Second Chances by Bria Marche Read Free Book Online Page B

the edge of the box with her fingertips. She pulled it forward until it dropped into her arms. “Shall we have a look?”
    The three sat on the bed and paused for a moment. “Do it, Abby. Open the lid,” Melanie said.
    Abby apprehensively lifted the lid, afraid she’d be disappointed. Inside lay a pair of tan knee-high fashion boots with suede fringe and buckles along the side.
    “Damn it, no money.”
    The three exhaled the breaths they were holding with loud sighs. Abby pulled the boots out of the box to have a closer look.
    “I see what you mean. These are hideous. What the…?”
    “What?”
    An enormous grin brightened Abby’s face. “Check it out!” She turned the boots upside down and hit the soles with her open hand. Stacks of money fell out of the shaft of each boot.
    “Oh, heaven’s to…”
    “Betsy?” Abby chuckled.
    “Yes, that’s what I meant. I’ve never seen that much money in my entire life. Should I go downstairs and lock the doors?” Betsy asked.
    Abby agreed and laughed with relief. “Sure, go ahead. We’ll wait for you and drink our tea. We’re counting this money together.”

Chapter Six
    By eleven o’clock, all of the cash was counted and rubber banded. The ladies lay back on Charlotte’s king-sized bed, relaxed and happy. In all, they counted seventeen thousand sixty-eight dollars.
    “This will hold us over until after my mom’s will is read and the estate is settled. Thank you, Mom, for setting this cash aside, even though I’m positive it wasn’t meant for me. I appreciate it anyway. Tomorrow, I’m going to call Mr. LaRue and have him set the time for the service. I think I’ll have a luncheon served, too. Betsy, we need to go through Mom’s phone again and figure out which people on her contact list we need to notify, and tomorrow, your bedroom is getting an overhaul. Mel, pick out a room. I’m exhausted, so I’m going to bed. Good night.”
    Abby lay in bed with the pillows plumped behind her shoulders. Darkness filled the room, and the night was quiet. She could finally unwind and hopefully sleep. The low whirring sound of the ceiling fan brought back memories of St. Thomas and Remy. Would he have consoled Abby about her mother’s tragedy if he were still in her life? Today had been a blur, too unbelievable, too busy, and too heart wrenching. She focused on the spinning blades. The only light came from the inch of space beneath the door. On the other side was the long hallway, the hallway Charlotte Melrose used to walk with her high-heeled shoes, always going somewhere special. For the first time that day, Abby felt absolutely, completely alone. Silent tears streamed down her face, pooling in her ears until they slid farther to hit the pillow bunched up underneath her head. In the short span of a month, Remy had gone, and now her mother was gone, too. As much as Abby wanted to hate Remy, she found it difficult. It wasn’t in her to hate anyone. She thought about his golden skin and stunning green eyes. Those dreadlocks and his sleek, muscular body—along with his charismatic personality—were enough to have every tourist and island girl panting after him.
    Why didn’t I see the signs? He was bad news from the start. I felt it in my gut. I alienated Mom because of him, and now she’s dead. I can’t ever apologize to her. It’s too late for us to be a family. I wasted two years of my life throwing myself and my money at this man who told me how much he loved me when I could have been spending that time with Mom. Maybe I do hate you after all, Remy… maybe I do.
    After counting each rotating fan blade for an hour, Abby finally drifted off to sleep.
    ***
    Saturday arrived with dark, threatening skies and thunderstorms. Lightning strikes sounded in the distance but were closing in on Charleston. Every rumble made the windows shake and the women jump. They sat at the kitchen table together, each holding a mug of coffee and going over the finalized eulogy for