Second Chances (23 page)

“What the…?” Erik stepped down from the porch after tossing the cans into the container and walked around the dumpster. “Excuse me?” he said in almost a laugh. “Abby… what the hell are you doing here?” He could only see her from behind as she crouched low, her head nearly tucked to her knees.

She turned slowly and stood up, slapping the street dust off the palms of her hands. “Busted, right?”

“Sort of looks that way.” He smiled with his arms crossed in front of him.

Those damn biceps. That gorgeous face. His sexy smile
.
I’m toast.

“I think you have some explaining to do, Ms. Taylor. Is this a random stalking or a planned one?”

“Planned?” She looked at him pleadingly, hoping he would find that amusing.

“That’s what I thought. Are you here for another tongue lashing?”

“Depends on how it feels.”

They both laughed.

“You’re a fast thinker, Abby, I’ll give you that. Come on. I’m ready for a break anyway. Let’s sit on the porch and talk.”

He reached for her hand, and she eagerly gave it. His was the hand she wanted to hold for the rest of her life. She was certain of it, and there was no going back. Abby was in love with Erik Christiansen.

“I read your letter, and to be honest, I was going to come by this week and apologize for my behavior. I had no right to say the things I did. I’m sorry, and I feel bad for the way your life has turned out. You didn’t ask for a husband that conned you and stole all your money, and you didn’t ask for a mother that took you out of her will. You were just trying to get by and make ends meet having tenants in the house. Actually, it was a genius idea.”

“I can thank Betsy for coming up with that one.”

“Well, I understand everything now, even why you changed your last name. I’d have trust issues with people, too, after what you went through. I’m sure I’d do exactly what you did. How about dinner tonight? We’ll talk some more and figure this thing out between us. I’ve been staying at the Overnight Inn. I’ll clean up and swing by to get you. How about six o’clock?”

“Six o’clock sounds wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.” She stood to walk away. He held her hand a few seconds longer, then he stood, too. Erik leaned in and kissed her lips. His kisses told her how much he’d missed her. She was hungry for his kisses, his touch, and his body making love with hers. She shuddered with lust and love for him.

“Okay, I better get the living room painted. I’ll see you in a few hours. Abby?”

“Yes?”

“I really missed you.”

She smiled then said, “I missed you, too.”

Abby casually walked to the end of Atlantic Street and turned the corner onto Meeting Street before she ran full out, just in case Erik was watching. The distance home was only six blocks, and she was a fast runner.
Okay, so I’ll need another shower, but I’m too excited to care.
She charged into the front door and ran through the house, ending at the back door off the kitchen. Adam, Lisa, and Betsy sat on the patio playing Go Fish. Abby plowed through the screen door, leaned over, kissed each one, took a gulp of Betsy’s iced tea, and ran back inside.

“Would anyone care to tell me what that was about?” Betsy asked.

“Who knows, but whatever it was, it looked good on her,” Adam said. “Now go fish.”

Once more, Abby dove into the shower and scrubbed every inch of her body. She shaved her legs and smoothed vitamin-rich creamy lotion all over them after drying off.
What the hell?
She coated her entire body with the vanilla-scented cream. She dabbed Chanel on every erogenous zone she could think of.
Thanks, Mom, for leaving a full bottle of Chanel behind. Lord knows I can’t afford to buy it myself.
Tonight was special. She would wear something seductively sexy—but nothing over-the-top slutty. As a proper southern girl, she didn’t own the latter anyway. She browsed through her closet, looking for the above-the-knee summer sundress with spaghetti straps, a dress that would show barely a hint of cleavage. She had worn such dresses often in St. Thomas, and she had the perfect dress in mind. It had a cute boho vibe in a gypsy-like pattern with three shades of blue.
This dress is perfect. It will accentuate my baby blue eyes.

Abby sat on the veranda, waiting for the white work van to appear around the corner. Even though she would appear less anxious by waiting indoors, she was kind enough not to expect Erik to look for a parking spot just to come inside and pick her up. She craned her neck in both directions since South Battery was a two-way street. She wasn’t quite sure where the Overnight Inn was, so he could be coming down either Meeting or King Street.

