Second Chances (14 page)

Chapter 23

Paige couldn’t stop smiling. Not even Linley could get under her skin today. As she grabbed her gear from her locker, she found herself humming one of the songs from last night.

“Someone’s in a good mood.”  Poppie walked into the break room to stash her purse inside her locker.

Paige slipped on her sweater and nodded.  “It’s been a great day.”

“Really?”  Poppie gave her a look.  “Normally after four to five hours with Linley the last adjective any of us would think of is … great.”

“Yeah, well, after last night nothing could bring me down.”

“Last night?”

“Nick and I had a moment.”

“Oooh.  A moment?  Is that what people from your generation call it?”

Paige lightly punched her in the shoulder. “No, it was just a moment.  We were dancing, and it was like time just stopped, and it was just us.  It was pretty magical.”

Poppie’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Listen, I gotta run.  I’m on my way to pick up Katie for the afternoon.  We’ve got a girly day planned.”

“Nick’s daughter? It’s getting kind of cozy, isn’t it?”

Paige pursed her lips, eyes gleaming, and sailed out the door, saying, “Bye!  Have a good shift.”

“Yeah, have fun while I’m stuck here with Linley.”

Just then, Linley walked in the room with a frown.

She called to the girls from her office.  “I heard that.  You’re on bathroom duty tonight!”

“Great.”  Poppie moaned, and slipped her apron around her waist, before following Paige out the door.

As Paige navigated through afternoon traffic, she drove passed her old middle school, and although the area was more run down than she remembered, it still made her smile.  After her divorce, the last thing she thought she wanted was to come back again, but it turns out that her all-intrusive family was just what she needed to get her mind off her failed marriage. 

Paige turned off of Prince Williams Parkway to find herself in the thick of Granite traffic.  This was the biggest change she had to get used to.  As government contract jobs were highly sought after, more people moved to suburban areas surrounding D.C. for the thriving job market.  Not even the traffic could get under her skin today, though.  All she had to do to get past the frustration of being the tenth car at a four-way stop sign was to think of the way Nick held her in his arms last night.

Finally, she pulled past her family’s church and smiled up to the cross, which spanned the skyline above the entry.  The more time she spent here, the more she appreciated the obvious blessings in her life - even the divorce.  If she hadn't left Alexandria, even under the worst circumstances, she wouldn't have understood how empty her life really was.

With that realization, she pulled into Nick’s driveway anxious to see him once more.  As she opened her car door, Katie flew down the porch steps to greet her.

“I’m so excited.  Thank you again for the best birthday yet.”  Katie grabbed her in a quick hug.

If hearts could smile, Paige knew for sure that hers was.  “Absolutely! So is today your actual birthday?”

“Yup!”  Katie ran around to her door and slid into Paige’s car.

Well, I guess I won’t be seeing Nick til later. 
She conceded, plopping back down behind the wheel.

“And look!”  Katie pulled a credit card from her purse, almost out of breath.  “My mom sent this.  It was probably out of guilt, but when she found out a friend of mine was taking me shopping today, she wanted me to be able to buy whatever we wanted.”

“Wow.  That was nice.”

Katie sent her a look.  “She was trying to buy my forgiveness, but whatever … it works, right?”

“So when you called last night, you said you wanted to go to the mall.  So, no movie?  Just shopping and then dinner with the family?”

“Yeah.”  Katie blushed.  “I’m sure you’ve noticed, but I’m a bit behind the times compared to most of the girls at school.”

“I think you look great.”  Paige wanted her to be comfortable in her own skin.  There was no reason to change anything when she was beautiful the way she was and was about to tell her so when she saw Nick from the corner of her eye.  He was leaning against the post on his porch, arms crossed, and smiling down at them.

“Hold that thought.”  Paige felt her face flush.  “I’ll be right back.” She slipped outside, leaving the car door open behind her.

“Were you going drive off without saying anything?”   He leaned down to wave to his daughter. “Have fun today.  I’ll see you tonight for dinner by seven?”

Katie nodded.  “Yes, but we need to go, dad.  Love you.  Come on, Paige!”

“Love you too.”  Nick stepped down from the porch and reached for Paige’s hand.  “See you later?”

“I’ll have her back for dinner.  Save me a seat.”

“Thanks for this.”  He whispered in her ear, before kissing her on the cheek.

