Second Look (A New Beginning Book 3)

by Connie Stephany

  “Oh, yes, sorry, she’s just fine.” The woman sounded apologetic.

  Jennifer sighed in relief. “Oh, thank goodness. So what happened?”

  “Well, Amber and her friend, Kayla, left the school building and were found by a teacher in the parking lot.”

  Jennifer was stunned. “They did what?”

  Adam whispered, “What’s going on?”

  His question made her meet Adam’s eyes and she covered the phone and whispered, “Amber somehow got outside at school.”

  Adam looked confused at her answer, and he whispered, “Huh?”

  Mrs. Johnson was talking and she didn’t hear what she was saying. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that? Amber went outside? How did that happen?”

  “Well, Amber and her friend Kayla asked to go to the bathroom and they ended up going out to the parking lot. A teacher went looking when they didn’t return from the bathroom.”

  “How could that happen? Aren’t the doors locked during class time? I was told the doors were locked and students couldn’t get outside.”

  “Yes, normally they are, but a teacher went outside to her car and left one door unlocked,” she paused and then said, “but we needed to make sure you were aware so you can talk to her. She said she was trying to find the bathroom, but Kayla knows where the bathroom is.”

  Jennifer was shocked. “I’m sorry, what? Considering Amber is new, I’m sure she got confused.”

  “Oh, well of course. I just thought you’d want to explain to her she can’t go outside.”

  “Wait. Are you blaming this on a couple of five year olds?” Mrs. Johnson started to talk and Jennifer interrupted. “I think maybe you need to explain to your teachers they can’t leave a door unlocked where students can get out.”

  “No, we aren’t blaming Amber. I just wanted to cover it from both ends to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

  “Oh, good. That sounds like a good idea. I expect you’ll be talking to the teacher, correct?”

  “Yes, of course. We will be discussing this with all of the teachers after school. If you want, we can discuss this together with Amber when you get here, too.”

  “I’ll talk to my daughter about it.”

  “Thank you. We are really very sorry, and we will take every precaution in the future to keep Amber and all of the other kids safe.”

  “I’ll be by soon to pick her up and we can talk then.”

  “Okay, we’ll see you in a while.”

  They both hung up the phone, and Jennifer looked at Adam. She was relieved Amber and the other little girl were okay.

  Having heard her side of the conversation, Adam was shaking his head in disbelief. Jennifer was glad he didn’t think she was overreacting. In fact, he was just as upset as she was. It was comforting to know he was on her side.

  Instead of going to the antique shop, they headed right over to the preschool. So much for the rest of their date.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Adam

  This is thunder country

  Most Wednesday nights Adam played games in his co-ed beer softball league. His team, Zimmerman Thunder, was an odd conglomeration of players, from an elementary teacher to a lawyer to a stay-at-home mom.

  What he loved about his team was they all brought the different skills needed to make a great team and at the same time managed to make him laugh the whole time.

  A couple weeks after they began dating, he asked Jennifer to attend a home game. Amber was with her new friend for the night, so he was able to talk her into joining his team for a fun night out. He couldn’t help but hope she’d love it and want to join his team.

  When they first arrived at the field, they were just walking towards the beer shed when he felt someone hug him from behind.

  “Hi Adam!”

  It can’t be.

  He attempted to turn his body around, but the arms that were still around him tightened, making it difficult. He had to lift his arms up and twist hard.

  “Oh, hey, Sarah.” Adam attempted to peel her arms from around his waist. He sighed. “What are you doing here?”

  Sarah was like an octopus, one arm twirling around him just as soon as he pried the other one off. He finally pried loose from her grip and took a step back, holding out his arms to keep her away.

  “I guess we’re opponents today. Isn’t that fun?”

  She was smiling wide, her eyes shining.

  Adam shrugged, trying to look indifferent, and looked over to Jennifer. She was pretending to watch the players warming up on the field. Before he thought further, he grabbed her hand and pulled her against his body.

