Page 56 of A Second Chance

Rebecca studied Jason, then she spoke to him like he was a kindergartener. “You know, you should give Gwen the opportunity to decide for herself.” She paused and took a deep breath as if deciding whether or not to continue. “She’s intelligent, and her reaction may surprise you. You believing she wouldn’t take a chance on you says more about what you think you’re worth than her opinion. Everyone is a chance, there are no sure bets.” She rubbed Weasel’s hand.

Jason grinned and nodded at Weasel. “He’s a sure bet for you.”

“It took me a while to see it,” she replied. “But he also has a dangerous job and has been shot. He’s worth the chance.”

Twenty

Gwen threw herself into her work. The weeks leading up to winter and the Christmas holiday season were always busy. She stockpiled designs through the year so she would have enough to display while she worked on custom orders. One of her favorite things about the job at Llewellyn’s was the freedom to create, and she enjoyed bringing people happiness when she made a piece ordered for a loved one.

She reconnected with Weasel when he’d come into the store and placed a custom order of a butterfly necklace. The gift he ordered turned out to be for Rebecca. He’d been nervous about getting the right piece, and had a clear image in mind of what he wanted. She could tell he loved her very much. He’d insisted on a green stone for the butterfly and she learned later when she met Rebecca that it matched her eyes. And the color looked good on her. She met Rebecca in the hospital after Weasel’s shooting and introduced herself to the rest of their friend group. She hadn’t initially realized who Autumn was and by the time she figured it out, they had made friendships.

On one hand, she wanted to tell herself that forming a friendship with Autumn and the rest of them and letting Jason into her life were mistakes. But, deep down, she didn’t buy it. The injury he suffered had affected him and changed his life beyond recognition, that much was obvious. It might not be fair of her to press him on the matter. But when the town called the guy you thought you might be in love with crazy, well, wasn’t that worth investigating? Did she not deserve the truth?

Gwen wasn’t all that experienced with relationships, and Jason had already broken her heart once. And she’d somehow given him the power to break it again. How did that happen? A boyish, charming smile and a tongue that did deliciously naughty things to her were not the basis of a healthy relationship. A group text came through from Autumn four days ago now that he’d gotten an apartment and everyone gathered to help him move. The Oaks, apartment 110, the text read. A barrage of texts answered offering a wide variety of extra household items up for grabs if he needed. She didn’t respond.

The shop had been closed for around three hours and she was the last one still there, at her workstation, bathed in lamp light. Sighing, she packed up for the night. She didn’t have a clue what she should do about Jason. It seemed she had two choices: let it go and hope he’d eventually tell her, or move on. At this point, he might not want her anymore. She may be out of options for this situation.

Gwen crossed the town square to The Enchanted Path, where Avery worked. The bell chimed when she pushed through the door and the familiar scents of sage blended with a variety of incense, herbs, candles, and oils that filled the shop.

“We’re closing soon, so let me know if you need any—” Avery called until she noticed it was Gwen. “Oh, hey,” she cocked her head sideways staring. “You look like shit.”

“Gee, thanks,” she retorted. “I can always count on my loving sister.”

“Always,” Avery grinned. “Rough day?”

“Rough… whole week.”

“Wanna talk?” Avery crossed the store and slid the door lock into place and rotated to the “open” sign to the “closed” side.

“I think you’ve still got like five minutes.”

“My watch says its closing time.” Avery wasn’t wearing a watch. “So, what’s going on?”

Gwen wandered around, stopping in front of the essential oils, she read off the labels, then sighed. “Jason won’t tell me something, and I’m trying to decide if I should let it go. Maybe I’m wrong here… I asked him to explain what happened surrounding the rumors.”

Avery stared at her for a beat, then turning, she moved around the store and returned handing over a small yellow candle and a yellow stone with white swirls. “Burn the candle while meditating on your problem and hold the citrine.” Gwen stared at her for a beat. “Yellow is good for clarity,” she explained.

“Thanks,” Gwen said. “Do you want a ride home?”

“I have to count the money first.”

Gwen waited for Avery to finish closing up and turned over the citrine stone in her hand. Pondering the situation, she rubbed the smooth yellow stone. What should she do about Jason? Then again, she had no clue to his thoughts on the matter because neither of them were speaking to each other, like adults.

“Do you think I’m wrong for wanting him to explain?” she asked as Avery locked up the shop.

Avery shrugged. “You have to decide what you’re willing to live with,” she said, dropping the keys into her canvas bag. They got into Gwen’s old car. “Are you okay with never knowing?”

“I’m not sure I am. But, do I let him go on the chance he never tells me what happened when he left town?”

“Ultimately, it’s his to tell,” Avery said.

“Yeah.” She knew that too. Gwen parked in their driveway. “Edgar standing in our yard, yelling at him and saying he was unstable just got to me.”

“Edgar’s an old drunk who shouldn’t be messing with anyone’s electricity anymore. It’s about time someone else moved in and took over,” Avery said, sliding from the car. “Please don’t form your opinion based on that.”

“Well, I already picked the fight,” Gwen called over the car.

“Then apologize.” Avery walked toward the house; Gwen followed.

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