Another Chance at Love (Another Series Book 1)

by Suzanne Sweeney

  With a bottle of wine in hand, I walk up the path lined with pink and purple flowers and knock on the door. Their “watch dog” Jackson begins barking his little head off, announcing my arrival. I open the door and the moment Jackson sees my familiar face, his tail starts wagging furiously and he jumps up and down until I bend down to say hello. He is the sweetest little miniature dachshund mix I have ever seen. Thank God Philip and Megan rescued him.

  Megan meets me at the door and takes the bottle of wine from me. “Perfect timing. Dinner’s almost ready. I have to go check on the baby. Would you mind putting everything on the table?”

  She slips away into the nursery to check on baby Connor. He’s only a few months old and the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Jackson dutifully follows Megan into the baby’s room, no doubt safeguarding the sleeping angel.

  Philip and I make quick work of setting the table. “So, Ken – how’s it going at TitleWave?”

  “Excellent. The coffee shop is making money hand over fist. Definitely enough to get us through the winter at this rate. I’m not so sure about the bookstore, though.” I nervously play with my starfish pendant. “We don’t have the sales volume I’d like to see.”

  “You realize you’ve just opened up a few weeks ago, right?” he asks as he fills our bowls with a tasty looking chicken and sausage gumbo – one of Megan’s favorite one-pot meals.

  “I know.” I snatch a piece of Andouille sausage and toss it in my mouth before he can stop me.

  “Give it time,” he tells me. “Things will pick up. You’ll see.”

  Megan must have overheard our conversation. “I don’t think enough people know about TitleWave yet. In September, when school starts, why don’t you host a fundraiser? Give half the proceeds back to the school and get some publicity. That gives you a couple of months to increase your children’s lit section. I can help you with that.”

  “That’s a great idea,” I excitedly tell her. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. Megan’s been teaching second grade for a few years now. She can tell me exactly what the kids are reading nowadays. I know what the more popular classics are, and she can help me choose the best contemporary titles. “You should come down to the shop and we can look through my catalogs together.”

  Over dinner, Megan gives me a quick lesson on children’s literature. She reminds me about the Caldecott Medal for outstanding children’s picture books. Then there’s the Newbery Medal for children’s literature and the Coretta Scott King award and the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. There’s so much I forgot and even more I didn’t know.

  The doorbell rings, drawing Philip away from our conversation. “Are you expecting anyone?” I ask Megan.

  Before she can answer, in walks Declan James with a wide smile on his handsome face.

  I jump from my seat and launch myself into his arms. Declan squeezes me tightly, lifting me up and off my feet. After a few moments, he places me safely back down on solid ground, squeezes my hand, and pulls me close as he whispers in my ear. “How you holdin’ up?”

  “Much better now that you’re here,” I tell him honestly. I gaze up into Declan’s sweet face and years of memories and emotion fall around me. Laughter, tears, love, sadness, affection. “It’s so good to see you.”

  Declan, Cait’s twin brother, is no slouch in the looks department and one of my best friends. He has kissable lips and a mischievous smile. He’s tall, fit, and lean and happens to own a very pert posterior that makes women swoon. Well, most women but not all. I have never fallen under his spell. It’s probably because I’ve seen him at his worst, and he’s seen me at mine.

  I often thought it was a shame there wasn’t any sexual chemistry between us, because Declan is seriously one of the best guys I ever met and he would make anyone a fantastic boyfriend.

  There were occasions when he could be cocky and come off as intimidating to those who didn’t know him well, but I know him to be down-to-earth, easy to talk to, intelligent, creative, compassionate, loyal, and sensible, despite what his appearance might suggest to people inclined to judge a book by its cover.

  “What brings you here?” I ask.

  “You,” he states simply. “The girls sent me. I hear you haven’t been getting out much these days so I thought I would come and kidnap you for the night.”

  Philip, who has been watching our little exchange from a safe distance, takes a few steps closer the moment he hears the word kidnap. He takes a possessive hold of my elbow and gently pulls me closer to him and away from Declan.

