Second Chances by Dale Mayer Read Free Book Online Page B

him for a trial separation. He's having trouble dealing with this." He shrugged. "Obviously, this is a difficult situation for him."
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    Several heads turned to follow Mark's path as he headed back towards the doors. Brian watched as Mark patted Karina on the shoulder as he passed by.
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    Karina looked up toward the stage and sent him a shaky smile.
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    He took that to heart. Everything was going to be fine. It had to be.
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    ***
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    Karina tried to stay focused on Brian. Instead of feeling relieved her uneasiness had grown. She studied the other people in the room. Was there any change in their attitude? She searched Susan's features. She seemed fine, normal. Honestly, the audience looked as if they had perked up. Margaret, the barracuda, looked even more fascinated, if that were possible. Everyone seemed to like that bit of excitement, something more for their money, a bit of scandal and drama to take away with them.
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    A hand gently tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped. She'd been so distracted studying everyone else that she'd missed Mark's return. Now he crouched beside her.
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    "He's left. Everything's fine."
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    She peered into his eyes. "Are you sure?"
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    "Yes. Mr. Blackburn was apologetic and seemed both calm and rational. He said he'd just been overcome when he saw Brian and the emotions were too much for him. He went home a few minutes ago."
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    "You don't think that he'll be back?" She didn't think it could be that easy. Besides, it seemed to her that he’d been looking for Brian the first time she saw him here. As if he’d been stalking Brian.
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    "No, I don't think so. He did finally admit that he no longer blamed Brian. It was his wife's decision to leave that had him so upset."
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    "That's understandable." She spoke slowly, letting go of her uneasiness. She’d only known Mark for a short time, but she trusted his opinion. "His reaction makes me wonder if she isn't making the right decision by leaving." She gave a small smile.
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    Mark grimaced and nodded. "I hear you. We're going to take a break here soon. After that there'll be an hour's question-and-answer session and then we end with the closing address. A scene like this isn't the best way to finish but it happens." He shrugged. "We'll have to roll with it." He nodded toward Brian. "That's his signal. We're going to break now."
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    Mark opened up the double doors, calling out lightheartedly, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready for a coffee and dessert. Everything's ready, let's enjoy."
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    The conversation level was loud and lively during the break. Mark and Brian had done their best with damage control, but people needed to discuss the recent events. Some things were just human nature.
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    Karina stood off to one side, unwilling to be drawn into conversation. Susan had gone to get coffee for them both. Excitement permeated the crowd. It was a heck of a way to finish off the weekend. Brian was saying goodbye to several of the guests who were leaving early.
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    Susan returned with coffee and linked arms with Karina. Both women sipped at their beverages for several long moments.
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    Studying her friend, Karina decided a change of topic was in order. A new focus. Something to take her mind off Ian and the past, and to direct it forward, into the future.
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    "You know, Susan," she said, half-jokingly, "A while ago you talked about starting your own company. What do you think about the idea of starting one together?"
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    Susan looked at her in surprise. "You know, that isn't such a bad idea. I've wanted to open a toy store since I started my own family."
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    The two women stopped and stared at each other, the idea rapidly sprouting and gathering steam. Susan continued. "You have the bookkeeping and office experience to be able to tackle the business side of things, don't you?"
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    "Absolutely. You know, I've often wondered why toy stores don't carry much in the way