“She’s a great kid.”  Paige turned to Katie, and said, “Don’t let that go to your head.”

Katie impatiently rolled her eyes.  “Bye, dad!”

Nick took a step backward and waved them off.

“He’s been in a great mood all day … probably the happiest I’ve seen him in a long time.” Katie waved at her dad, as Paige put the car in reverse.  When Paige didn’t respond, she finally asked, “So, are you in love?”

Paige burst out with a half laugh. “That’s none of you business.”

“I knew it.”

“I didn’t say I was.”

“You didn’t say you weren’t!”  Katie excitedly turned in her seat, clicking her seat belt in place.

“It just doesn’t happen like that, Katie.”

“Well, I’ve never seen him this happy.  Ever since you’ve come into his life – he’s different.”

Those words hung in the air the entire afternoon.  Nick’s daughter had seen a transformation in him, and she attributed it to her.  The idea had her head spinning.

After they had almost shopped till they dropped, it was clear that another transformation had dramatically taken place.  Katie went from a sweet tomboy to a sophisticated young woman, with a new hairstyle, a full makeover, and an entirely new wardrobe.  Paige wasn’t sure what the credit limit was on her mother’s card, but she was sure Katie was getting close.

As Katie stepped from the changing room in her latest find, she had a new air about her.  She spun in a circle loving her new look, as she took in her reflection.  She peered closer into the mirror, almost unable to recognize herself.  Her long dark hair was now cut short in layers, and her normal, natural fresh look had been tastefully remade.  She now had smoldering eyes that would stop traffic.

“Wow.  Watch out world.”  Paige stood in awe, and nervously asked, “Did your dad give you permission to get this makeover?”

Now that she saw Katie – she worried that Nick would keel over from a coronary when he realized his little girl grew up overnight.  Heck, not even overnight – just in an afternoon.

“Yeah.”  She laughed.  “I told him you and I were going to get makeovers.”  Katie spun around and faced Paige, realizing so far she was the only recipient.  “Your turn.”

“Oh, no. I’m okay.”  Paige had a strict budget now that she was divorced.  While it used to be nothing to drop a thousand dollars at the mall, now she was lucky to have a couple of spare twenties to spend.  Any extra cash she’d received in tips over that last two weeks was originally tucked away to spend on Katie, but now that her mother had sent her a card, with an unlimited spending spree, she figured she’d save her cash for a rainy day. 

“That’s not how this works.”  Katie grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close.  “You’ve given me the best gift by spending the day with me and taking my mind off Mom.  She gave me a credit card for me - and my friend.”

Paige’s eyes softened toward the girl, who was quickly weaving a way into her heart.  “I’m good, Katie.  I don’t need anything.”

“I insist.  And trust me, my mom has plenty more left on this thing.”  She waved her platinum card in the air.

“I bet if she found out I was more of your dad’s friend - she’d not be so generous with your spree.” Paige raised an eyebrow.

“True, but you’re still my friend. And it’s safe to say by now that you’re more than my dad’s friend.” She grinned and pulled Paige by the hand.  “Come on.”

As Katie charged forward with a sudden confidence, Paige questioned what she’d gotten herself into.  She wasn’t looking for a make-over.  She hadn’t even been looking for romance.  But, now that she had Nick’s interest maybe a makeover wasn’t too far of a stretch.

Chapter 24

Nick tapped his foot on the floor beneath the table, and muttered, “They’re late.”

Sam’s eyes cut to his wife, Amelia, who grinned, saying, “Now that Katie’s discovered the mall – get used to it.”

Sam nodded.  “I could have told you what it’s like to wait on women who’ve spent all day shopping.”

“I remember Arielle doing this sort of thing.”  Nick gave a blank stare.  “She’d be gone for afternoons – hours on end.  But Katie - this isn’t like her.”

“Well, it looks like you’re in for another surprise.  Wow,” Conner interrupted, eyes wide. He pushed his chair back, as he looked to the foyer of the restaurant where Katie and his aunt entered.  If she hadn’t been standing by Paige, he’d have never recognized her.     

Sam followed his son’s gaze, bowled over at the transformation.  Both women looked to have completely metamorphosized into someone, who was was straight from the pages of a fashion magazine.  He then looked to both Nick and Conner, not sure which of them he should address first. 

He softly laid his hand on Conner’s leg. “Down boy.” 

