Page 22 of Second Chances

“Maybe after we finish eating, we can take a short walk in the park?” he suggested.

Olivia thought for a moment and then nodded. “We’d like that,” she said with a smile.

“Park!” Simona yelled jubilantly, gaining the attention of a few people around them, who either giggled or shook their heads in disappointment at the outburst.

“Simona, we’ve talked about this. Yelling in public is not okay,” Olivia said quickly.

Simona covered her mouth and nodded. “Sorry, Mommy,” she said through her fingers, but he noticed a slight giggle escape as well.

He tried not to smile, really, he did. But Simona was just so… fun.

After they finished eating, they headed out into the park and the sunshine. The playground was a hot spot today. More than a dozen kids ran around while their parents sat on the benches and watched or played with the kids themselves.

Since he wanted to see what was on Olivia’s mind, they sat on a bench under a large tree while Simona played with one of her friends, who happened to be in the park.

As with the diner, she scanned the park, returning to her daughter often.

“Want to tell me what has a worried look in your eyes?” he asked.

She sighed slightly. “I received a few text messages the other night.”

“From?”

“My ex.”

“Is that a problem?” he asked, trying not to push her, since she’d made it clear that the topic was off limits.

“Two years ago, no, it wouldn’t have been.” She glanced down at her fingers. “But now…” She sighed.

“Where has this ex been for the past two years?”

“Jail,” she answered quickly.

He tensed as his eyes flew to Simona, then around the park, to scan for danger.

“For?” he asked, turning back towards her.

Since her eyes were locked on Simona, she hadn’t seen his worry.

“It’s a long story.”

“So, now you’re worried since you’re getting text messages from an ex,” he said and she glanced at him and nodded. “One that is in jail?”

“The one that is supposed to be in jail for another three years. I found out that he was released on parole last week, thanks to good behavior,” she answered dryly.

“And you let me take you to a park?” He started to get up, but she placed a hand on his.

“Todd, it’s okay. I’ve been assured that he’s not back in town and that he had to agree to a restraining order as part of his early release. He can’t get near me.”

He relaxed slightly, picking up on the small hints that it wasn’t about Simona. That whatever her ex had done, it was about Olivia alone.

“Yet, you’re still watching who walks in the door and who is in the park?” he asked.

She sighed and relaxed back. “Old habits. When he was first locked up, I jumped at shadows.” She shrugged.

Since she was still touching his hand, he turned his wrist and locked fingers with her.

“If you two don’t want to be alone, I could use some help out at the house?” he offered. “I can download Frozen for Simona, and you can help me do some plumbing?” he asked with a smile. He had no hope that she would take him up on her offer, since it was just meant to be a joke, but she surprised him by nodding.