  Declan throws his hands up in the air in a defensive posture. “I didn’t mean I would literally kidnap her. I mean, can it really be called kidnapping if she goes willingly?”

  I give him a good smack on his shoulder. “Declan!” I warn.

  “Too soon?” he asks.

  “Definitely,” Megan answers, shaking her head and giving Dec a scornful eye.

  Declan looks directly at me with his warm, whiskey eyes. “Listen Ken Doll, you’ll be safe with me. I’d never let anything happen to you while I’m around. Come out, have a few drinks with us, and I promise I’ll return you home safe and sound in a few hours.”

  My resolve is melting – quickly. Rather than answer, I look at Philip for an indication of what I should do.

  “He’s right, Kenny. You’ll be fine. Just remember what I’ve taught you. And no trips to the restroom alone.” He kisses me on the forehead. “Go have fun. You deserve it.”

  I’m suddenly feeling giddy with excitement. I haven’t been out in ages. The last time I went out and got drunk, I hooked up with some random guy and crashed a wedding.

  I grab my purse and thank Philip and Megan for dinner. “Wait, I should help clean up first.” I turn towards Declan. “It will only take a minute.” I put my purse down and head straight for the sink. “Besides, you haven’t told me where you’re taking me yet.”

  “Sorry Kensie, but we have to leave right now. It’s Trivia Night at the River Rock. The girls are there right now signing us up and getting us a table.” Declan takes me by the hand and starts pulling me towards the door. I barely have time to grab my purse before we find ourselves out the door and climbing into his car.

  Declan calls Brie and Cait to tell them his mission was a success and I can hear them cheering through the phone.

  “Are you here for the whole weekend? Where are you staying?” I ask.

  He nods. “I was planning on crashing on your couch, if that’s okay,” he tells me.

  “That would be great except for one minor detail.”

  He shrugs waiting for clarification. “Go on.”

  “I don’t have a couch. Not yet anyway. How about a blow up mattress?” I make myself a silent vow to make sure a big comfy couch is the next piece of furniture I buy.

  He grins, widely. “Yeah, sure. Just like old times.”

  When we arrive, the girls wave madly towards us, having commandeered a table right under a window overlooking the Manasquan River with two exits at equal distances. It’s not too crowded and I feel better about being here than I thought I would.

  I find an empty chair waiting for me, along with a delicious-looking cocktail. “What’s this?” I ask as I take a seat, eying the strange concoction. It’s a rich pink color with a few pieces of fruit floating on top.

  Brie excitedly explains. “That’s a stone fruit sangria. Best I’ve ever had, so I ordered you one. Try it. It’s to die for!”

  One sip and I’m hooked. It’s my new favorite, and it doesn’t have a lot of alcohol, so I’m free to order several tonight, especially since I’m not driving.

  Cait takes charge and starts to talk strategy for the night. “Okay, team, we’re here for one reason and one reason only – to kick ass and take names.” She grabs the answer sheet lying in the center of the table. “Speaking of names, what’s our team name tonight? Anyone have any suggestions?”

  Declan is first. “When my buddies and I play in the city, we call ourselves Pr
estige Worldwide.”

  “Um, no thank you,” Cait interrupts. “I can’t stand that stupid movie.” Cait has no patience for movies like Step Brothers, but personally I love some slapstick humor.

  Brie thinks she has the answer. “No worries, I’ve got the perfect team name. Let’s call ourselves Hold Me Closer Tony Danza.”

  “You can call the team that after I leave,” Declan warns.

  “Okay, I’ve got it. You guys like SNL, right?” They all nod in agreement. “Let’s call the team Suck it, Trebek.” It’s unanimous; we’re all in agreement. Cait scribbles the name on the top of our answer sheet just as the game begins.

  The night starts out easily enough with a general sports question. The emcee asks, “What football team’s fans set the Guinness World Record for being the loudest stadium?”

  We huddle together and discuss our guesses. Cait and Declan are our sports experts, so we defer to them for their opinions. Team names like Eagles, Chargers, and Red Skins are offered before we finally agree on our local team, the Sentinels.

