Read Taking a Chance for Free Online

resting?”
    “She’d just fallen asleep before I came down here. Is she going to be feeling better soon?”
    “She will. Everything will be fine. She just needs rest. I want to be sure she is on her way to feeling one hundred percent before the three of you venture out on your own.” He smiled reassuringly at Scott.
    “Well, I think we should go get lunch while Lola and Ashley rest,” said Maddie. Scott and their mom both nodded in agreement.
    “Maddie, could I talk to you?” Todd asked as he took a few steps back to separate himself from the group.
    “Sure.” She turned to her mom and Scott. “I’ll catch up with you by Lola’s room.”
    “Sounds good, I’ll check to make sure she’s still asleep.” Scott put his arm around their mom as they walked down the hallway to Lola’s room.
    Maddie turned back to Todd. “Oh my God, I can’t believe how amazing that felt.”
    “Maddie, I don’t want to sound forward and I apologize if I’m at all out of line, but I would love to see you again.” Before she had a chance to respond, he added, “I’m sorry, I should have asked if you had a boyfriend. I hope I didn’t cross the line.”
    Maddie hesitated a moment. “Yes,” she said quietly, then saw the look of confusion on Todd’s face. “Sorry,” she said quickly. “What I meant to say is I don’t have a boyfriend and yes, I would like to see you again.”
    Relief washed over his face. “Do you live in Milwaukee?”
    “No, I live in downtown Chicago. That’s probably a bit far …”
    “Actually, I’m attending a conference in Chicago next week. If you’re available any evening, just let me know and I’ll make it work. Although, if it’s Wednesday, you’ll have to accompany me to a dinner reception. I can’t get out of it.”
    “I hate to say this,” Maddie did sound disappointed, “but Wednesday is the only night I’m available next week.” Maddie was out of town for work Monday and Tuesday and some of the girls were coming in early on Thursday for Amanda’s bachelorette weekend.
    “It will make for an interesting first date, but I’m sure nothing you can’t handle.” He smiled.
    She hesitated and then with a warm smile said, “I would be happy to be your date.”
    They exchanged numbers and emails and promised to be in touch before next week. As he walked away, Todd turned back to Maddie. “Oh, by the way, it’s a black tie event.” He winked and turned down the hallway.

Chapter 5
    M addie waved goodbye as she drove away. Lola and Ashley had both been discharged on Wednesday. Maddie had stayed in town a few more days providing an extra “shift” to make the transition smoother. Lola was still recovering and Maddie hoped she would soon get her energy back.
    Maddie was leaving that night for a two-day work convention in Las Vegas. She attended every year and normally looked forward to it. In the past, George had gone with her a day or two early to enjoy the city, but she would be alone this trip. A few other people from work would be there, but that wouldn’t fill the void.
    When she got home, she unpacked and immediately started doing laundry. As she finished repacking her suitcase, her phone rang.
Thank goodness.
Molly would give her an opinion on what to wear to the Wednesday night reception.
    “Hey, Mol.”
    “Hi! How are you? How’s Ashley? Is Scott the best father around?”
    Maddie laughed. “They’re great and yes, he just can’t get enough of Ashley. It’s adorable.”
    “Great,” said Molly. “I didn’t want to bother you last week, but I thought we should put the final details together for the bachelorette party next weekend.”
    They went through the list from the girls coming in Thursday night to the brunch on Sunday before Maddie finally asked, “Are you going to give me any hints about Friday night? I need to know what to wear.” Molly and Amanda had planned Friday night as a surprise for Maddie. Amanda had said she wanted to thank her for all the