Second Look (A New Beginning Book 3) by Connie Stephany Page B

We’ll make it work.”
    She smiled through her tears. “I haven’t even been able to celebrate getting this job. I’ve only had guilt. What’s wrong with that picture?”
    Adam’s mouth opened and then closed again and he remained silent.
    “Our relationship was hard enough, even when we had a timeframe of when I was coming home. So how guilty will I feel making you continue on this way not knowing when I’m coming home? If I’m ever coming home?”
    His head jerked back as though she slapped him.
    “If you’re ever coming home?” He let out a puff of breath. “So after all these years, all of a sudden you completely change our plans and you also get to decide we’re through? Without giving me a choice?”
    “I just think it’s for the best.”
    Adam shook his head. “Best for who?”
    All she could do was stare at him through watery eyes. He looked crushed.
    “Do you still love me?”
    She looked up to ceiling for the strength to say no to make it easier for him to let her go. She wished she could lie and say she didn’t, but she still loved him.
    She nodded, unable to say anything with her lips trembling.
    “Alright, then we can make this work.” He looked at his watch. “Shit. I have to go. I’ll give you time to think. Yes, I’m upset about the job, but I know we can still make this work.”
    She shook her head no, but couldn’t find the words to argue any more.
    Adam stood up and grabbed his backpack. He leaned down to where she was still sitting and the kiss he gave her was bittersweet. It meant goodbye, even if he wasn’t willing to accept it yet.
    “Yes, we can.” He paused. “I love you, Jenn.”
    Then he was gone.
    Adam was true to his word and gave her a few days to think before he called her. When she told him she hadn’t changed her mind, he cried.
    He. Actually. Cried.
    It tore at her heart to hear his pain.
    Adam tried to convince her to give them a chance to make it work. She’d lost count over the years how many times she wished he’d succeeded in changing her mind.
    *****
    A good friend was someone who, even after a long time apart, always could pick right back up where they left off. That’s exactly how it was with both Mandi and Cassandra.
    They decided to stay in town and ended up at a fun little bar in Zimmerman called The Whistling Pickle where a band was playing after a meat raffle. Jennifer wasn’t 100% sure, but she figured meat raffles were only in Minnesota, or at least the mid-western states.
    When they first made it to the bar, they discussed Mandi’s dad quickly, but she didn’t really want to talk about it other than to tell the girls he was hanging in there.
    Their conversation turned towards men.
    “Well? What’s new with Luke? If that’s really his name.”
    Jennifer said the last part under her breath while she smirked. Luke was the guy Mandi met online on one of the dating websites. Nothing was wrong with online dating, but she couldn’t help but tease her best friend.
    “Hey, I heard that.” Mandi glared at Jennifer. “He’s good. We’re taking it slow. We haven’t even seen pictures of each other yet. Just getting to know each other.”
    “Yeah, that’s what she’s been telling me for several weeks now.” Cassandra gave her a knowing look. “But what would it matter? He probably wouldn’t even give you a real picture anyway.”
    Jennifer giggled. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
    Mandi looked back and forth between her and Cassandra. “Just give me a break, would you? Neither of us is ready to jump into meeting quite yet. What’s wrong with getting to know him online first?”
    “Nothing, if it was the real him. But chances are, sweetie, it’s not. We just want to be sure you don’t get hurt or get your hopes up.”
    Cassandra used a calm, rational voice, which managed to settle Mandi down.
    “Exactly,” Jennifer agreed, nodding. “We’re trying to look out for you.”
    “Well, I can take care of myself. We really