Read Every Little Dream (Second Chances) for Free Online

little bit later than usual. Finally we meet behind the counter.
    Justine pulls out the large ketchup bottle, while I collect the empty ones. She pumps ketchup into the bottles and I screw the caps back on. We have the system down pat.
    “Okay, talk. I want to know everything.”
    Saying the words is harder than I thought. “Well, it started the other night. I witnessed a motorcycle accident. The guy was…dangerous but beautiful.” A sigh escapes.
    Justine continues to pump but with a frown on her face. “He doesn’t exactly sound like your type.”
    I pound my fist against the counter. “Exactly! I’m sick of my kind. The good boy. They don’t exist. At least not in my world.” Suddenly it all spills, my worst fears and hidden thoughts. “I don’t want to meet the perfect guy who I marry and settle down happily forever with kids. I don’t want that. I don’t want to be bored the rest of my life. Maybe I want excitement. I want to feel the thrill in my chest when the right guy sweeps me into his arms.” I drop my voice. “He was perfect. Or so I thought.”
    “Hmm.” Justine looks over my shoulder at the door. “Dangerous but beautiful, huh.”  
    “You should’ve seen him,” I say dreamily but can’t escape reality. “He kicked me out on my good girl ass. Saw right through my act.”
    “I hope it’s not the guy who just entered.” She put the ketchup away. “If it is then you’re better off without him. I know him through friends.”
    I whirl around. “Shit.” The door shuts behind him, and Chad slides into a booth. He hasn’t seen me yet and maybe if I’m lucky and pray hard enough, he won’t recognize me. He won’t remember the girl with the pink hair. He won’t remember that I was the same girl.
    Hiding behind Justine, I study him. The way he slumps in his seat, his head resting on his hands with his fingers spread throughout his hair. He doesn’t look so tough right now. In fact, he looks like he could use a friend.
    Justine nudges me with her elbow. “Don’t even think about it. In fact, run as far away as you can. He’s bad news.”
    She meant her words to strike fear in my heart, so I’ll turn away. I’ll lose my boredom and suddenly be happy with my life, but they do the complete opposite. He’s a verified bad boy, reputation and all. Yet, as he sits there, emotion rolling off him, all I can see is a guy who needs a friend. A guy who can offer me a little excitement. Maybe last night he just didn’t like the pink hair… Yes, that must be it. Where would the unsinkable Molly Brown be today if she’d let something like rejection get her down?
    I decide not to approach him yet, but let him sit in his misery, so when I present myself, I’m more like a breath of fresh air. Or I could be using that as possible procrastination, because I’m not sure I can handle another flat out rejection.  
    I take orders, pour coffee, clear tables, all while sneaking glances at Chad. He’s barely moved. When I bring in a stack of dirty dishes, Justine corners me.
    “What are you thinking? I told you he was bad news. A complete ass.”
    “Was I that obvious?”
    “Yes. You can’t keep your eyes off him.”
    “I can’t help it. What if I was meant to witness his accident? Maybe he needs a good girl in his life.” Maybe he needs me just as much as I need him. He just doesn’t know it yet.
    “I see the look on your face. What are you planning?” She nods to a customer and gathers a few menus to seat them.
    “I don’t know exactly.” I run a finger along the edges of my apron. “Just that maybe he could use a friend.”
    Justine gives me a hug. “Everyone needs a second or third chance, but if I catch one whiff of him hurting you, I’ll be your worst best friend.”
    I salute her then point to the tables. “Customers?”
    “Fine. Why don’t you take your break now and bring him his refill of coffee.”
    I stifle a squeal. “Thanks. You’re the best!” I smooth out my apron