She had already passed inspection by everyone in the house, so the only person left to impress would be Erik, and she had all intentions of doing a great job. Abby felt a giddiness she had never experienced before, not even when she met Remy or brought him to Charleston to meet her mother. Erik didn’t have that well-honed charisma Remy had, but Abby also knew where that had gotten her. Erik was truthful, honest, and sincere, not to mention white-hot sexy. Abby sat on her hands while she waited, an effort to keep from chewing her fingernails off from pure excitement.

The white van rounded the corner off King Street and headed in Abby’s direction.
Yay! Here he comes!
Abby jumped off the chair and headed down the sidewalk, through the gate, and out to the street. She walked toward the van. Erik got out, gave her a kiss, and opened the passenger door, helping her in.

Six sets of eyes peered out the parlor window as the van pulled away. “That’s what I’m talking about,” Betsy said as everyone dispersed back to the kitchen. “It’s about time that girl got her happily ever after.”

“So are you going to keep me in suspense forever?” she asked, still wondering where they were going to dine.

“Nope, and it isn’t very far. We’re going to The Fig Tree. Is that okay?”

“How in the world did you get a reservation? They’re usually booked weeks in advance.”

“It helps when the house I’m remodeling belongs to the owners of the restaurant,” he said, chuckling.

“I always knew you were a crafty guy.”

He reached across the seat and took her left hand. He brought it to his face and kissed each finger. “I love you, Abby. Everything is going to be okay.”

They laughed when they learned the valet would be parking Erik’s work van, but tonight, the only thing that mattered was reconnecting and going forward. Dining in one of the finest restaurants in Charleston wasn’t Erik’s norm, but he wanted Abby to know he was capable of being much more than a common handyman. He had class and style, too.

The restaurant was small, intimate, and beautiful. Candlelit tables sat alongside tan brick walls covered in historic black-and-white photos of Charleston. Soft music played in the background, and the wait staff was courteous and prompt. Erik started by ordering a bottle of their finest white wine. Crusty warm bread and dipping oil was placed on the table for them to enjoy before dinner.

By night’s end, the air was cleared, and all questions were answered. Erik said he truly didn’t care that Abby was broke, and he had no agenda except to love her. “Whatever happens going forward, we will figure it out together.”

“Thank you. That means so much to me. As long as we’re being up-front and honest, I do have something I need to say.” Abby leaned forward across the white linen tablecloth and took his hands in hers.

“Go ahead. Say what’s on your mind.”

“Well, I am honestly running a boardinghouse, you know. I guess I’m not
honestly
running it, since nobody except the tenants knows what I’m doing. But the point is, you and I had an agreement. You were supposed to have five months of free rent for the work you did for me. You still have several months due you. I’m not one to go back on my word. The least you could do is make me feel good and honor our contract.” She gave him an innocent smile.

“I see. So what you’re saying is, I should check out of the Overnight Inn and move back into my old bedroom?”

“Or mine.”

“Uh-huh… so to honor our contract, I should move into your room?”

“That sounds reasonable to me. Looking at it from a business perspective, I could offer your old room for rent along with Brandon’s.”

He laughed and gave her a wide smile. His eyes twinkled. “Whatever happened to that jerk, anyway?”

“I have no idea. The wrongful death lawsuit was denied anyway, but it was filed by a different partner. He obviously got pulled off that case. Maybe he tucked his tail and went back to Chicago.”

“I could only hope. Anyway, what if I gathered my things tonight? I sort of liked living on South Battery.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. Let’s go.”

The facade was dark when they finally returned to Melrose Mansion. Only the street lamps along the sidewalk next to the park illuminated the opulent home.

“Either everyone is tucked away for the night, or they’re out back,” Abby said as they crossed through the gate.

They entered the darkened house. Erik dropped his necessities in the foyer, at the foot of the staircase. He said he would get the rest of his things out of the van tomorrow. They turned toward the voices echoing down the hallway, coming from beyond the kitchen. Abby smiled and led the way, holding Erik’s hand. The kitchen light was on, but the group sat outside on the patio, under the twinkling lights strung through the pergola.

“Hey, guys, you’re still up? It’s after eleven o’clock. Look who I found at The Fig Tree.”

