Unexpected Chance

by Joanne Schwehm

  My heart singed and my brain clenched at Julie’s words. “I know I should have said something, but I didn’t, and as I said, I can be stupid. I still don’t think I can forgive him, and even if I do, I’ll never forget it. I have to go, Jules. I’m having dinner with Chance, and I need to get ready.”

  “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Chance. Do you like him? Is that why you can’t forgive Alex, because it might ruin things for you and Chance?”

  I’d never thought about it like that. “I don’t know. He reminds me of the good parts of Alex, everything I fell in love with, and tonight I’m going to tell him that I’m leaving. It’s just weird. I care about him a lot, and I think that if I wasn’t so hurt I could fall for him. I just don’t want to. I want to be on my own, especially if this surgery doesn’t work. That way I won’t be a burden. And if it does work, then I need to stand on my own before I can even think about anyone else.” I paused and tried to calm my breathing. “Thank you. I love you for your honesty, even though it could use a little tact.”

  “I know. I’ll work on that.” She laughed. “I’m happy for you, Aubrey. Think about what I said though, okay? Guys like Alex Logan don’t come along every day. You may be taking a bigger risk by not forgiving him.”

  “Okay.” I understood but didn’t agree with everything that Julie said. Feeling brave, I dialed Alex’s number.

  It rang three times. I didn’t think he was going to answer; then I heard that voice.

  “Hi.” He sounded off.

  “Are you okay? You sound weird.”

  “No, I’m not okay; I have a lot on my mind.” He sounded as if he were moving around a lot, more than pacing, but not running. His breathing was ragged. Was he with someone? That thought sickened me, which should have told me a lot about where my feelings for him stood.

  “Oh, okay, well, I won’t keep you. I just thought you should know that I’ll be coming home soon. My vision started coming back, and my doctor has a colleague who performs a procedure that could help me regain my sight, and he happens to be in New York at NYU.”

  “That’s great, Aubrey.” He didn’t sound that excited, but a little relieved maybe? “When did your vision come back? Was all at once?”

  “No, it was a little at a time and then . . . When I was on the phone with you, it was the most vivid that it had ever been. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. I was in shock.”

  “I’m just happy that your sight is improving and that you’ll be coming home. I miss you. I miss my friend and my lover. Please let me be that again. I want to be by your side through this. I want to be with you, eyesight or not. I told you before that I’ll show you the world through my eyes. We’ll see things together.” I heard him sniff as if he were crying. “Please, Aubrey, I am so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am. I need you. I can’t lose you; I can’t lose us. We’ve lost so much time already. I’ll prove to you how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Just give me a chance. You need to give us a chance. I’m not asking you to forget. Just forgive me.”

  He was pleading with me, and it really broke my heart. It felt as if it were now shredded.

  I wiped the tears from my face. “Alex, I can’t do this right now. I don’t know if I ever can. I refuse to be a burden to anyone. I know you’ll tell me that you’ll take care of me, and I appreciate all that you want to do for me, but you broke my heart.” I moved the phone away from my ear so he wouldn’t hear me sobbing. I had to collect myself to get through my next sentence. My voice cracked. “Please move on. I want you to be happy. I have to go now.”

  I hung up and felt sick. My head and my heart were all over the place. I needed to regroup and go to Chance’s for dinner. Maybe he was my chance to move on.

  Frank drove me to Chance’s apartment and told me to call him when I was ready to go home. I hated that I had to use my walking stick. It was an accessory I could do without. “Can you walk me to the door, Frank? I hate using this thing.”

  He cleared his throat. “Of course, Miss Aubrey.” He took my arm and led me to the door. “Shall I ring the buzzer?”

  I straightened my dress and felt my hair to make sure it was in place. “Please.”

  Chance opened the door, and Frank walked away after Chance thanked him. He guided me inside, holding my hand, and closed the door behind me. His place smelled heavenly. Had he been cooking all day or were we going to be having take-out? I was about to ask, when he spoke first.

  “You look beautiful. That dress is amazing.” He lifted my hand up to his lips and kissed it. He held his lips there longer than usual, and I felt goose bumps starting to form on my arm. Oddly enough, I felt my nipples harden under my lace bra. I quickly pulled my hand away.

  “Thank you. Speaking of amazing, what’s been going on here? Have you been cooking or running around the apartment with takeout so the scent permeates the air?”

  “Ha-ha, you’re a funny lady, Aubrey Ryan. I’ll have you know that I’ve been cooking all afternoon for you.”

  “And, Chef Love, what are we having?” I was going to have fun with him now.

  “You’re full of it today, aren’t you? Well, we’re having Beef Wellington, asparagus, citrus salad, and new potatoes.”

  “Wow! Well, it smells divine. I can’t believe you did all this.”

  “You’ve had quite the week. I figured you deserved it.”