As Nick’s eyes darted toward the entrance, he felt his heart splitting in two.  His little girl had grown up, and although he’d seen it happening in little ways over the last few months – he was not prepared for how mature she’d become. 

He then looked to Paige, who had an equal amount of shock value.  Her normally curly hair had been straightened, which made her look like a glamorous movie star, not the girl next door he was used to.

“Whoa.” His head was spinning.

Amused, Frank Knight watched both Nick and Conner, as they fumbled for a few minutes.  He felt like walking over and picking up their jaws from the floor but sat still.  When he to his wife, Serena, she was beaming from ear to ear at the sight of their daughter. It was a far cry from the broken girl that had moved to Granite a short time ago. 

“Happy Birthday!”  Maya stood and opened her arms to greet them both with a hug.  After all, someone had to get this party started.  It was as if everyone at the table were unable to move. “Don’t mind them.  They’re just in shock.” She whispered down to Katie.  “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”  Katie blushed.  She saw the way Conner was staring at her, and suddenly she felt like she should have been a bit less liberal with her makeup.  She fidgeted with her purse and wondered if she could sneak off to the bathroom to wipe some of her lipstick off.

As Maya released Katie, she gave her sister a dramatic once over before drawing her in. 

“Um, wow!”  She took Paige by the hand and led her toward their table.

“Too much?”  She asked quietly.

“Not at all.”  Maya grinned.  “I’d say it’s overdue.”

Paige shot her sister a curious look.  “What the?”

“No, I just mean.  It’s nice to see you invested again.”

“Invested what?”

“In life, sister.  In life.”  She kissed Paige’s cheek before finding her seat.

As his daughter nervously approached, Nick pulled her into his arms for soft embrace while sending Paige a look of approval.  As Katie slowly pulled away – he held her hands and took a small step back.

“You look…”  He watched his daughter’s face shine with anticipation, waiting for him to continue. “Stunning. You both do.”  He smiled wistfully.

              Paige released the breath she’d been holding, thankful she wasn’t in trouble.  “It’s okay?  I know it’s a radical change, but she wanted to.”

              He sent her a reassuring wink and tugged his daughter by the hand.  “Come on, birthday girl.   We’re all starved.  Tonight we celebrate my sixteen-year-old, who has been my rock and my angel.  Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”

              “Thanks.”  Katie stepped toward the table expecting her dad to pull her seat out, but Conner beat him to it.  As he pushed her chair forward, she shyly smiled over her shoulder.

              Paige took the only open seat and sat next to her mom, which was across from Nick.  As Nick stared intently across the table, she dropped her eyes to her lap.  Now she was the one who hoped she hadn’t overdone it.  Self-consciously, she reached to touch her hair.

              She leaned over to her mom, and quietly whispered, “Do I look okay?”

              “You’re a vision.”  Serena patted her hand.  “It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so.”

              Nick’s stomach was in knots.  The fact that his daughter was the center of Conner’s attention, while Paige sat only a few feet away yet too far away for his liking had him sideways.  He felt like kicking Conner from under the table to give him a warning stare, but the kid was too far away.  And when he looked to Frank, he knew that he was in the same boat.  It would be like the pot calling the kettle black.

              Once the birthday cake had been served and Katie opened her gifts, Nick was ready to call it a night. Throughout the day, he continuously replayed how Paige felt in his arms.  Their time on the dance floor had completely transformed him.  If he could time travel and do it all over again – he’d have done it in a heartbeat. 

When Paige whisked Katie away he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and steal her away instead, but it was Katie’s special day, and his desires would have to sit on the backburner.  Although happy for they had a girls day out, he was not used to either of them spending time without him.  At that moment, it became clear how equally important Paige had become in his life.

To keep his mind occupied during their shopping spree, he reviewed game footage in preparation for the next practice.  But eventually, all roads led back to Paige and what kind of make-over his daughter was seeking. 

He hadn’t been sure if Katie would come home with random piercings or just a new pair of jeans.

To arrive at dinner and find that his two favorite women were late had his mind was spinning in all directions. Once Katie entered the restaurant, although shocked at her new look, he was thankful she didn’t go to extremes.  Now the only thing making him wish for a handful of antacids was the idea of any newfound male attention she would garnish.

“You about ready, kiddo?”  He winced.  He probably couldn’t call her that anymore.

              Katie saw the flash of dismay that crossed his handsome face and wondered if he was displeased with her new look. 