  “Sarah, this is Jennifer, my girlfriend.”

  Jennifer looked at him and raised an eyebrow. He widened his eyes, hoping he was silently conveying his need for her to play along. She gave a small nod and then turned towards Sarah.

  “Hello.”

  Sarah pursed her lips and looked Jennifer up and down with a bored look on her face. “You’re the girl Adam is seeing?”

  Adam shook his head. Could it be any more awkward?

  Jennifer’s eyes widened. “Uh…pardon me?”

  “Adam told me the other night he couldn’t see me anymore because he’s dating someone.”

  The other night?

  Jennifer looked to Adam as he explained, “That was weeks ago. And if you’ll recall, I broke it off several months ago.”

  Sarah shrugged and picked at her fingernails. “Whatever.”

  “We’re going to go grab a beer before the game starts.”

  “It was uh, nice to meet you, Sarah.”

  Sarah replied, “Likewise.”

  The tone of her voice implied anything but.

  Adam pulled Jennifer’s hand and led her away. He turned to her and said, “I’m really sorry about that. I was…uh…seeing her for a while. I broke it off a long time ago but she hasn’t quite accepted it.”

  “You don’t have to explain.”

  “Yes, I do. I’m just sorry you had to deal with her and that she was so rude to you. I had no idea she’d be here tonight.”

  Jennifer shrugged her shoulders and grinned at him. “Get me a tall beer, some peanuts and all will be forgiven.”

  Adam laughed, relief making his shoulders relax. “You got it.”

  One of Adam’s favorite things each game was how the team played Thunderstruck, by AC/DC, as the warmup song and to attempt to psych out the other team. They played it a couple times before the game finally began. He informed Jennifer that all of the teams in Zimmerman where Thunder, from football to baseball to softball. He loved it that she grinned and sang along to the song as they played it for the second time.

  The game got underway and it didn’t take long to find out the teams were evenly matched. Adam was surprised at how well Sarah could play.

  When his team-mate, Janie, ended up spraining her ankle, they needed a spare pitcher to finish out the last couple of innings. It wasn’t hard to convince Jennifer to play in Janie’s place.

  Jennifer walked the first player, but then got in the swing of it and struck the next two players out, including Sarah. The last player who came up to bat hit the ball but Jennifer caught it. It was fun to watch his teammates cheering her on and congratulating her on a great inning. More than one person begged her to join their team.

  The rest of the game went quickly and they ended up winning. Adam had more fun with Jennifer than he’d ever had in a previous game. He was going to work on getting her to agree to become his permanent teammate.

  As they were leaving the ballpark after the game, walking back to Adam’s car, Sarah ran after them.

  “Bye, Adam! I’ll call you later.”

  Before he had a chance to say anything else, she ran off and jumped into her car.

  Adam shook his head. He didn’t quite know what to say.

  “That was really fun! I’m really glad I came tonight.”

  Adam looked at her, his eyebrow raised. She was ignoring Sarah�
�s parting remark?

  “I’m pretty sure the entire team wants you join.”

  She smiled. “Oh, yeah? What about you?”

  Adam grinned. “Well, that’s a given. Why do you think I brought you tonight?”

  “I’ll give it some thought. I’d have to figure out who could watch Amber.” She paused and said, “How often do you practice?”

  “Every other Friday. And some people bring their kids to practice, so that may make practice easier for you?”

  “Oh! That’s cool. I’ll let you know, okay?”

  Adam nodded and then walked her over to his car, opening the door for her. As soon as he got in to the driver’s side, he leaned across the seat and gave Jennifer a kiss.

  He had a really good time that night, despite Sarah’s antics.

  Adam really hoped Jennifer would decide to join the team. Not only was she a great player, but then he’d also get to spend more time with her.

  He smiled. Having her on the team would be a win-win.

  *****

  Dating someone who had a child was never something Adam even considered in the past. To be truthful, he probably wouldn’t be open to it now for anyone other than Jennifer.

