Second Chances 101 (A Ripple Effect Romance Novella Book 5)

by Donna K. Weaver

  “Yes, I should have.” Alex reached across the table, almost, but not quite, touching her hands. “But then I got to thinking about Saturday and wondering if you'd felt any pressure.”

  “Pressure?” Francie's cheeks grew warm. “I'm the one who kissed you, remember?”

  “I'm not likely to forget it.” The look he gave her made her cheeks grow even warmer. He covered her hand with his. “Look Francie, I want to get to know you, date you—even if it means losing you as my assistant.”

  Francie straightened. Was she going to lose her job?

  “No, not that,” Alex said, reading her expression correctly. “It's just up to the Dean to decide about shaking things up. He could move you to some other professors.” Alex gave her a tentative smile. “Francie, I've already emailed the Dean about wanting to date you. Was I wrong to do that?”

  “I . . . No.” He had emailed the Dean about wanting to date her? Francie couldn’t keep from smiling. “You weren't wrong,”

  “Enough with all the legalese.” Keeping her hand in his, Alex stepped around the table and pulled her into his arms. He ran his fingers lightly down her cheek then slid them along the side of her face, settling in the hair at the back of her neck. He leaned closer until his lips barely touched her cheek, making a tingling trail to the corner of her mouth.

  “No pressure, Francie,” he whispered, before finally finding her lips.

  Francie wiped her hands on a dish towel for what must be the tenth time. She twisted again in front of the mirror. The vintage dress fit better than she had expected. Granny Gladys must have shrunk a lot as she aged. The black taffeta, knee-length evening dress still had a hint of moth balls, but Francie hoped her cologne was enough to cover it.

  It felt strange to be dressed up. She hadn’t worn anything like Gran’s dress since senior prom. Francie had done her best to put up her hair by herself, wishing all the time that it wasn’t Sam’s weekend with her mother. The girl had such flair, Francie was sure she could have done something amazing with it. After adjusting the shawl-like bodice of the dress and straightening the only nice necklace she owned, Francie couldn’t see anything else to fix. Her reflection was as good as she got.

  As she walked down the stairs in the fancy heels she had bought for the first day of school, Francie thought back over everything that had happened since the beginning of the semester. She mentally checked off what she had accomplished, including maintaining a 3.5 GPA so far—stupid remedial math—and doing well in her first office job. Alex and Sam.

  An immense sense of peace settled over Francie. Considering all she’d had to overcome, what she had done was kind of amazing. For the first time in years, she accepted—deep in her heart—that she was worthwhile. Greg had been wrong, and Alex was right.

  Alex. Francie let out a happy sigh and looked down at her shoes again. When she had bought them just a few months ago, she hadn't even thought about Gran’s dress. Francie was happy it wasn't supposed to snow until tomorrow, so she could wear them.

  It wasn’t long before Alex’s headlights came up the drive. He stopped in front of the house—so much more formal than going to the back door like usual. Francie's nerves went all aflutter again, and she wished she had thought to bring the hand towel with her.

  Keeping out of sight behind the living room drapes, she watched him get out of the car. She loved doing that, watching when he didn't know it. Before shutting the door, he paused in the light to straighten his tie. A bow tie. And he carried a single red rose.

  What had Francie done for life to be so good now? Because she feared it could all go away again, she had been savoring every moment. Thinking back on that day in the cemetery before Rafe went off to school, she felt like a different person.

  A sharp rap on the door announced Alex. Taking a deep breath, she opened it, then paused, drinking him in. She loved how the soft porch light reflected off the gray at his temples. His laugh lines crinkled as he checked her out.

  “Wow, Francie,” he said, his voice soft.

  “Come in.” She pushed open the screen door.

  “Let me see you in the light.” He took her hand and pulled her to the center of the living room, where a pool of light from the bright kitchen shone. Alex mumbled something and went around the living room, turning on every light. “That’s better. You look incredible.” Alex’s eyes blazed, and for a second she thought he might kiss her, but he bowed instead and presented her with the rose, then offered her his arm.

  During the drive, Alex made casual conversation. It wasn't like him, so Francie decided he must be up to something. Just the thought of what it might be made her chest ache. He had obviously gone to a lot of work, and she didn't want to spoil whatever it was by guessing wrong then being disappointed.

  Alex pulled into the Vidalia parking lot. Even though it wasn't Thanksgiving yet, the place was already decorated for Christmas, with strands of white lights wrapped tightly around the tree branches. Francie let out her breath.

  “I thought you might like it,” he said.

  “I’ve always wanted to eat here. From the website, the food presentation is beautiful.”

  Once again, he offered her his arm, and they walked in together. There was a decent line of people, and Francie’s heart sank. She thought it would take at least an hour to get all of them seated in the smallish restaurant.

  “Don’t worry,” Alex said, when she tightened her grip on his arm. He turned to the greeter. “Reservation for four under Diederik.”

  “Sure, Professor.” The young woman shot Francie an odd look. “The other members of your party are already seated. If you’ll come with me.”

  “Four?” Francie whispered as they followed her.

  “You’ll see.”

