A Second Chance by Alexis A Goring

Author:Alexis A Goring
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications
Published: 2017-01-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Traci stared at her second to last paycheck and rubbed the back of her neck. It wasn’t much. But she was just one paycheck away from making zero dollars until she could find a new job. She bit her bottom lip.

If only her grandfather hadn’t put in that stipulation for the inheritance. It would solve all of her financial problems and make her dreams come true. Dreams like owning her own bookstore like she promised Hallee.

Hallee, her cousin who was like the sister she never had. Traci swallowed around the lump in her throat as she thought of their last conversation before Hallee’s cancer returned with a vengeance.

The girls had giggled as they shared their secrets in their makeshift tent in Hallee’s home library. They poured over their latest favorite books underneath the blankets they propped over chairs as their tent. They each held a flashlight over their books and discussed the characters.

Suddenly, Hallee shut her book. She looked at Traci with a serious stare that stole her breath. “What?”

“When I die, please remember our dream for our bookstore and make it come true when you grow up.”

Traci clutched her book. “Oh Hallee, you’re not going to die. You’re going to beat this cancer and grow up with me. Then we’ll open the bookstore together, just like we planned.”

Hallee’s eyes remained dark and serious. “Promise me.”

Traci shook her head.

“Promise me.”

With everything in her, Traci didn’t want to make the vow. But the single tear trickling down her cousin’s face swayed her. “I promise.”

Hallee’s grin had been almost as bright as the sun. “And you can call it Hallee’s House. Named after me.”

“I will.”

“Long day?”

Traci jerked, and she straightened. Carla’s question shocked her back into reality. “Ever try knocking?”

“There’s no door. You’re in a cubicle.”

“Oh, right.”

“What’s going on? I see you got your paycheck. Is that why you’re depressed?”

“I’m not depressed.” She shoved the envelope into her purse. “I’m just disappointed. I barely make enough money to support myself. Our career’s system of paying your dues is hurting me. Not that it matters. I’m only two weeks away from being unemployed.”

Carla reached over and gave Traci a hug.

“I hear you, girl. But what else is hurting you?”

Traci furrowed her brows.

Carla returned to her favorite spot, leaning against the cubicle wall.

“I have no idea what you’re asking.”

“Spill it.”

Traci glanced over the other cubicles. Too many prying ears. “Follow me to the break room.”

They entered, the aroma of coffee, usually enticing, now churning her stomach. Traci shut the door and paced.

“I’m waiting.”

She stopped in her tracks. “I finally told Marc about my secret.”

“Really? When?”

“One week ago.”

“How did it go?”

Traci rubbed the conference tabletop. “Not so good.”

Carla touched her upper arm. “What happened?”

“He left. He didn’t talk to me for days.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Is he talking to you now?”

Traci wiped away the tears that eked out. “He called me last weekend, but hung up before I could answer. I’ve called and called, but he won’t answer. He broke my .

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