Read Breaking All The Rules (Book 1 - Second Chances Series) for Free Online

reacquainted.”
    “No reacquainting needed.” Ethan put his arm around my shoulder. “Who could forget a gal like Deniece or a dude like me?”
    The smile Terrance had on his face was replaced with a look of annoyance. I didn’t miss the fact that he’d seemed particularly perturbed that Ethan had an arm around my shoulder.
    I stepped out of Ethan’s grasp and pinned him with a look that said, “Stop misbehaving”, and slid into Uncle Murray’s waiting arms for a hug.
    “You’re a good girl, Deniece. Your father would be proud of you.” Uncle Murray gave my shoulder a comforting pat and winked. Like most folks in town, he knew that Terrance and I had been a couple. I appreciated the fact that he understood my showing up and helping my sister was about my father. If it hadn’t been for the promise I made to him, I might be in my condo eating a quart of ice cream and feeling sorry for myself.
    “Is everyone here?” I asked Terrance.
    Still a bit salty, he gave his head a curt nod.
    “Great.” There was no need to corral the men like I’d had to do with the women. They weren’t the least bit distracted by the trappings in the store, so I was able to get right to it. “Good morning, gentleman. I think I know everyone from high school. If you don’t remember me, I’m Deniece Malcolm. I’m the wedding planner and I’ll be helping you with the tuxedo selection today.”
    They nodded and we started shopping. Getting the men fitted was as easy as finding pork at the Piggly Wiggly. Groomsmen were usually easy to please. They accepted my recommendation as fashion gospel and we matched the colors for their accessories with ease.
    Evie, doing double duty in this store, which adjoined her dress shop, measured them, took payments and had them on their way in less than two hours. That left Ethan, Terrance and me at the counter.
    Terrance stepped to the register to pay for his tuxedo and Ethan turned to me. “Would you like to have lunch? I promise. They’ll be no piano music or singing.”
    I smiled. “I liked your playing and it’s a tempting offer, but I have a bridal shower party to plan, so I’m busy for lunch.”
    He nodded understanding, but didn’t give up. “Dinner?”
    I squinted and remembered what he’d said last night about us hanging out. I also remembered that kiss that felt so right, but was obviously very wrong. “I don’t know. My to-do list is pretty long and I should spend some time with Janette.”
    “Janette’s going to Bible study tonight. She goes every week. She is marrying the Reverend’s son you know.” Ethan winked at me.
    “What was that about the reverend’s son?” Terrance interrupted, suspicion tinged his tone.
    “Deniece was agreeing to have dinner with me since Janette will be at Bible study.”
    “Dinner?” Terrance didn’t hide his surprise. “With you?”
    Ethan put his arms around my shoulder again. “Nectar and I hung out last night, but we have some more catching up to do.”
    I moved from under his suggestive arm.
    “More.” Terrance’s tone was grumpy. “She doesn’t like to be called Nectar anymore.”
    I rolled my eyes. He was clueless. “I asked you not to call me that.”
    Terrance’s face twisted in pain, but he nodded agreeably. “I’m not going to Bible study this evening, because I have to work late. I was hoping you and I could meet and talk.”
    I shook my head. “Anything you have to say to me you can say at the house when Janette’s there.”
    “I’d rather not,” he continued.
    I shook my head again. “Please, don’t try to…” I paused not sure even what I wanted to say. “You and I had our say years ago. There’s nothing else to be said and besides, I’m having dinner with Ethan. I’ve already accepted.”
    “Tomorrow then,” Terrance pleaded.
    “She’ll probably want to have dinner with me again,” Ethan winked at him. “I’m that dude.”
    Terrance was incensed.
    I cast a frustrated glance between the two of