“You do bodywork?” Mary asked. His body didn’t need any work. He was a glorious study of lean muscle and commanding height. Squashing the unwarranted thought, she added, “I mean, if you work on Mrs. Hendrick’s car…”
“I’m a mechanic. The bodywork is a side business. Theodora is my best customer.”
He shrugged and Mary decided she liked Blossom’s father. He was attractive and sweet, and extremely protective of his daughter. Since they’d arrived, he’d reached behind his daughter’s back several times to pat her affectionately or rub her shoulders. It was heartwarming to see a man so engaged with his child.
Anthony turned to Ethel Lynn. “Does the change of ownership mean you’re retiring, too?”
Ethel Lynn tipped her head to the side. “I promised Meg I’d stay until Mary settles in.”
“Meaning you’d like to retire?” Mary savored the thought of ridding herself of the fretful woman. Guilt washed through her—Ethel Lynn was Aunt Meg’s closest friend.
Blossom, finishing her sundae, scanned the newly painted dining room. “I think Mary is doing great by herself.”
Anthony nudged her shoulder. “She’s Miss Chance to you.” He gave Mary an assessing glance. “Or is it Mrs?”
“Dad, I told you—she isn’t married,” Blossom said, rolling her eyes at her father. “Well, Miss Chance, I like everything you’ve done to the place. Especially the new name.”
The girl’s enthusiasm was truly engaging. Mary winked at her. “I’m glad you like it,” she said.
“Second Chance Grill. It’s a great name.” Blossom turned to her father. “Everyone deserves a second chance—right, Dad?”
Her inoffensive question drove sorrow into Anthony’s gaze. Mary’s breath caught. Both Ethel Lynn and Blossom missed the expression, vanquished quickly from his face. But Mary recognized it, a demonstration of intense pain deftly hidden a moment after it appeared. It was an emotion she knew too well.
Like Anthony, she’d learned how to hide the pain as soon as it surfaced. The sudden death of her closest friend, the loss of Sadie’s calm presence and unwavering confidence—all the dreams they’d shared about building a medical practice together had vanished in an instant of horror.
Mary dispelled the memory before it gripped her heart. Well, she’d finish grieving before returning to Cincinnati. Once the Second Chance Grill was solvent, she’d get on with her life.
Drawing from her thoughts, she blinked. Then flinched—she was still staring at Anthony. Flushing, she pulled her gaze away. But not before his eyes grew dull with some confusing mix of emotion. Clearly he understood: she’d glimpsed his pain. His emotions were laid bare before her, a perfect stranger.
Her mouth went dry as his expression closed. Embarrassed, she stepped back as he rose and paid the check. Murmuring a farewell, he led Blossom from the restaurant.
They skirted across Liberty Square. “What… was that?” Mary whispered.
Ethel Lynn looked up with confusion. “What, dear?”
“Anthony was so upset when Blossom said everyone deserves a second chance.” Why had the remark upset him? Trying to work it out, she asked, “What’s the story between him and Blossom’s mother?”
Ethel Lynn waved the question away. “Hells bells. Anthony dated Cheryl when they were teenagers. She got pregnant and he did the honorable thing by marrying her. Two years after Blossom came along, Cheryl fell for a guitarist and skedaddled off to Florida.”
The explanation was depressing and all too familiar. “Does Cheryl visit Blossom?” Mary asked.
Ethel Lynn snorted. “Good grief, we haven’t seen Cheryl in years. I doubt Blossom remembers her. Good riddance, I say.”
“No wonder Anthony was upset by Blossom’s comment. With a wife like that, he doesn’t believe in second chances.”
A perilous silence descended on the dining room, filling Mary with foreboding. Beside her, Ethel Lynn withdrew a lace handkerchief from the pocket of her bluebell-patterned dress.
“You don’t understand,” Ethel Lynn said, dabbing at her eyes. “Blossom has leukemia, dear. Last year she was so sick, we weren’t sure she’d make it. The leukemia is in remission, thank God.”
Mary’s heart clenched. She’d watched children at Cinci General battle cancer. “And Anthony? How’s he managing?”
On a sigh, Ethel Lynn shook her head. “He’s afraid to believe in second chances. He’s learned to live each day as if it’s Blossom’s last.”
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
About the Author
Second Chance Grill: Sneak Peek
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
About the Author
Second Chance Grill: Sneak Peek
Treasure Me Page 32