  What had I done to deserve Chance? We sat at the table, which didn’t feel very big since I could feel Chance’s leg touching mine. I could faintly see a glow, and I could feel gentle warmth on my face. “Are there candles on the table?”

  “Yes! Can you see them? Can you see me?” He sounded so excited or maybe nervous. I noticed his accent wasn’t as strong as it had been. Maybe I was rubbing off on him.

  I wished I could see him. “No, I just see a little glow and I can feel the heat. That probably sounds ridiculous because they are probably taper candles and they don’t expel heat, but my senses are on overload. What’s that other smell? Are there flowers on the table?”

  I hadn’t noticed the smell before I sat down. I smelled orchids. I tried to get my head back to Chance.

  “Speaking of senses, I forgot to turn on some music. Would that be okay with you?”

  “Yes, of course, but before you do, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

  “Okay, but let’s eat. I don’t want this to get cold and then have it not rest on your palette correctly. I want you to experience my awesome cooking skills.”

  “Okay, well I wouldn’t want that to happen, so I’ll talk between bites.” I was going to continue when he chimed in.

  “Your plate is directly in front of you. Your beef is at six o’clock, the salad at eleven, and the potatoes at two.”

  He was so amazing. I loved that he thought to tell me that. “You’re wonderful. Thank you for describing that to me.” I tried again. “I need to tell you something.”

  “You can tell me anything.”

  I took a cleansing breath. “I went to Dr. Beaumont’s office today, and he told me that my MRI scan showed improvement but there is still fluid in my brain and it may be preventing me from regaining either partial or my entire vision.”

  The next part I just needed to blurt out. I swallowed the most delicious piece of beef and said, “I’m going to New York to have the procedure performed. I don’t know when I’m leaving or how long I’ll be there, but I think I want to move back regardless of the outcome. It’s my home, and I miss it and my friends.” I didn’t tell him I’d spoken to Alex and that my feelings regarding him were all over the place.

  Silence. That’s what came next. I set my fork down. I was finished eating.

  After what felt like forever, he spoke, “I think it’s wonderful that you have this opportunity that could possibly correct your vision. Are you done with your meal?” I heard his chair legs scrape against the tile floor and felt the table shift, so I assumed he stood up.

  “Yes, thank you. It was delicious
. Can I help you clean up?”

  What was I thinking? Of course I couldn’t. I hated not being able to do mundane tasks.

  “No, you relax; I’m just going to set the plates aside.”

  I could hear him moving around the kitchen. Was he upset that I was leaving?

  “Would you visit me in New York? I’ve loved the time I’ve spent with you. You’re the best friend I have here, and I would love for my friends at home to meet you. I’d like them to meet the man who saved my life in more ways than one. You’ve made me laugh when I felt like crying, you’ve described clouds to me and read to me because I couldn’t see to do it myself, and you’ve taken care of me.” I’d never realized it until I said it out loud, but he’d done all the things Alex told me he wanted to do. “You’re someone I care for . . . deeply.”

  I heard him moving closer and could see his shadow. He was tall.

  “Sit with me so we can talk.”

  He took my hands in his and pulled me from the chair. My chest touched his and I froze. He turned me around and guided me to his sofa. I could feel the carpeting under my shoes, and then my knee gently grazed what felt like leather.

  Still holding my hands, he said, “Have a seat; the sofa is right behind you.”

  My body was molded by soft leather; it almost felt like suede. My cushion dipped, and I felt Chance’s hand rest on my knee. Surprisingly, I didn’t make him move it. I missed being with a man; Alex had done that to me.

  “Chance, look, I—”

  “Let me say something first.” His voice sounded almost desperate, so I nodded. “Ever since I met you, all I’ve wanted to do is be with you. You make me laugh and see things in a way I never thought I could. You appreciate life even though yours took a sharp turn that you didn’t see coming. You are the most positive person, even when you could be negative. I am falling for you, and I want to be with you here in Paris, New York, or wherever we may end up. Life is too short; I think you know that better than most. I don’t want ‘what ifs.’ I want you.”

  He was squeezing my right hand with his left and his other was still on my knee, but his thumb was moving back and forth. It soothed me.

  He cleared his throat. “You’re the best friend I have too, and I can’t lose you, so if you still want me to go to New York with you, I will on one condition.”

  I wanted him to come with me so badly. I didn’t care what anyone thought about it either. People might be stunned that I’d found a man that I was compatible with, someone who I felt as if I’d known forever, who makes me happy and who I was falling for. He helped me put my heart back together and I didn’t even know it. Did I still love Alex? Yes, and I suppose I always would, but Chance found a new place in my heart. He wouldn’t completely occupy the place in my heart that Alex owned, but I would make room for him.

  I nervously replied, “Okay, what’s your one condition?”

  He pulled me up with the hand that was holding mine, making my knee a little jealous. He tilted my head up with his forefinger and thumb.

  “Dance with me.”

