Page 15 of Last Second Chance

She had a point, but I suspected that there was more to it.

“Do you think I need a man or something?” I guessed.

I could tell by the way she broke eye contact, darting her gaze off to the side, that I was pretty close to right.

“Listen, I know it’s none of my business, and God knows that my own love life is enough of a disaster that I shouldn’t be giving anyone advice, but it seems like you’ve been...stuck ever since you and Scott broke up. I’d love to see you really excited about a relationship again.”

“You’re not wrong,” I said, giving her a small grin. “But I don’t know about a set up. You’re right, it’s time I moved on. But I just…”

Summer nodded and held up a hand. “No need to explain. Just let me know if you change your mind.”

I just wished that I could make up my mind at all.

Everyone had finished their round of golf by then, and we split off into two groups. The men were heading to the sauna while the women got their nails done.

My steps felt lighter as I headed to the salon area for girl time. A little pampering was just what I needed.

* * *

I arrived backat the hotel right on time that evening to meet Ben at the restaurant in the lobby. My fingers and toes were painted a bright pink color and I felt refreshed from spending so much time outside today. I had a light tan that brought out the small cluster of freckles on my nose. As I was led to a table, I was determined to cling to my good mood. I promised myself that I wasn’t going to argue with Ben tonight.

I felt like we’d been at odds too much lately. He was the only family I had since our parents died when I was barely eighteen years old. It had made things hard for us, but we learned to lean on each other and had a close relationship. So, being angry with him so often felt wrong.

I would just try to steer the conversation away from Scott tonight since that was the topic we weren’t seeing eye-to-eye about. There was no reason to think that we couldn’t avoid the other man for one evening.

The seat across from me was pulled out, and I glanced up from the menu I was perusing. My heart sank when I saw that Ben wasn’t joining me at all.

So much for avoiding Scott. As he sat down, accepting a menu from the hostess, I knew that this was planned. It had to be.

My body went rigid, and I contemplated revenge on my meddling brother. Forget trying to avoid fighting with Ben. I was going to lean into it now.

He was going to regret this.

“Planning Ben’s death?” Scott asked with an awkward chuckle that I didnotfind adorable.

Not at all.

“A slow and painful one,” I muttered.

I could have left. I’d been duped, so it wouldn’t even have been rude to just get up and walk out of the restaurant. Hopefully, Scott would finally get the message.

But I didn’t do that. God help me, I was getting curious about what Scott could possibly tell me that might change things. Up until today, I had been nothing but dismissive of it, but Ben’s persistence had broken down some of my walls. Why in the world would he be so determined to put me together with someone that broke my heart? It wasn’t because he was cruel or had a sick sense of humor.

I knew my brother, and he loved me. He wouldn’t do all of this without a good reason, and I didn’t buy that he was just standing by his friend because of a sense of loyalty. I decided that it was time to finally just listen to Scott. That was what Ben wanted and even if I could never trust Scott again, Ididtrust my brother.

“Are you leaving?” Scott asked, as if he could read my mind.

“No,” I said stiffly. “I’m hungry, and I’m not going to miss out on a good meal just because you’re here.”

“Really?” He looked shocked.

“Why did you come if you didn’t think I’d eat with you?”

“I don’t know...desperation, I guess.”

I couldn’t believe he was admitting to that. “Then, let’s eat. But you’re paying.”

“Of course,” he agreed immediately.

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