  Although it made him feel selfish, he was glad he didn’t have to deal with some other guy being around, having a history with Jennifer and a relationship with Amber. But he knew Amber deserved to know who her father was.

  Adam couldn’t help but fall in love with Amber a little more each time he saw her. He felt sorry for the guy who didn’t even know he had the wonderful little girl as his daughter. He still didn’t think it could be him, although he was taking the test again for Jennifer.

  He was enjoying spending time with her and getting to know her better. He’d been making a point to plan dates with Jennifer where Amber would be able to join them and was hoping it would earn him some points with Jennifer.

  That day, they were going to a play at the children’s theater and then over to dinner at his mom’s. She couldn’t wait to meet Amber, and finally talked him into having them over for Sunday dinner.

  Adam pulled up to Jennifer’s house and was just about to get out of the car to get the girls when he saw them coming out the front door. He watched as Amber ran to his car while Jennifer locked up the house.

  Adam got out of his car to grab the booster seat out from it’s place on her front step, and then helped Amber get buckled in.

  “Hi, Amber! Excited for the play?”

  Amber’s eyes were shining and she squealed in excitement. “I can’t wait to see The Little Mermaid.” She pointed to her shirt. “See? I have a shirt with Ariel on it!”

  “That’s very cute. Oh, and I have a surprise for you.”

  Amber’s eyes lit up. “What is it?”

  Adam grinned. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

  “Awww, please tell me!”

  “You’ll find out when we get to the theater. You’ll love it though, I promise.”

  Jennifer finally reached the car and got in.

  “Hey,” she said, turning to him. “How are you?”

  “I’m good.”

  Adam leaned over to give her a quick kiss.

  “Ewwww! Gross.”

  Adam turned back in time to see Amber hide her face in her hands.

  Jennifer giggled. “Oops.”

  “I have a surprise for her when we get there.”

  “A surprise? What is it?”

  Adam raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Funny, Amber asked the exact same thing. If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

  Jennifer’s pout looked exactly like Amber’s and Adam laughed again.

  *****

  “Oh my gosh! I love this!”

  Adam laughed at the excitement in Amber’s voice and watched her jump up and down.

  Jennifer’s mouth quirked up into a wide smile. “The surprise was a hit, Adam.”

  Amber’s surprise was a princess pampering session with the cast. Before the show, the cast painted her fingernails, fixed her hair, put makeup on her and gave her a crown and a gift bag to take home. They were also given special seating, front and center, so they had the best seats in the house. Amber got a cookie and milk at intermission and after the play they got to meet the full cast and get autographs.

  Her smile alone was worth the extra money.

  What was even better was Jennifer’s reaction.

  The tears in her eyes as she watched her little girl’s hair being done by Ariel made his heart feel like it would burst in his chest.

  Adam had never heard someone giggle as much as Amber or hear someone’s voice go so high it sounded like she was on helium. He had more fun watching Amber and Jennifer than the actual play.

  When Ariel came on stage, Adam burst out laughing at Amber’s reaction.

  Amber jumped up and down in her seat in the front row. “Oh, look, Adam! It’s Ariel! I met her and she did my makeup.”

  “Shhhhh, honey. You have to be quiet now,” Jennifer whispered in Amber’s ear.

  Amber replied in a hushed voice. “Okay mommy. I’m just so excited!”

  Jennifer straightened up in her seat to watch, but she glanced over at him and gave her the prettiest smile he’d ever seen on her face.

  He smiled back and winked.

  And to think, he almost didn’t splurge on the extra package.

  *****

  As soon as they stepped foot inside his mom’s house, she gushed over Amber.

  “Amber! It’s so nice to meet you!” Adam’s mom turned to Jennifer. “And it’s really good to see you.”

  “You too, Gina. Thanks for having us today for dinner.”

  Gina turned to Amber and smiled, holding out her hand. “Do you want to meet Roxie?”

  Amber cocked her head, but didn’t take Gina’s hand. “Who’s that?”

