was hanging out with Jack and a few other teenagers playing volleyball.

“I’m so happy you came, Gemma,” she said smiling happily. Rick pulled up a chair for her, and they both sat down. Betty was playfully gazing her fingers along his biceps, and he looked uncomfortable.

“Me too,” I answered, with a little smile on my lips. For some reason, I found it comical watching those two today. Rick gave me a look and rolled his eyes, and I had to contain myself from laughing out loud.

Betty took another big gulp of her drink. “Betty, want me to bring you a plate of food?” I asked her with a concern. If she kept this up, she’ll be drunk before they even bring out the cake.

“No, thanks. I’m not hungry,” she waved her hand and another few droplets of wine spilled. Rick gently took the glass out of her hand and sat it on the table next to him.

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