  Walking past the brick columns into the dining area, Francie fought against her sagging spirits. A work dinner? She didn't mind going with Alex to them, but after his request for her to wear a fancy dress and him showing up in a bow tie, Francie wished she had known the evening wasn’t something special.

  A few of the customers greeted Alex or raised hands in acknowledgment of him, casting her interested glances. She even recognized her new bosses sitting with the professor who had replaced Kevin Eldred when he had resigned last month. Francie had been so proud of the way Sam had staged a quiet confrontation between the man and three of his victims—all captured on video.

  They came around a corner. At the table sat two young people caught up in an animated conversation.

  “Rafe!” Francie gasped.

  He turned at the sound of his name and leapt from the chair to pull her into a huge hug. Francie couldn’t believe how much taller he seemed. She reached up to touch his cheeks, checking to make sure they weren't hollow.

  “Ma.” He laughed. “I’m eating enough.” Rafe reached behind her and shook Alex’s hand. “It’s great to see you again, sir.”

  Again? Francie turned to Alex. He had his other arm around Sam, who bubbled with excitement, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. His gaze had an intensity that took Francie's breath away.

  “Let me fix your makeup.” Sam grabbed a napkin and went to work on Francie's eyes.

  “I can’t believe you kept this a secret,” Francie whispered.

  “You, of all people, should know better.”

  “When are you going to tell your father about your role in all that?” Eldred’s resignation had surprised everyone in the department but Francie, and even she didn’t know many of the details. The whole thing had been very low key.

  “Not my secret to share, remember? Or yours.” Sam leaned in and whispered, “Why did you never mention you have a hunk for a son?” She didn't wait for an answer but backed up, pulling on Rafe’s suit jacket so he stepped back beside her.

  Francie frowned, her pulse quickening. Beside her, Alex moved, and she turned to find he had dropped to one knee. A thrill went through her body as she realized his intent, here, in front of all these people.

 
; On some level, she sensed Sam and Rafe watching them, people rising from the nearby tables, of camera's flashing. All Francie could see was Alex’s face. He reached up and took her hand, his warm fingers curling around hers.

  “Rafe,” Alex said, his eyes never leaving Francie’s. “Do I have your permission to marry your mother?”

  “You do, sir.” Rafe’s voice rang out, sure and strong.

  Francie’s hand shook in Alex’s, and he pressed it tighter, the corner of his mouth turning up. “Sam, would you like me to marry Francie?”

  “Yes, yes, yes!” Sam jumped up and down, squeezing Rafe’s arm.

  “Francie, I love you.” Alex’s voice was low. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box which he flicked open with his thumb. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

  “Oh, yes, Alex. Yes.” She could hardly get enough breath to speak.

  Cameras flashed, and people cheered. Rafe stepped over to hold the box, so Alex could remove the ring. He slid it onto her finger and stood. Never breaking eye contact, he pulled her into his arms.

  “I love you too, Alex.” Francie put her arms around his neck and, heedless of the audience, lifted her lips to meet his.

  Continue on for a sneak peak of Book 6 (where Sam helps Lisette with a make-under) in the Ripple Effect Series.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for taking the time to read Second Chances 101. I hope you enjoyed it. There are so many book options out there that I feel privileged you chose my book.

  If you enjoyed it, I would be thrilled to have you leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or anywhere else you share your thoughts on books. So many readers choose what to read based on the good word of their friends. I'd love it if you'd help share the word.

  I also love to hear from readers. You can find me on my Facebook author page, Twitter, my blog, or you can email me at donnakweaver@gmail.com.

  Thanks!

  Donna

  As always, I'd like to thank my husband for his patience when I bury myself in my writing—even during the first week of our 30th anniversary cruise. I appreciate the input from my Pied Piper critique partners Meredith, Nanette, Marla, Donea, and Ken. I'd like to send a huge thanks to my fellow Ripple Effect authors for letting me come along for the ride.

  Donna K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific five times. Wife-mother-grandmother-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd.

  Coming next in the Ripple Effect Romance Series

  (Available May 19, 2014)

  Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever. But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just to have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.

  The bad wig, icky makeup and puffy sweaters work like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest. Lisette’s totally relieved.

  Until... Erik.

  Erik Gunnarson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Every day as his tutor is making her fall for him more. Even though he seems to have a secret, and she’s sworn she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—although it could mean jeopardizing her career.

  Three Years Ago

  Strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” wafted over the turf at Folsom Field, the football stadium at Colorado University in Boulder. This was it, the day she’d waited and worked for over the past years—her degree would be firmly in her hand. Lisette Pannebaker, Master of Business Administration. Her smile even made her eyes scrunch.

  Dad’s dress shirt would’ve popped buttons, had he been here to see her.

  But it wasn’t just the degree. Chances were that tonight she’d have something else in hand. Or, rather, on her hand. She’d seen the little navy velvet box on Justin’s coffee table—he’d left it in plain sight when she came by to drop off dinner for him last night—and she’d nearly fainted from heart palpitations last week when he’d dragged her past windows sparkling with diamonds and asked whether she thought round cut or brilliant cut had more fire.

  Brilliant cut, of course.