  “She’s our golden retriever, sweetie. Roxie is old, but sweet. She loves little kids.”

  “Oh, yes! Can I pet her?”

  “Of course. Let’s go find her!”

  Amber reached out and took the hand still offered to her and Gina led her to where Roxie sat quietly in the living room.

  While his mom and sister kept Amber occupied, Adam took the opportunity to pull Jennifer in close. He wrapped his arm around her waist and his mouth covered hers in a soft kiss.

  When he pulled back and looked at her, she sighed, her lips curved up in a small smile. “What a great day. I’ve never seen Amber so excited.”

  “I’m glad she had fun.”

  “I really appreciate you bringing us today and the princess package you got her. She was in heaven.”

  Adam grinned, still holding her close. “You’re very welcome.”

  Shortly after dinner, Amber yawned. She was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open while eating the French silk pie his mom served for dessert. He had to admit, it was pretty cute watching her take a bite between yawns.

  After the long, Minnesota goodbye with his mom and sister, they all hopped in Adam’s car. Before he pulled out of the driveway, Adam glanced in the rearview mirror back. The sight of Amber already sleeping made him chuckle.

  “What’s so funny?” Jennifer asked, smiling at him.

  Adam glanced over at Jennifer and one corner of his mouth rose into a crooked smile. “Just that it took her about three seconds to fall asleep back there.”

  Jennifer’s mouth dropped open and she whipped around to look in the back seat. “Oh my word! She’s already asleep?”

  “Yep,” Adam replied, laughing.

  “Well, you completely spoiled her.” Jennifer grinned. “You’re spoiling me, too. Thank you.”

  “I had a lot of fun just watching Amber’s reactions. She’s an amazing kid.”

  “Oh, and dinner was amazing! Your mom cooks just about as well as my mom. We should get our moms together to cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. We’d probably gain 10 pounds if that happened,” she said, laughing.
r />   “I think that’s a great idea.”

  “I’m kidding.”

  Adam laughed and rubbed his flat stomach. “I know. But just think of what dinner would be like. Mmmmm.”

  Jennifer laughed.

  His face fell a little and his voice turned sad. “This year will be really hard for all of us without my dad.”

  Jennifer nodded. She grabbed his hand and she held it until he pulled up to her driveway.

  Adam shut off the car, glanced back at Amber to see she was still asleep and then pulled Jennifer in close for a kiss. When he broke away, he leaned his forehead against hers for several seconds.

  This feels so right.

  Adam finally backed away and looked into Jennifer’s eyes.

  “When can I see you again? Saturday? Unless you can make it to practice Friday night?”

  “I can’t, unfortunately, and Saturday’s no good either. I haven’t seen my friends in a couple weeks so we’re doing a Ladies night out.” She smirked at him. “You’ve been taking up too much of my time lately.”

  Adam clutched his heart. “This is the first I’m hearing you complain. You’re killing me here.”

  Jennifer softly elbowed him. “I wasn’t complaining.”

  Adam grabbed the elbow that was poking him in the rib and gave her a tickle.

  “So, for girl’s night, who’s watching Amber?”

  “Our next door neighbor. Amber just adores her.”

  “And who’s driving? Who has to stay sober?”

  Jennifer raised her eyebrow at him. “We haven’t decided. Why all the questions?”

  “Well, I was wondering…would you want a sober cab?”

  Jennifer’s eyes widened. “You’d do that? Waste your Friday night to drive us crazy drunk girls around town?”

  “It wouldn’t be a waste of time.”

  Please say yes.

  “Hmmm, I should probably check with the girls. They may not be happy with a guy tagging along on girl’s night.”

  “I can leave you girls alone. I don’t even have to come in.”

  Jennifer narrowed her eyes. “Well, that would be boring. What’s in it for you?”

  “What’s in it for me? Hmm. Well,” he paused, looking up and stroking his chin. “That way, I’d be able to take you home and maybe, just maybe, I’d get an extra long kiss goodnight?”