Free Second Look (A New Beginning Book 3) by Connie Stephany Page B

the room, and he finally broke away from the hug.
    “Hi mom.”
    “Hi, honey. I just walked your sister out. We must’ve barely missed you.” She looked over at her husband and then again at Adam. “How are my two favorite men?”
    His mom looked to be on the verge of tears.
    Adam shrugged. What could he say?
    “I suppose I better go and let you rest.”
    His mom just nodded and gave him a watery smile. Her chin was quivering, but she was keeping the tears inside. He walked over and gave her a hug.
    When he let go, his mom walked to his dad to stand by the bed. His dad gave his mom a smile that surprisingly lit up his sunken eyes.
    “Mom, dad, I love you. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
    They both nodded and his dad said, “I love you, son.”
    He started to leave, but before he walked out the door, he turned back around.
    His mom was on the bed and laying down beside his dad. They were holding hands with their fingers interlocked and they were staring into each other’s eyes.
    How does someone survive losing the person they love the most in their life?
    Adam left, almost running to get to a private area while his eyes filled. He made it to the parking lot before the tears started falling. He somehow found his car and stayed there until he got himself under control.
    If my heart is broken, Mom’s must be shattered.
    The love they shared was rare and he hoped to have that kind of love someday.
    His mind turned to Jennifer. His dad had always liked her and he seemed so sure he’d seen her and he wished it were the case.
    Adam couldn’t help but smile, thinking of the first time he laid eyes on her.
    Fourteen years earlier…
    “So Jenn, how come I’ve never seen you around before?”
    Before Jennifer replied, Mandi rolled her eyes and said, “Geez, bro, she’s been coming around for like 6 months. She’s my best friend. Have you been hiding under a rock?”
    Adam looked over to Mandi and held his hand palm side up. “I’ve been a little busy with school, baseball and my job. What can I say?”
    He looked back at Jennifer and gave her his best grin, the one he knew showed off his dimple. Adam could see the blush spreading on her face and it made him grin even wider.
    Damn, she’s really cute.
    Adam tried again. “Do you play any sports, Jenn?”
    Mandi scowled at him. “Her name is Jennifer, you dork.”
    Adam’s head snapped back to Mandi. “Would you let her talk, twerp?”
    “Freak.”
    “Nag.”
    “That’s enough, you two.” Mandi’s mom was shaking her head. “We have a guest. Let’s pretend to get along, shall we?”
    “Sorry, mom,” Adam replied and then turned back to Jennifer. “So do you? Play sports, that is.”
    “I…I play softball.” Jennifer’s voice was soft and sweet. “With your sister.”
    Adam nodded his head and smiled. “Cool. Maybe I could come and watch you play.”
    Mandi rolled her eyes again and said under her breath, “You never wanted to come watch me.”
    Mandi’s dad smiled. “Good luck fitting that in to your schedule, son.”
    Adam looked over at his dad. “I’m sure I can figure out at least one game to watch.” He then turned back towards Jennifer, trying to catch her eye. “What positions?”
    Jennifer finally raised her eyes to meet his. “Pitcher and 3rd base. What about you?”
    “Mainly first base. Sometimes right field.”
    “Where do you work?”
    He grinned. She was actually talking to him now, asking him questions. Sweet!
    “He works at DQ. At least that’s something he’s done right,” Mandi told her, laughing. “He brings home blizzards for me sometimes.”
    Adam narrowed his eyes at Mandi. “You better watch your smart mouth or I won’t bring you any more.” He turned back to Jennifer. “You should come up sometime and I’ll make you anything you want.”
    She finally cracked a smile. “I’d like that.”
    Adam couldn’t help but sneak glances her way the rest of the way through dinner.
    What will Mandi do if I ask her