  Ah, Justin Fox. She sighed for his blond crew cut, his square jaw. Mrs. Justin Fox. It fit. Lisette Pannebaker, student, no more. Now she’d be Mrs. Justin Fox, Master of Business Administration. All these new titles were suddenly being applied to her in quick succession.

  My, how life did change. Lisette balanced her way across the lawn, the spikes of her pumps stabbing into the grass with each step she took. Now, where would the last name “P” be seated in the folding chairs?

  Things with Justin had come on so fast. She’d fallen hard for him instantly—but she always seemed to fall in love fast, so it was no surprise. His great hair, those blue eyes, his quick answer for everything. He drew her in. And when he took her ring shopping, it swept her even further off her feet. It didn’t bother her much that in the two months they’d dated he hadn’t once mentioned marriage or kids or family. In a way, she loved that he took for granted she would just fall for him without question.

  A confident guy. She liked a confident guy.

  Lisette found the “P” section and scooted toward seat 135, her assigned location. The tassel from her mortar board kept bouncing against her cheek, tickling her nose. It’d be nice to sit down, move things forward, get to the fun part of the day when she and Mom and Aunt Corky could all sit down at The Black Cat for lunch, so cozy, with Justin at Lisette’s side. After meeting Justin at last, Mom would fawn over him, Aunt Corky would grill him, he’d give his quick quips. Lisette would laugh at his jokes, then after Mom and Corky left, he’d kiss her awhile then open that velvet box with the brilliant cut diamond and pop the question.

  Perfect. What a perfect day this was going to be.

  May engagement. She’d always dreamed of a May engagement.

  The daydream floated her through the keynote speaker, the presentation of the diplomas, and the throwing of the mortar boards. Soon Justin would be on one knee, looking up into her eyes. It’d be sweet to hear him say those three words for the first time as he offered himself as her husband. When she got to that part of the daydream, a squeal almost escaped her, silly as it may have been.

  Her eyes scanned the crowd of graduates for him, but with everyone similarly dressed, he was tough to spot. He’d been ahead of her in the lineup—F is for Fox, P is for Pannebaker. She couldn’t spot him or his crew cut, despite his height.

  “Sweetheart.” Lisette’s mom’s voice floated over the crowd. “We’re so proud of you.” Mom pressed her way through the graduates and their fans to embrace her, followed by Aunt Corky with a warm hug. “I’m proud of you but can’t wait to meet this Justin guy. Where is he?” Mom said.

  “Somewhere around here.” Lisette shot a look at Corky, short for Corsica, who stifled a laugh at her sister-in-law’s broken record-ness. Aunt Corky held out a small gift bag for Lisette, but before she could reach for it, a young man—not Justin—interrupted them.

  “Lisette?”

  “Yes?”

  “Um, I don’t know if you’ll remember me. Luke? From International Studies?” His eyes searched hers, earnest and wide. She didn’t remember seeing him, but she’d been pretty caught up in Justin, so… “I just, um, wanted to say congratulations, and to ask, since you’re available now, you know, um, would you like to go see a movie or something sometime? Or a play? I bet you like the theater. Or concerts. Right?”

  Huh? Available now? She’d never been less available. She was about to become completely unavailable as soon as she became Mrs. Justin Fox, for heaven’s sake. He must mean now that classes were over and done with.

  Lisette took his hand, gave it a squeeze. He was super sweet. �
�Oh, Luke. That is so nice of you, and I’m truly flattered. I wish I could, honestly. Thank you so much for asking.”

  He smiled back, a little dazed for a second, but then realized she’d said no, and his face fell. “That’s a no. Wait, right?”

  She just nodded. “Congratulations on your degree. I wish you all the best.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and let him go before she turned back to her mom and aunt. It really was nice of him to think of asking her out. She’d seen that look a few times on guys’ faces. Much as it might pain her to refuse, she couldn’t go. Not with Justin about to propose.

  “He was cute,” Aunt Corky said as she held out the gift again. It was in a pretty bag with tissue and a velvet ribbon. “Why’d you say no? I mean, he was willing to take you anywhere and seemed nice as could be. You should give a nice guy a chance.”

  Lisette would. Totally. If she weren’t about to become Mrs. Justin Fox.

  “Hey, Liz.”

  Speak of the devil. “Justin! How are you?” Lisette double-step tiptoed across the grass to him and threw her arms around his neck. “Congratulations.”

  “Whoa. Thanks. You mean you heard already?”

  “The ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ music just for us? Of course. We’re done. Can you believe it?”

  “Um, sure. Yeah. I mean, finally. School was such a drag.”

  Drag—that’s how Lisette pulled him along to meet her mother and Aunt Corky. “Come on. My mom’s excited to meet you.”

  “Me? Why?”

  Duh. Sometimes he could be so dense. It was something cute about him.

  “Wait just a sec.” He looked at his phone. “I need to text Sasha and tell her to meet me down here. Oh, wait. There she is.” He signaled a little redhead Lisette recognized from the campus bakery, Baby Doe’s.

  Sasha?

  Sasha came skipping toward them in a mini miniskirt and a tube top, her pierced, jeweled navel showing.