  Other questions about dead presidents and Chinese cuisine follow. The real debate begins when the name of the largest desert is questioned. Everyone except me thinks the answer is Sahara, but I know better. It’s the Antarctic. No one ever thinks of it because it’s covered in snow, but it is technically a desert. Unfortunately, I get overruled.

  During the break, our waitress comes over to refill our drinks and ask if we’d like to order anything to eat. “Oh, do you have edamame?” Brie asks.

  “We do.” She looks right at Declan, all starry eyed. “Can I get anyone else something from the kitchen?”

  She’s young, cute, and the exact type of girl Declan goes for – willing. “That all depends,” he tells her dryly. “What would you recommend?”

  She leans over and grabs a menu, handing it to Declan. Her boobs are right near his face and he lights up like a Christmas tree. Leaning over, she points out the appetizer section and makes a suggestion. “How about a sampler platter? You’ll definitely find something you like.”

  He’s practically drooling all over himself. “Did I recently see you on the cover of Vogue?”

  She giggles and touches his arm. “Oh, my God. You’re adorable.” This girl has some nerve flirting with a guy who’s here with three women. How does she know he’s not with one of us?

  Cait must be thinking the same thing, and she’s never been one to keep quiet about anything. “Okay, let’s put an end to this shit show. We’ll take the edamame and sampler platter. Declan, put your tongue back in your mouth and stop trying to pick up the waitress. We’re here for Kenny tonight and ditching us for some random tag and bag is not an option. Not tonight, anyway.”

  Jenny, our poor waitress is left speechless, aghast. “Sorry, nothing personal,” Cait offers an unfelt apology.

  The waitress hustles away as fast as her tiny feet will carry her.

  Declan is not happy with his sister’s attitude. “You know, Cait, we’re all young, single, and very available. A little innocent flirting is something you should give a try. Maybe if you get laid, you won’t be such a raging bitch all the time.”

  “Well that escalated quickly,” I announce, causing our small group to chuckle with uncomfortable laughter.

  “You know, speaking of getting laid, there’s this cute guy that comes to the coffee shop almost every day at eight o’clock sharp. He orders a large shaken iced black tea, grabs a newspaper, and sits at the same table. We can sit and stare at him together,” Brie offers.

  “I don’t know,” Cait grumbles. “Scale of one to ten, what are we talking?”

  “Twelve point five, easy,” Brie answers, sipping her sangria.

  My mind drifts to the last twelve point five I’ve seen and I’d have to say with confidence that it was my Hawaiian fantasy fling. He rang all my bells and I blew all his whistles. That man and that night have provided me with more dreams and fantasies than I ever thought possible. I am so glad I didn’t stick around only to be disappointed by reality.

  “I’m in,” Cait declares. “Wake me up before you leave in the morning.”

  “I don’t like it. A little too stalkerish for me.” Watching and ogling some guy from a distance is something I’m super uncomfortable with.

  “No one said anything about stalking, Kenny. Just good old-fashioned boy watching just like girls have been doing for hundreds of years,” Cait counters.

  “Thousands, even,” Brie adds. “Besides, what guy doesn’t love a little female attention?”

  We all look to Declan to get his little kernel of wisdom on the subject.

  “Speaking from a male perspective, when we catch girls staring at us, we think one of two things,” Dec explains. “Either in your dreams, babe, or in your dreams, which are about to come true. But then again, I’m just a bull in a vagina shop, so what do I know?”

  Since no one can argue with Dec’s rock solid logic, we agree to be at work by eight for breakfast. Besides, I haven’t been very social lately, and it feels like I should put myself out there a little bit more. Boy watching may just be the way I can stick my toe into the dating pool without jumping into the deep end.

  One of the busboys appears with our food. I guess poor Jenny won’t be coming back to our table anytime soon.

  The emcee is now back with our next round of questions. “What classic movie monster is named after the director’s lawyer?” the emcee asks.

  The question frustrates Cait, who deems this topic too pedestrian to be worth knowing.

