Second Chances

By Marsha Casper Cook

Leo and Gracie are back again, but their hearts have been broken by previous relationships and that's keeping them apart. Even though their podcast, “It's All About Love,” is successful, they can’t seem to take their own advice while others around them find love and happiness.Can they forget the past and let love take its course or will they never allow themselves to be happy again?
Is the timing right this time or will they miss the boat?

Here's a little sample:
For Gracie, the thought of a new relationship was off the table for now. She may have shared a few kisses with Leo, but it appeared that neither of them was ready for commitment. They never spoke of their kiss, and it appeared to be just a moment.

On occasion, they each wondered what it would be like if they were a couple. Being single and alone wasn’t ideal for either of them, but for the time being their work together would be enough to get them through the bad times.

The podcast was a smashing success, so every Monday through Friday Leo and Gracie sat in the studio and helped others make the right love decision. Actually, it was a relief for both of them. No pressure, just fun. And when they left the studio, they left each other. No dinners, no coffee, and definitely no kissing.

One problem Gracie faced was getting up early in the morning. It was a challenge, but Ava being the greatest housekeeper managed to get Gracie up and running. Not an easy task.

Gracie instantly woke up when she saw Ava staring down at her holding her morning coffee. “I think you might need this.”
“Did something bad happen?” she asked as she took a few sips. “G-d, this coffee tastes great.”
“It’s decaf.”
“Really, you think I’ll be too wired or something? Are you trying to sedate me? I need the real thing.”
“Later, honey. Right now, you need to stay calm.”
“So, tell me the news and cut to the chase. I don’t like the way you’re looking at me. Am I going to freak out?”
“That’s a possibility.”
Gracie’s silky blonde hair was a mess, especially after she scrunched it with one hand. “Okay, let’s have it.” She was starting to get nervous. “How bad is the news?”
“Not sure. You tell me.”
“It’s not like you to be so suspenseful. Let’s have it.”

She was ready, smeared make-up and all. All she remembered from the night before was being so exhausted she fell onto the bed, closed her eyes, and fell sound asleep.

And now this.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marsha Casper Cook
• Release date: Jul 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9780463737705

Marsha Casper Cook

Marsha is a Chicago author as well as a screenwriter and radio show personality on Blog Talk Radio. She has been doing radio shows for the last ten years and she now produces all of the shows on Michigan Avenue Media. Inc. Marsha's group discussions are about writing and publishing. She also does special shows on many current issues but her passion has always been to help authors and screenwriters finish their projects.Marsha's Children's Books:The Busy Bus - also Audio BookNo Clues No Shoes - also AudioThe Magical Leaping Lizard - also AudioSnack Attack -also AudioI Wish I Was A Brownie- also AudioNon Fiction:To LifeFiction :Love ChangesGuilty PleasuresVirginia Templeton StoriesRomantic Comedies :It's Never Too late For LoveGrand Central Station

Book preview

Dedication

To my family and friends, thank you for always being there for me. And to Bonnie and Pat thank you for discussing all my projects from beginning to end.

A special thank you to Robin Surface, Fideli Publishing, for always being there to help me and for always listening and giving me great advice.

And to Melissa Smith thank you for helping me focus and finish this book.

Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

About the Author

The WARRINGTON LEGACY continues as Gracie, a beautiful young woman who had been hurt one too many times by insensitive men, and Leo, a kind-hearted young widower, find themselves attracted to each other but too afraid to change their friendship into anything more. They decided they could both live with that, and so their story continues…

Chapter One

Samuel couldn’t help himself. Once again, he thought it was time for a family dinner. A Warrington dinner could go either very good or very very bad. Few were middle of the road. Dinner that night was family: Francine, his wife of more years than he liked to think of, his daughters, Gracie and Julianna, and of course his son-in-law to be, Nicholas. He had invited one of his favorite friends too, Leo Tucker. He was hoping Gracie would give him a second look.

He knew Leo was quite different than her other boyfriends, but that is why he had high hopes for Leo. Leo was a good man who had suffered a great loss and was now coming back to life, and he knew Gracie could be a part of that recovery.

Gracie referred to Leo as a good friend and nothing more, but Samuel thought if they could work together on the podcast, something more than just a friendship would be in the cards. Gracie was not interested, she had said repeatedly to Samuel, and he knew that was a fight he wasn’t going to win. So, he didn’t argue with her because he hated to lose.

It usually started out peaceful, but then, on occasion, it would go south. He was hoping to stick to the subject he wanted to briefly go over, the wedding of Nicholas and Julianna. One he wholeheartedly approved of.

Ava was busy in the kitchen, trying her best to stay to herself. She didn’t like committing to an opinion because on occasion she stirred the pot in the wrong direction and someone got mad. They didn’t stay mad, but it was uncomfortable at best. So, over the years, she didn’t discuss her feelings out loud unless asked, and even then, she was cautious.

She knew everyone’s secrets, or at least the ones they shared with her. Ava prided herself with a hazy memory if necessary. She tried to be like Georgia, their Labradoodle, who didn’t outwardly show favoritism, but she had one, Gracie. No one outwardly discussed it, but everyone knew it.

Samuel lifted his wine glass and everyone else followed. To my new son-in-law to be, Nicholas Sinclair, who if anyone would have told me this was possible, I would have laughed in their faces. However, he’s a good man and the kids have my support. To a life of love.

Francine smiled as she lifted her glass in joy. Yes, to life with a man you love. For once, she was happy with Julianna’s choice. Her toast was appropriate because she had wished she had married a man she loved.

