Free Second Chances by Kimberly McKay Page A

tonics.
                  He quietly approached her, as she clumsily hung on one of his co-workers at the firm.  The second Davis came close; Tom turned to him with relief.  His eyes were almost bulging as he shifted her weight toward Davis.
                  “You need to get her home.  She’s making a spectacle out of you.” Tom pulled her arms from around his neck and passed her over.
                  “I know.  I’m sorry.”  Davis lifted her weight from Tom’s shoulder and leaned her toward him.
                  “Hey!”  She smacked Davis on the arm.  “Get off me.  I’m having fun talking to Dom!”  She tried to put a finger on Tom’s nose, as if she were  disciplining him, but missed and poked him in the cheek.
                  “Really, Davis?”  Tom gave him a look.  “Please control her.”
                  “Hey! No one controls me!”  Veronica frowned at Tom, and then looked to Davis, saying, “Get me out of here.  This isn’t fun anymore.  You work with party poopers!”
                  “You used to work with us, Ronnie.  You should know what’s proper behavior at these events.”  Tom scolded her.
                  “Well, that’s why I left.  You’re all boring bunch of stiffs.”  She stuck her chin out at Tom, as Davis dragged her toward the elevator.
    As all eyes were on them,  he couldn’t help but thinking that nothing like this would’ve happened if he were here with Paige tonight.  However, if he were here with his ex-wife – he wouldn’t be going home with his mistress, and that was worth her weight in gold.
                  As he expectantly waited for what the rest of the night could hold, Veronica puked down the front of Davis’ tuxedo jacket.  He grimaced, thinking that not even all the gold in Mexico was worth this.

Chapter 12
     
     
                  The sounds of smooth jazz sang through the speakers as Paige watched her friend, Natasha, set up her ironing board.  Paige reached for her hot chocolate and was glad she bundled up for her visit. 
    She blinked in disbelief as Natasha plugged her iron in, and reached for one of her husband’s shirts.
    “You’re seriously ironing out by the pool, with these temperatures?”  Paige laughed.  “I always knew you were particular, but this is just crazy.”
    “What?” Natasha laughed.  “It’s not that bad with the sun out. Besides, I do my best thinking out here.”
    “You could do that inside too!”  Paige’s eyes went wide.
    “You’ve seen my passel of kids!  Lump my husband in with them, and I’m never alone!  They don’t bother me out here.  And when I’m by myself, I can clear my head.”  Natasha nodded toward an aerosol can of starch.  “Hand that to me, please.”
    Paige stood and reached for the can from the patio table, and walked it over.
    “If this is your alone time, am I interrupting?”
    She dropped the can in Natasha’s hands and quickly retreated to her seat, away from the elements.  Natasha didn’t seem to notice the cold breeze as it swept across the pool – but Paige was thoroughly chilled.  She grabbed for a blanket and snuggled into her chair, before almost inhaling her hot chocolate.
    “Of course not!” Natasha beamed from across the patio.  “I don’t get any girl-time either.  This is still me-time.  So, catch me up!”
    Just then Paige heard someone yelling from inside.
    “Mom!”
    Natasha rolled her eyes and grinned.  “The natives are restless.”
    Travis, one of her teenaged twins, stepped outside looking lost. 
    “Mom, I can’t find my favorite jeans.”
    Natasha nodded knowingly.  “That’s because I washed them.”
    “Mom.  I told you not to do that.  I have to wear them tonight.  Turner and I are going to the game!”
    “I know.  That’s why I washed both yours and your brother’s jeans, and they’re folded