  Declan quiets his sister as he wrestles with the emcee’s question. “Just because you don’t know the answer, doesn’t mean it’s a bad question.”

  Brie claps her hands on the table rapidly and bounces up and down in her seat. “Oh, I know. What’s the most famous movie monster in the history of film?”

  We offer answers like Godzilla and King Kong, which are clearly wrong.

  Brie starts humming the heart-pounding theme song from Spielberg’s classic beach thriller. In unison, we all answer, “Jaws”, and immediately look around to see if we spoke too loudly.

  Cait writes it down because there’s no way Brie could possibly be wrong. Lawyer. Shark. Synonymous.

  Even with all our spot-on answers, our team ranks third. I have a sinking suspicion that my desert answer would have catapulted us to either first or second place, easily. But there’s no point in crying over spilt milk.

  I arrive at work early the next morning to find Brie and her staff busily filling all sorts of coffee orders for our caffeine-addicted customers. By the time Cait and I got up, she was long gone and Declan was still passed out in the living room. I don’t know how Brie does it every morning. “Good morning, Brie. How’s it going today?”

  She takes off her apron, tosses it to the side and walks over towards me proud as a peacock. “Great. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, things have really been crazy around here. I think we’re going to beat all of Cait’s projections handily.”

  One of the baristas comes up to greet me. “Morning, Kensington. Can I get you something this morning?”

  I thought about it the entire way to work this morning and as usual, I know exactly what I want. “Yes, please. I’d like a large salted caramel iced macchiato with one sugar and a slice of that delicious whole wheat banana bread. Thank you, Staci.”

  “Coming right up.” She notices Cait join us before I do. “Good morning, Cait. The usual?”

  Cait yawns and nods. She’s never been a morning person. In fact, I thought she might actually go back to bed rather than show up at this hour. Cait has always been more of a night owl, not truly coming to life until the sun sets. Wait, does that make her an owl or a vampire?

  Hmm, that might make an interesting topic for a supernatural romance. The Blood Countess. The main character isn’t just an ordinary blood-sucking vampire that falls in love. She’s a Romanian countess who finds joy in seducing young men, then feeding on and bathing in th
eir blood.

  My mind races with the possibilities. I’d have to do quite a bit of historical, social, and psychological research, but that shouldn’t be a problem.

  Cait is waving her hands in front of my face. “Earth to Kenny. Are you joining us, or what?”

  “Yeah, oh, sorry.” I grab my breakfast and follow the girls out the door and towards a small table outside.

  The moment we’re sitting, Cait calls me to task. “You were daydreaming about another book idea, weren’t you?”

  I nod and shrug. I don’t much care for the term daydreaming. I prefer the phrase mind wandering. The worst part is when I snap out of it and realize I have no idea what anyone is talking about.

  “What was it this time?”

  “A supernatural historical romance,” I tell her. “What do you think – vampires who drink blood to stay beautiful and seduce dukes, princes, and counts?”

  “How the hell did that random idea pop into that beautiful noggin of yours?” Cait asks.

  “It’s probably best if you don’t ask,” I warn, soliciting a few smirks.

  While Cait and Brie talk shop and discuss sales goals and P&L statements, I take a moment to appreciate what we’ve made here together. TitleWave is situated at the south end of the boardwalk. We’re a little off the beaten track, but on the plus side, we got a corner lot with one side facing the beach and the other lining a side street with ample parking. We built a wrap-around patio on both sides with small tables and large umbrellas. On a good day, the tables are filled with customers who sit, read, eat, and drink all day long.

  Brie chooses a table in the corner of the “L” so that no matter where her mystery man chooses to sit, we will have a great view.

  “So, Kenny, did you have a good time last night?” Brie asks.

  “I did,” I readily admit. “We haven’t done that in a long time. I think I might be ready to do it again next week. Do you think Declan will drive down again?”

  Cait nods, but makes a counter offer. “I’m sure he would. But why wait? I was thinking we could drive up to Asbury and hit up Johnny Mac’s for some microbrew and skeeball this weekend.”