Chapters (51)
- Cover
- Praise for A Season for Second Chances
- Also by Jenny Bayliss
- Dedication
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-one
- Twenty-two
- Twenty-three
- Twenty-four
- Twenty-five
- Twenty-six
- Twenty-seven
- Twenty-eight
- Twenty-nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-one
- Thirty-two
- Thirty-three
- Thirty-four
- Thirty-five
- Thirty-six
- Thirty-seven
- Thirty-eight
- Thirty-nine
- Forty
- Forty-one
- Forty-two
- Epilogue
- Acknowledgments
- Discussion Guide
- About the Author
- What’s next onyour reading list?
“There’s something else,” said Charles. “Something that’s been worrying me for a really long time and if I don’t say it now, I might lose my nerve.”
“Christ! It’s like fucking Oprah! ” Pippa muttered loudly.
“Easy there, tiger,” said Nory.
“Ameerah, I was racist,” Charles blurted. He had Ameerah by the forearms. Ameerah’s eyes were wide. “Not on purpose, but I said things to you, Ameerah, and other kids . . . I would never say those things now. I’m sorry, Ameerah. I’m sorry I was racist.”
There was a moment of silence as they all held their breath, wondering what would happen next. And then Ameerah leaned forward and kissed Charles on the cheek.
“Thank you for having the balls to apologize,” she said. “You weren’t by any stretch the worst offender, but thank you for acknowledging your part in it.”
“This is all very touching,” said Pippa. “But I’m telling you now, if this turns into some sort of teary, fucking kumbaya, rubbing-each-other’s-chakras shit, me and my Manolo Blahniks are calling a taxi.”
“Right, everyone in the cars!” Ameerah jumped in quickly before things escalated further. “Pippa, you’re with me. Guy, you go with Jeremy. Sorry, Jez.”
Twenty-eight
They entered the castle to find that Jenna had toned down from brass to bronze.
“My skin has literally never been so soft,” she exclaimed. “You two should go into business.”
“I’ll sign up,” said Ameerah. “Got any of your magic scrub left? You can do me next.”
“I’ve rubbed quite enough flesh for one day, thank you.” Pippa’s voice was clipped.
Charles was running his hands appreciatively up and down Jenna’s arms. “Maybe we should go upstairs so I can see how soft the rest of you is?” he asked hopefully.
“Sorry, Charles, darling.” Jenna kissed him lightly on the lips. “No nooky for you tonight, it’s bad luck. You have to sleep in the room down the hall.”
“It’s only bad luck if I see the bride,” Charles reasoned. “There is nothing in the rule book about feeling the bride before the wedding, so I’ll just keep my eyes closed and we’ll be all good.”
“Nice try. I’ve already moved your clothes and toiletries into the other room.”
Charles huffed, but was mollified with another kiss and Jenna’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
Nory smiled at them. Their love for each other made her feel warm inside. Katie had her head resting on Jeremy’s shoulder, his arm protectively around her; Nory didn’t think they’d be living apart again. Whatever else was happening in the world, love was a constant.