              “I can return the clothes and makeup.”  She touched her hair, and softly added, “And this will grow out.”

              “No - I love what you’ve done.  It’s just …” He hesitated.  “You look all grown up, and the thought crossed my mind that I can’t call you my kiddo anymore.  You’re a young lady.”

              Katie’s crooked smile rocked him to his core.  She gave him a look he’d not seen since she was a child, and it instantly transported him to when she was about five.  In fact, he pictured that cute little pixie face, when she softly whispered, “I’ll always be your kiddo.  But I have to grow up eventually.”

              “I know.  Come on … I’m beat.”  Nick pulled her by the hand to catch up with the Knight clan.

              Paige watched the conversation with bittersweet resolve, imagining what was transpiring between them.  As the rest of the group made their way to the door, she waited for them to catch up.

              Once outside, she noticed her nephew waiting for his chance to talk to Katie.  She smiled as Nick’s daughter quietly slipped her hand from her dad’s and crossed the parking lot for Conner.

              The symbolism wasn’t lost on either Paige or Nick, as his little girl walked toward the next phase in her life.

              “You okay?”  She slipped her hand into his. 

                He squeezed it and let out a shaky breath.  “I will be.  I’m going to be a wreck when she starts dating.”

                  “You’ll be okay.”  She grinned.

              “I thought she’d be the one who was a wreck when we started dating.”

              Paige did a double take.  “When did we start dating?”

              Nick flashed a grin.  “Just what have we been doing?”

              “I don’t know.  Fooling around?  You talked about taking me on a date, but technically what we’ve been doing hasn’t been dating.”

              “Why are women so literal?”

              “Why do men take the easy way out?”

              “Because we can.”

              “You think she’s not going to make him work for her attention?”  Paige glanced at Conner, who was doing his best to keep a conversation going.

              “She better make him work for it.  She’s worth it.”  Nick’s eyes narrowed. 

              “You’re right.”  Paige was about to tell him that it was no different than with her when her family approached them to say their goodbyes.

              As Sam reached to shake Nick’s hand, her mom reached in to give Paige a hug.

              “You look beautiful, honey.”  Frank leaned down to give her a kiss.

              “Thanks, dad.”  Paige beamed at his approval.

              Nick chimed in, with a sweet look.  “I couldn’t agree more.”

              “Good night.”  Frank led his wife to the car.

              “Come on, Conner!  We’re leaving.”  Amelia called as she unlocked their car.   Sam, with his daughter in tow, piled inside and buckled up.

              “Will I see you at school?”  Conner gave Katie a hopeful look.

              “Maybe.” She nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders.

              As Nick waited for his daughter, he slung his arm around Paige’s shoulders. Her words echoed through his head.  He leaned down to sweetly kiss her cheek, and asked, “Miss Knight, would you do me the honor of going on a date?”

              Paige’s face lit up.  “I would.”

              “Great.  This Friday, after the game?”

              Katie slowly approached, slid her arm through his, and listened as they continued their plans.  She looked up to the sky thinking this possibly was the best birthday yet.  The fact that she didn’t even receive a phone call from her mom didn’t matter.  She had her dad, and for all she knew Paige could be a major part of their family soon.  She leaned forward and silently thanked Paige with grateful eyes.

              Paige saw the look that crossed Katie’s face, unsure what was going through her mind, but was grateful for the friendship that was blooming between them.  She was honored to be a part of both their lives.

              After she had unlocked her car, Nick opened her door only to pull her into a soft embrace.  He would have liked to have kissed her goodnight, but there was time for that.

              “Thanks for a great birthday.” Katie waited her turn for a hug.

              “I had a blast.  We should do it again sometime.” 

              “I’d like that.”

              Nick looked to both girls, as joy emanated from his heart and swept through every pore with an impact so deep that he felt like he could brighten the night sky with one gentle sweep of his arm.

“Good night.  See you soon,” he whispered in her ear.

“See you soon, Nick Granger.”  She slyly smiled in return.

              Paige slid into the driver’s seat while the two of them disappeared into the night arm in arm.  She started her car, unable to remember when she felt so fulfilled.  As she looked at her phone for the time – it crossed her mind to call Davis and thank him for being such a poor excuse for a husband.  If he hadn’t broken their marriage vows, she would have been somewhat satisfied with status quo, never knowing what true happiness was.