Page 1 of Second Chance

1

The Letter

Dear Mati,

If you’re reading this, something has happened to me. Hopefully, it wasn’t something long and drawn out, but quick and peaceful. Baby, I’m also hoping it didn’t take you, too, although you know I’d find you in heaven if you are here with me.

So, you’ve made it to cleaning out my office, which you’ve been asking me to do for years. I never was the neat one.

Reassure the boys I’m watching over them. I have faith that the two halves of us will find their way in the world, hopefully as fathers, as fatherhood has been one of the greater joys of my life.

The greatest joy has been your love, Mati. I know you gave it to me willingly, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. We know we’ve covered all four areas. Death does not part us, but I don’t want it to stop you from living. We promised each other, young or old, whichever one of us went first, the other would continue to enjoy the gift of life. It’s an adventure. Ours has certainly hit some bumps, taken curves, and ridden steep hills, but we enjoyed the ride, right? Don’t stop now. You’re the driver, Mati. A new road awaits.

I want you to do me a favor. Just consider it before you get mad at me. (Those vows should have included in moments of conflict and peace.) Contact Denton. He was one of our best friends. He loved you as I did, only I’m the luckier man. Despite riches and fame, I won you. I had your ear and your heart and your body. You might need someone to talk to, and he could be the ear for you. I have no doubt his heart is still open to yours. As for your body, well, I’d be a selfish man, deserving hell instead of heaven, if I expected it to waste on earth without attention. We gave each other permission, in vows outside our wedding, babe. I expect you to accept them. For once, don’t argue with me.

Live life.

Love from heaven,

Chris

2

Death Does Not Become Me

[Denton]

“Mama’s dying.”

The words hang in the air. My mother. The woman I tried to protect when she didn’t protect me. The woman who never left him despite all he did to her. Eventually, it was him or me. I chose me when she didn’t.

“Denton, did you hear me?”

I nod before I remember my older sister can’t see me through the phone.

“I heard you.” I swallow the lump in my throat, torn between the emotions of love and disappointment.

“You need to come home this time.” My sister never asks me for anything. She tackled our worthless father’s death alone. She understood my reasons for not attending his funeral. She’d been a witness to all that wasn’t right, but thankfully, she was not a victim. Her plea for me to return to a place I hadn’t called home in twenty-seven years punches me in the stomach.

“It’s time, Denton. Besides, she’s alone.”

“Don’t bring Mati into this,” I groan, my mind instantly going to someone who should no longer hold me back, but Dolores is quick to correct me.

“Not Mati,” she huffs. “Mom.”

I curse my thoughts.

Mom, not Mati. Not Mati Harrington.

Lion-red hair, body like an hourglass, scented like a pomegranate, Mati. Of course, Mati isn’t really alone. She got the man of her dreams, the children she wanted, and a house in the hills. I’m the one alone all these years later.

I scrub a hand down my face and flinch when cool fingers touch my lower back.

“Everything all right?” The feminine voice behind me forces my eyes to close. How did I get here? Not literally—too much scotch landed me in this bed—but in this position of nights with meaningless sex filled with women who mean even less to me. I shake my head and stand from the edge of the bed, ignoring last night’s too-easy conquest.

“How long?” I ask Dolores, as I pace to the window overlooking the Los Angeles skyline. This place holds the dreams of my lost soul. This is my playground. This city is my home.

I don’t know if I can go back after all the time that’s passed.