Second Chances (Dreams Come True #2) Read Online Free Page B

say I blame them.”
    Leaving his side, I walked around the gallery to survey the damage. It was serious. He’d broken…practically everything. Chairs and benches were everywhere, shards of glass littered the hardwood floors, the walls were covered in what looked to be condiments, and I couldn’t even think about the art. I rubbed my forehead to stave off the headache I felt building. It had been like this with him for as long as I could remember. Suddenly I was aware of Sebastian, standing beside me.
    “What is that…blood?” He shook his head. “And if that’s blood, what’s that?” He shuddered as he stared at the thick yellow splatter.
    “Mustard.” I snickered. “The red is ketchup.” I looked at the opposite wall and burst out laughing.
    “What?” He asked lazily. “I fail to see the humor in any of this, by the way.”
    Doubled over from laughing so hard, I pointed at the wall with one hand while gasping for breath. The ridiculousness and stress of the situation had taken their toll. The sleep deprivation hadn’t helped either. “Did you think those were boogers?” I snorted and covered my face in embarrassment while Sebastian watched me, the corner of his lips twitching.
    “I guess I didn’t give it much thought.” He rubbed at the sides of his mouth.
    “Can’t…breathe…”
    Taking a step closer, he wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me to where a chair used to stand. “Oh…fuck me,” he grumbled as he released me and picked up the chair. It only had three legs.
    Leaning against the wall, I sank to the floor. “It’s too much. He completely lost control.” I leaned my elbows on my knees and focused on breathing for a moment. “I have no idea how I’m going to fix all of this.”
    “Why would you fix it? He’s the one who made the mess.” Sebastian squatted down until we were face to face.
    “Because I always fix it,” I whispered without meeting his gaze.
    Standing abruptly, he seemed to consider what I’d said. I watched as he turned and looked around the space. Then he held a hand out.
    Taking it, I stood and sniffled. “I’m sorry. I have to go.” I turned on my heels and stumbled through the debris on the way to the door.
    “Don’t leave me here!” My father shouted as I blew past him.
    Whipping around to face him, I shook my head. “I tried to help you tonight. I took you out to dinner and sobered you up, but you wanted to be drunk and destroy things. Congratulations. You’ve succeeded.” I glanced at the cell phone in my hand. “It’s fucking four in the morning, and I’m exhausted. I work really hard. I’ve made a business out of repairing everything you destroy. Right now, I’m done.” I gazed at Sebastian, who had now caught up with me. “I’m sorry. I just can’t.” Feeling around, I pulled a business card out of my pocket. It was wrinkled from having been slept on. Smoothing it out on the counter, I frowned at him and turned away.
    “Wait.” Sebastian spoke quietly. When I faced him, his brow was furrowed, his eyes dark with thought. “What would you have me do with him?”
    For a moment, I hesitated. It was a great question and I had no answer. Even as I considered it my eyes burned with tears. “Do as you wish. I’ve tried everything I know, everything I could afford.” Then I spun around and rushed out the door. After I’d distanced myself a good block from the gallery, I slowed my pace, convinced no one was chasing after me. The worse part was I felt like such an idiot, nearly crying in front of a stranger, and the police, oh, and my good for nothing father. That man . I swore I’d never quit on him, since he was all I had left, but apparently I had my breaking point. This could ruin him, and me. It could put me out of business before I even managed to begin. That selfish bastard.
    As quietly as possible, I opened the door and slipped almost silently into the shop. Though I planned to simply sneak back up the stairs, I soon