Page 6 of Just Another Chance

Which means we’ll probably speak next year. “Thanks for the lunch,” I say and begin to turn around.

“Oh, and Tanner,” he says.

I pause and turn, eyebrow arching.

“You’re 30,” he says, a cagey smile on his face.

“I’m actually 31,” I correct him with a knowing smile of my own. “My birthday was last week. But good guess.”

I see his face fall as I turn and leave.

3

ADDIE

Tanner texts me that he’s going to be over later than he originally planned, but he doesn’t give me any reasons. I’m not overly concerned because I trust him completely. With some time to kill, I decide to go over to my mom’s house and make sure everything is okay. I’m tempted to tell her about the baby, but I’m going to wait and tell Tanner first. I’m really hoping that Randy isn’t around, but my stepdad always seems to pop up when I’m trying to avoid him.

My mom still lives in the small house in South Grove where I grew up– when my dad was still alive, and times were happier. I know losing him nearly broke her and that hurts my heart. I don’t think she ever got over his death. They were soulmates and possessed that beautiful, special relationship that Tanner and I have. I never understood when I was young, but now it couldn’t be any clearer.

You don’t ever get over losing the love of your life.

My mom may have remarried, but she’s never looked at Randy the way she looked at my dad. Honestly, I think she did it more for me and my sister than herself. She wanted us to have a father figure in our lives, but the sad truth is Randy is a terrible example. I suppose he wasn’t always so bad, but over the years, he’s gotten worse and worse.

I arrive at the small suburb outside the city and nothing much has changed since I left at 18. It’s a tight knit, working class neighborhood and people know and support each other. I miss that feeling because it’s pretty much non-existent in the city. I don’t even know my neighbor’s name and I’ve lived next door to him for five years.

But here in South Grove, neighbors look after each other. That makes me feel better because I’m not thrilled that my mom is still with Randy. I had hoped the two of them would’ve divorced, but nope. Maybe she just doesn’t want to be alone. I don’t know, but Randy Walker is not a good man for her.

I let myself in with my key and spot my mom sitting in her recliner in the living room watching a game show. She’s been having some health issues and I’m trying to talk her into retiring early, but so far, she’s only agreed to a leave of absence. The doctors can’t seem to pinpoint the exact cause of her not feeling well, but after dealing with Randy for so many years, I can pretty much guarantee he’s a huge part of her stress, anxiety and unhappiness.

Or maybe it’s just a broken heart that never fully healed.

“Hi, Mom,” I say and wander over to kiss her cheek.

“Hi, sweetheart,” she says with a tired smile. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Oh, you know,” she says and waves a dismissive hand. “Getting older every day. It’s definitely no picnic.”

“When’s your next doctor’s appointment?” I ask and sit down in the chair beside her.

“Next week.”

She looks a little pale and shaky. So, of course, I’m concerned. “Have you eaten today?”

“A few crackers. I don’t have much of an appetite.”

With a frown, I stand up and head into the kitchen. I throw the fridge open, and I’m not surprised to see beer and a crusty-looking pizza box. That’s it.Fucking Randy.I slam it shut and turn my attention to the cupboards. I find a can of soup and pluck it out. “I’m going to make you some dinner, okay?”

“Are you sure? I don’t think we have much left after Randy’s friends came over last night for poker.”

Rolling my eyes, I find the can opener and crank the top off. After pouring the vegetable soup into a pan, I turn the stove on and adjust the flame. Of course, Randy and his disgusting friends wouldn’t touch a can of veggie soup. They are a bunch of carnivores and usually either cook up some fat steaks on the grill or order a bunch of greasy pizzas covered in meat. My mom doesn’t eat much meat anymore since it upsets her stomach, but I’m sure Randy doesn’t care.

“I’m going to go to the grocery store tomorrow so write up a list of what you need, okay?”

“Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Randy is stopping after work.”

Work?I poke my head back in the living room. “Where’s he working now?” I ask in a dry voice. He’s not very good at holding a job down for more than a few months.

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