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Chantelle’s lungs expanded to their fullest through deep, satisfied breaths.
Lance gestured between the two of them. “I hate to break up the reunion, but—”
“Don’t mind me. You two go ahead.” Sadie hugged Chantelle once more. “Great seeing you.”
“You too.” Then Chantelle followed Lance into the hallway. She licked her lips and exhaled. She wouldn’t allow the burning sensation in her stomach to ruin her day. “So... why here? Don’t tell me you volunteer here?” She watched Lance pin a flyer to the bulletin board.
“Why? A business man can’t volunteer?” He chuckled. “No, seriously. I want the public to be aware of this place. Some of these kids have nowhere else to go.”
Chantelle pulled her phone from her purse and opened her notes app. Her mouth quirked with a smile. Sadie was right. He wouldn’t tell her all he had done for the center. “I knew about your charities, but I didn’t know you were this involved.”
“Follow me.”
She did, their shoes squeaking on the floor. “How long have you been volunteering here?”
“A few years. I did some pro bono work. I guess... I got attached to this place.”
“Lots of kids come here?”
Lance shrugged. “Sometimes. We get more in the summer months. My schedule gets hectic, but I make time for them.”
“What all do you do here?”
“Tutoring during the summer months. Lately, I’ve been helping with the sports program. They finally have an indoor court, but some kids prefer the outside, especially for basketball.” He opened the door for her, and they stepped outside to the metal fenced-in basketball court.
Chantelle watched the kids run up and down the court. They had to be no younger than ten years old. The tallest kid looked older, at least sixteen years old. Chantelle’s eyes narrowed on one boy dribbling the ball. He had to be the point guard. He looked at least ten years old, but he had skills. She asked Lance, “Do you know him? The one with the ball?”
Lance bobbed his head. “That’s Zane. Smart kid.”
“You’ve tutored him?” She typed her notes.
“A few times. His brain is like a sponge and he remembers everything he learns.”
The sensation of Chantelle’s heart being heavy amplified. Watching the young boys, she couldn’t help but wonder. If only life had been fair.
“Chantelle?” Lance touched her arm.
/> She was fine. She only needed to be alone. “I think I have enough notes to include in the article.” She backed away from him.
Lance looked at the kids and then back at her. He bit his bottom lip as if realizing her discomfort. “Chantelle, I didn’t mean—”
She raised a hand to stop him. “Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.”
“I don’t think you are.”
“I am.” She didn’t intend to sound rude, but she didn’t want to talk about it. Not with him. “I’ll see you later.”
***
The following day Chantelle stood inside the floral shop, waiting for her appointment with Lance. She inhaled fresh flowers and greenery, while feeling the powdery smoothness of a rose petal. She spotted the staging area for creating arrangements such as spools of ribbon, lace and wire, green florist tape, flower wrap, along with crystal vases, and spray glitter. A small rack of blank cards weren’t too far behind for those that wanted to personalize their flowers with notes.
She checked her phone for the time. Meetings swamped Lance’s mornings and lunch time was best for this week. Where was he?
The simple question carried so much weight. Where was he ten years ago? Chantelle shook her head. He could have called her. He didn’t. He could have come after her. No. He stayed away.
Getting accepted into the University of Houston had been a dream for Chantelle, but she couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to Lance—no matter how angry she was at him.
Knocking on the mansion door, Glenda, the family cook had answered the door.
