A Second Chance Read Online Free Page A

before his eyes as he walked out the door.
    * * * *
    Before Christine finished setting the coffeepot, Tony came home, a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He kissed her cheek.
    So much for time alone.
    Christine made dinner while Tony freshened up, just the way they used to. Throughout dinner, he talked about his practice, bringing her up to date on his newest equipment and conferences he attended. She half listened, her mind elsewhere, wondering what Steven was doing.
    After dinner, she cleared the table, loaded the dishwasher, and dished out strawberry shortcake for dessert. Tony turned on the television and plopped on the couch as if there hadn’t been a two-year separation.
    Guilt overcame her as she remembered buying the strawberries with Steven. Shaking her head she tried to erase the memory. Steven had planned an exotic dessert for them.
    Setting her dish on the table, she handed Tony his. He took it, set it aside, and pulled her down next to him, nuzzling her neck.
    She pushed him away, fighting an urge to run out the door. She couldn’t do this. Not yet, she needed time. Surprisingly, Tony seemed to understand, and they spent the evening watching television. At bedtime, he got up and went to the guestroom. Stopping at the door, he kissed her goodnight, a comfortable familiar kiss, not passionate like Steven’s.
    The next morning, after a sleepless night, Christine realized Tony monopolized the conversation, controlled the remote for the television, and ignored everything about her life. He wasn’t interested in what she had to say. Compared to the evenings spent with Steven, Tony’s self-centered conversation bored her.
    Tony came into the kitchen, whistling and acting like his normal happy self. Typical of Tony, he leaned forward for a kiss and waited for her to pour his coffee. She turned away.
    “Take your stuff with you when you leave. I don’t want you back.” She grabbed her jacket, picked up her purse and car keys, and left, not giving him a chance to respond. What a great feeling, like someone lifted a load off her shoulders. She got into her car and went next door to pick up Jenna and Richard.
    “Uncle Steven left.” Jenna sounded angry as she got into the car.
    Left? Panic set in. How could he leave, where did he go? He could have given her time. She had to find him, set things right. She pulled into the parking lot at school and parked the car.
    “Where did he go?” Christine hoped her voice sounded normal.
    “I don’t know, I think he said something about a hotel.” Jenna grabbed her bag, got out of the car and slammed the door.
    “The Hilton Hotel.” Richard smiled at her. “I listen better than Jenna.”
    Christine hugged them both and hurried into the office.
    “Can you handle things here? I have to find Steven.”
    Kelly looked up and smiled. “Yes! Go! Take all the time you need.”
     
     

Chapter Five
     
    Christine sped to the hotel, praying she could find Steven. What a fool to even consider taking Tony back. She pulled into the parking lot, sprang from the car, ran inside, and asked for his room number.
    The young clerk looked up from her computer. “I’m sorry, whose room number?”
    “Payton, Steven Payton.” Christine tapped her fingers on the counter while she waited.
    “Oh yes, here it is. Stephen Payton, room 515. Would you like me to call him?”
    “Uh...oh, no that’s okay. He’s expecting me,” she lied.
    Hurrying to the elevator, she bumped into an older gentleman. “Excuse me. I’m sorry.” Lord, she had to calm down. The elevator doors opened, and two women stepped out. Christine got on and pushed the button for five before they had their luggage out.
    Finally, she stood outside the room, took a deep breath. Please be here.
    She knocked. What if he didn’t want her? What if she just imagined his feelings for her? He’d never told her he loved her. For half a second, she almost left.
    Steven opened the door and stared at her, surprise on his face and in