Everyone around the table laughed, and Charles motioned for Abby and Erik to join them.

“Pretty swanky place, The Fig Tree. Nice job, dude,” Adam said.

“So what’s the deal?” Mel asked. Her eyes sparkled.

“The deal is I have to live up to my bartering agreement with Erik. I still owe him two months’ room and board, except I’m going to rent out his room and Brandon’s.”

“That, my dear girl, is a smart business move. Speaking of moving, I’m off to bed. Good night everyone, and welcome back, Erik,” Betsy said before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Everyone else followed suit in calling it a night, leaving Erik and Abby sitting outside alone.

“You did a wonderful job out here. Look how beautiful this yard is at night.”

“It is nice, isn’t it? Are you ready for bed, Abby?”

“I’ve been ready for two weeks.”

They laughed together at her comment, turned off the patio lights, and went to Abby’s third-floor bedroom to get reacquainted. Together, in Abby’s king-sized bed, they made love for the second time with even more passion than the first. That night was a new beginning for both of them. Abby had a second chance at love.

Erik had already left for work, and Abby was on cloud nine. Life was good. She felt it and trusted in it. After her shower, she joined everyone downstairs for breakfast. Questions shot at her from both ends of the kitchen table.

“Geez, guys, slow down. I need my coffee before I get interrogated.”

“Coming right up.” Betsy jumped off her chair and filled a mug with the rich brew for Abby.

“Thanks, Betsy,” Abby said after taking a sip of coffee. “Okay, we’re officially a couple. Would that be again or the first time?”

“I think it’s the first time. Before, you were just practicing.” Mel smirked.

“Well, in my opinion, there’s nobody that deserves happiness more than you and Erik. I’m really excited for you, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Lucille. I’m pretty excited, too.”

A phone call came while Abby was helping Betsy clean up the kitchen. Everyone else left for the day.

“Weird. It’s only eight o’clock. I wonder who’s calling this early.” Abby dried her hands and looked at the ringing phone. “It’s Attorney Lewis,” she told Betsy, and then she answered, “Hello, Abby speaking.”

“Hello, Abigail. I’m sorry to be calling this early, but I’m sure you’ll be delighted with the news I have. The claim we filed against Mr. Hanson’s personal car insurance was accepted for the full amount. A check for three hundred thousand dollars is being processed as we speak.”

“Oh my God, I can’t believe it. And it’s only against the insurance company, right? There’s nothing that’s been taken from his family?”

“That is correct, dear. The check should arrive by courier tomorrow. I’ll have one of my company checks cut for you for two thirds of the total. You can pick it up on Thursday.”

“Thank you so much, Attorney Lewis. Wow… things are starting to turn around for me. I’ll see you on Thursday.”

Abby turned to her friend to share the good news. “Betsy, the settlement went through! I’m going to get two hundred thousand dollars from Mr. Hanson’s car insurance company. With that and the money for my mom’s car, I’ll have close to two hundred fifty thousand dollars in the bank in a few days. That makes me feel a whole lot better. You know, a friend of mine told me something after the Remy fiasco that has stuck with me during these hard months.”

“What’s that?” Betsy carried two fresh cups of coffee to the kitchen table, pulled out a chair, and sat.

“He said, ‘The world has a way of righting itself, and I hope everything eventually turns out right for you.’ I really believe that is going to happen. I don’t know when exactly, but it’s off to a nice start.”

“He sounds like a smart man and a good friend.”

Five days of searching the waters around St. Croix produced nothing. The Coast Guard, catamaran crews taking tourists out for the day, and even the ferry captains kept a close watch on the ocean and beaches, but nobody found a trace of Remy Bellavance. His speedboat,
Abby’s Folly
, had been sighted, floating out in open water a few days back. Nobody was onboard, but plenty of booze bottles lay scattered about. No distress calls had been documented coming in to the Coast Guard or the St. Croix police department from that boat. Remy was gone, disappeared again into thin air. The boat was taken to Green Cay Marina where it still sat with nobody to claim it.

John called Abby to tell her the bad news, since there were no sightings of Remy anywhere on any of the islands. Remy was considered missing and lost at sea.