Page 10 of Second Chance

I did not have paprika colored hair! And if I’m a spice, what are you, Mr. Salt and Pepper? My lips curl in a knowing smile. When I was younger, my hair was rust-colored at best. With aging, it’s lightened, and coloring helps. Also, he might have called me gorgeous, but I’ve seen him. He’s aged well—very well.

Ha ha, he replies.

My shoulders relax. I didn’t even realize how tense I’d grown typing to him, but his canned laughter eases me.

So, old BRHS? Wow, what’s it been, twenty years?

Twenty-seven actually. There’s a reunion this fall during the football season.

I don’t know why I tell him this. It’s only a reminder of how long it’s been. I doubt he’d show. Twenty-seven isn’t a milestone, but our twenty-fifth was canceled due to bad weather. Year twenty-six wasn’t necessary with the death of Chris. Everyone returned home, except Denton. A high school reunion doesn’t seem like his thing. I’d like to skip it myself, but I promised Cora I’d go.

A reunion? Whoa. I bet that would be interesting.

Thinking of attending? I don’t know why I ask.

Are you inviting me? My brows twitch. What is he asking? I’ll bite, I decide. He won’t return anyway.

And if I were?

I’d be there.

My mouth falls open. He’s kidding me; he has to be. Denton Chance would not come back to Blue Ridge for a high school reunion, let alone me. He has never returned.

It’s not like it’s a car ride away. I tease.

Stranger things have happened. Cryptic, but I let it go. It’s almost midnight here, and I need to get to bed. I wish I could say get to sleep, but considering I didn’t sleep last night, I’m doubtful peace will visit me tonight. I’m about to type goodnight when the bubbles appear again.

Can I ask you something?

Before I can answer, a second question appears.

Ever think about that kiss? Ever tell Chris?

I stare at the words. Has he been reading my mind? Will he jump through the screen ready to punk me? I look over my shoulder in the dark office as if that’s a possibility.

No, and I’m not discussing Chris with you. I sit back in the seat, crossing my arms defiantly as the words blur on the screen. I can’t talk about Chris with Denton. Not like this.

Can I ask you something else, then?

I shake my head. I don’t want to keep talking with Denton, and I’m about to exit out the chat without a closing when another message pops up.

Are you lonely without him?

My eyes cloud again. I hate Denton, and yet I don’t. He’s hit a nerve I’ve been struggling with, especially as we crossed the one-year mark of Chris’s death. I miss Chris, but I’ve come to terms with the fact he’ll never be back. He’ll never walk through our front door. He’ll never enter our bedroom. He’ll never climb into our bed.

So, yeah, I am lonely.

Yes.

I don’t know why I offer this truth to Denton. Cora’s been telling me I’m lonely for a while, but I brush her off. I don’t want to admit my weakness to anyone. I’m not only lonely; I’m getting restless. I don’t think I can date, but I feel like I need something.

Ever ease the pain?

The question comes as if conjured from my head, and yet I don’t know what he’s asking me.

I don’t know what you mean.

You can’t be that innocent, still, lion cat. My mouth falls open as I stare at the words. He can’t…he couldn’t…he doesn’t mean what I think he means. I type the first thing that comes to mind.