Ava entered with a platter that held a beautiful turkey. It wasn’t Thanksgiving yet, but Francine picked the menu. Everyone loved turkey and the wonderful mashed potatoes, Ava’s best dish. Already on the table were rolls and butter, substitute salt for Samuel whose blood pressure was higher than necessary. Ava was certain he didn’t know, but he did. Also on the menu were some of the old familiars, olives, pickles, and applesauce. Samuel didn’t like any of those. He asked about what was for dessert because he always had room for that.

So, any ideas of where you two would like to get married? As long as it’s not in a church, I’m good with that.

Francine kicked her husband under the table.

Samuel laughed. Just kidding. Already conscious that Nicholas had planned to convert. It was Nicholas who decided. His parents were gone, and he liked the Jewish traditions.

Samuel had initiated that conversation as soon as Nicholas had asked to marry his daughter. Surprisingly, Nicholas was old school. Not the womanizer Gracie had said he was. Although Samuel wasn’t stupid, and he knew all the talk in the office, but that was then. Now he was engaged to his daughter and all of that was behind him. Samuel also had that discussion with Nicholas, but no need to tell the family about that little talk. After all, Nicholas was marrying his baby.

Julianna gave her father the, you can stop now look. And Samuel did.

We don’t know yet. We just got engaged. I haven’t decided what month or what year, she announced with conviction. I promise you’ll be the first to know. So, stop planning. I’ll give you plenty of time.

Maybe you could elope. That might be fun, Gracie added jokingly or at least pretending that was a joke when she saw her father give her that not now honey look.

When you said what year, you were kidding, right? Samuel was surprised but not shocked.

He knew his daughter’s secret, but he was certain that would all be cleared up soon. He was working on straightening out her mess. She was very good at putting herself in situations that required his help, actually both girls did. They wouldn’t admit to it, but all the same it was the truth. His mission in life was to make sure they were happy, even if it killed him. Got to love those girls.

Samuel was watching Leo, thinking maybe he shouldn’t have had Leo join them. He didn’t want it to be obvious how much he would like to see Gracie and Leo become a couple.

He knew his daughter was a handful, but when he watched them, they had that special spark. They were good together, and not only during their podcast, but it was the way they looked at each other when they didn’t think the other noticed. He had that with Lilly, but not with Francine. One of the things he desperately missed.

Leo had also been thinking as to why he accepted the dinner invite, although he knew he loved spending as much time with Gracie as he could without being too obvious. So far, it was more or less a kiss and then nothing. He was disappointed, but he understood Gracie’s hesitation because he also was reluctant to become attached. For now, friendship was enough.

Samuel knew he had to get this party going. It wasn’t a party; it was turning out to be another crash and burn dinner. Looking around the room, he watched Francine gloat because she told him this wasn’t a good idea but as always, he did what he wanted.

So kids, the podcast is going well. Leo, my boy, and Gracie, you two have outdone yourselves. I’m proud of you. You are making a killing. People just love you guys.

Gracie almost spit her food out. Praise from her father was not an easy task. Well thank you, Samuel, so glad you approve.

Gracie, you know I don’t like it when you call me Samuel.

Yes, I know that, she added as she took another sip of wine. She was pleased with herself.

Francine gave her daughter a look. She didn’t say anything because Gracie and her father were very much alike. Sometimes fewer words would work, but both of them loved to get the last word on any subject on any day. If you put the two of them in a room, it spins.

So, Leo, I was wondering if the news about your grandmother is true. She’s got the bakery up for sale? Francine asked just for the fun of it. She liked to put Samuel on edge. It was a goal she loved achieving.

She does that every year, and then once she gets an offer, she changes her mind and it’s business as usual.

Samuels continued to eat without a comment. Very unlike him. This time, he kicked Francine under the table. She nodded, realizing she pushed the envelope too far. She didn’t care. She was smiling inside.

Ava was on her way in from the kitchen, as well as Georgia, who headed under the table, feeling the hostility in the room. Dessert tonight is chocolate cake with pistachio inside. Any takers?

Samuel smiled. Nothing better than that. Ava, what would we do without you? He took a deep breath, glad the previous conversation died out.

Order out, Francine was quick to answer. Ava, without you I’d be lost. The girls laughed, knowing that to be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

That’s absolutely right. Samuel smiled, thinking of dessert and trying not to think of how unhappy he was that once his girls left, he would be alone. He assumed Francine might be thinking that exact thought.

What they needed was a heart-to-heart talk. Francine and Samuel were very good at pretending they were happy, but both of them knew it was time to be honest with each other. They weren’t getting any younger, but hopefully they were wiser.

For now, dinner was going, going, gone! Tomorrow would be brighter.

Chapter Two

It had been a very long time since Samuel and Francine had gone out for dinner by themselves. They were usually entertaining business associates, but this time they both knew why they were there. It wasn’t to discuss business or to have a relaxing evening together. It was to discuss their divorce.

Samuel picked Gibson’s Steakhouse, not only because it was his favorite, but he was certain Francine would be on her best behavior. On more than one occasion their marital quarrels ended up as a free for all battle of the fittest. Each declaring themselves the winner. If one were to say what the outcome would be after their dinner, it would be a tie. They were both going to get what they wanted. A fresh start.

Sensitive subjects never went well, but with a full belly Samuel could handle almost anything, except defeat. He didn’t even like that word. Defeat meant weak, and he wasn’t some tragic story that others