Page 11 of Last Second Chance

“Stalking is a crime, you know.” I said, not bothering to look directly at him.

“Did you get the hangover package?” he asked.

“Yes. Thanks for that.” I finally turned to look at him. “But how did you know I’d need one?”

He shrugged. “I knew about the wine tour, and I knowyou.I’m well-aware of your love of all kinds of white wine.”

I smiled, thinking about the way he used to tease me about drinking white wine with red meat. But just like the granola bar, the fond memory was laced with hurt. All of my memories of him were like that now.

When I remembered being happy with him, I inevitably started to wonder how long he was sleeping with Veronica on the side. Was he doing it the whole time I was falling in love with him?

“I do love wine, but just so you know, sending me a care package isn’t going to make us friends again.”

Scott shook his head with a bitter smile on his face.

“Poppy, we were never friends.Benis my friend. You’re more than that.”

I bit my lip. “You can’t say things like that.”

“How about this? I want to get back what we had together. I want to be with you again.”

Panic washed over me at those words. I knew that he wanted to talk but in the back of my mind, I always figured that he wanted to be forgiven because he felt guilty. I didn’t think I could handle the idea of getting back together with him. It sounded too good and like the worst idea ever at the same time.

“I don’t...I can’t.”

“Just hear me out,” he said, but I was already getting to my feet.

I couldn’t do this. It was too hard. Scott reached out to grab my hand and keep me in place, but I pulled back at the last second and slipped through his fingers. I didn’t look back as I walked away, my heart in my throat.

I went back to the hotel, my mind whirling with the information I’d just received. I couldn’t fathom dating Scott again. It would just be asking to get my heart broken for a second time. Once a cheater, always a cheater, right?

I stepped into the empty elevator and impatiently jabbed at the button for the eight floor. Just as the doors were closing, an arm shot out and stopped them. It was Faith.

She was carrying a garment bag with what had to be her wedding dress inside and an excited smile on her face.

“Is that your dress?” I asked, glad to have any form of distraction from Scott.

She nodded with a little squeal of excitement. “It’s all finally starting to feel real,” she said breathlessly. “I’m a bride.”

Her face was lit up with joy, and I was happy for her. Getting married to the love of her life made her one lucky woman, and I hoped she knew that. Some of us would trade places with her in a second.

“So, what are your plans for the day?” I asked as we rode up to our rooms.

“I’ve planned an outing for my family and Michael’s. It’s going to be a lot of fun and it’ll give the families a chance to bond before the wedding.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“Why don’t you come?” she suggested.

“What?” I asked, surprised. “I can’t do that.”

“Of course you could. I’m inviting you.”

“But I don’t want to intrude on family time,” I said, regretfully. It seemed like it would be a good way to avoid Scott, but I didn’t want to take advantage of Faith.

“You won’t be.” The elevator stopped and we both got out. “I know you and Summer are close. Come and hang out with her. Besides, I owe you, remember? For helping to clean up after the welcome party.”

Why was I resisting this so much? “Okay,” I finally agreed.

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