  I heard the stereo’s volume increase. He must have had a remote control for it.

  A slow song started playing. Memories filled my brain and broke my heart. I immediately thought of Alex; he’d put this song on my tablet. My heart sunk and then began to race at the memory. Why did something always bring me back to him? I’d try to move on and then bam! I’d get blindsided again. I closed my eyes to absorb the present, not the past.

  I could feel Chance’s hand on the small of my back. I loved dancing. I hadn’t danced since I lost my sight, since Alex. I was apprehensive, but if I wanted to move on, this was something I had to do.

  He pulled me close, which was good since I was on shaky legs. I was nervous. I felt an odd connection to him. He led me to what seemed like an open space. I could see shadows, but I didn’t have depth perception, so I didn’t know how much room we had.

  He must have sensed my apprehension. “I’ve got you. You won’t bang into anything. I moved the coffee table out of the way. We have an open space.”

  That voice . . .

  We moved to the beat of the song, but it was coming to an end and another immediately started. My breath hitched and my head spun as I heard Frank Sinatra singing “The Way You Look Tonight.” I couldn’t feel my legs, but Chance continued to guide me and glide me through half of the song. What is going on? I could feel my breathing change, and my chest ached at the memories that were flooding my brain.

  He whispered in my ear, “I have something for you.”

  That voice . . .

  “You do?” My heart raced.

  “Yes, I do.” He let go of my right hand, and I felt something cool on my right wrist. He kissed the palm of my hand and let go of it. We stopped moving.

  I touched my wrist.

  I couldn’t breathe.

  My bracelet, my beautiful orchid bracelet . . .

  My heart raced.

  How? I looked up, still not seeing anyone, not even a shadow.

  My breath hitched, and I found it hard to speak.

  I staggered back.

  Tears fell. It can’t be.

  “Alex?”

  “Yes.”

  Alex and Aubrey’s story will continue in Unbroken Chance coming early 2014.

  Acknowledgements

  First and foremost, to my husband Dave and my wonderful sons, Nick and Zack, I love you. Thank you for putting up with me while I tucked myself away to write my first novel. I could not have done this without you guys. Your love, encouragement, and support carry me on and give me the strength to take on new challenges and smile while doing it.

  A very special thank you to Vina Platania and Heather Ford—you two ladies were the first to take on the task of calming my nerves, reading and re-reading, even before there was an actual book to read. You were my sounding boards more times than I can remember. Your patience was unwavering, and I appreciate you more than any words could express. Thank you for putting up with my many versions, questions, and ideas. Most of all, thank you for your confidence in me. I will never forget it.

  To Michele Alphonse, Dina Baird-Berberoglu, Tonya Knox, Rhonda Eades Erwin, and author Emma Grayson, who agreed to be my beta readers, I can’t thank you enough. Your feedback and comments were incredibly helpful. Thank you for putting up with my numerous IMs and phone calls. I’m sure I drove you nuts, and I appreciate your putting up with me.

  To Barbi Garcia, Vicky Critchley, and Jeffrey Eichenlaub, thank you for your support and encouragement. You are amazing friends—the best! I am very blessed to have you in my life. You always have my back, and I will forever have yours. I love you!

  This has been a new experience for me, and I couldn’t have done it without inspiration, encouragement, and feedback, especially from authors Gail McHugh, Emmy Montes, Madeline Sheehan, and Emma Grayson. Your words made me want to take this chance, and talking to you gave me the courage to do so. You all took the time to help someone you didn’t know by answering questions, giving advice, and just being available. “Thank you” doesn’t seem like enough, but it will have to suffice. You are amazing women who write amazing stories, and I feel blessed that you were there for me.

  Emmy Montes, thank you for letting Chance read Disastrous to Aubrey. She loved it! J

  To all the bloggers, thank you for everything that you do for authors and readers.

  Special thanks to my editor, Theresa Wegand. Thank you for your direction, kind words, and feedback. You took a newbie and gave her confidence. Your skills made me a better writer. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you.

  To Meredith Blair at Author's Angels, thank you for an amazing cover. It was a pleasure working with you! You totally rocked it!

  About the Author

  Originally from Rochester, New York, Joanne Schwehm now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Dave, her two teenage boys, Nick and Zack, and her cute Bichon, Torre, who is aptly nicknamed “Mommy’s White Shadow.”
It’s a good thing Torre only barks or she could give away many secrets!

  Joanne loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, relaxing on a beach, and shopping . . . especially for shoes. She has a bit of a fetish.

  She is an avid sports fan and loves the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. She also enjoys playing and watching golf.

  By day, she works as a technical writer, and by night, she reads and writes about all things romantic.

  Joanne loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her at the following:

  Facebook: Joanne Schwehm-Author

  Email: www.joanneschwehmbooks@gmail.com

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/JSchwehmBooks

  Website: www.joanneschwehmbooks.com

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19