A Second Chance

Chapter 12

Ally felt like a weight was lifted as she closed the door of the guest house behind her. She had made small talk on the ride home, and hoped she hadn’t been too awkward. Her phone buzzed as she put her purse and computer bag down. It was a Facetime request from Josh and Jake.

They moved to Chicago a few years ago, so at least this contract meant they would be living in the same city for a while. Jake and Josh were newly dating and looking for a place to call their own when Gran decided to rent out the in-law suite. She was looking to retire and the rental income seemed like a good option. Ally was going to be graduating from college soon, and likely moving out on her own. It would just be her soon. Ally had been mortified when Gran announced she had offered the space to the first couple that showed interest without letting Ally meet them first. She said she just had a good feeling about them. That good feeling paid off.

The couple moved in and quickly became like family. Ally graduated from College,but her moving out was slowed down by her newfound friendship with Jake and Josh. They were a formidable trio. They had been there for her when her last relationship imploded. They helped her pick up the pieces and start to move on.

Then Gran’s health began to falter. Ally tried to handle it all on her own, but her work schedule didn’t make it always possible. Jake and Josh ended up moving into the main house to help. They were there for her. Always. Even when they moved away, they still were her ride or die.

She accepted the call and smiled at the two faces looking back at her. “You guys couldn’t wait until tomorrow night?”she exclaimed.

Both of them were nearly six foot tall, tanned despite living in the Windy city. Jake had dark brown hair. Josh had dark blonde hair, but they both had the same cropped hair cut. “We couldn’t wait for the first day details,” Jake admitted. “So how was it? How is he? Have you met the new girlfriend?”

Emma rolled her eyes. “The first day was intense, but I think it will be okay.” she admitted. “Yes, seeing him for the first time since that night unearthed some intense feelings, but I think once I sort that out things will be fine. He’s moved on. I’ve moved on. And no I have not met his new girlfriend, but I’m sure she’s lovely…although I’m not sure she will be fine with me once she knows the whole story.”

Josh was up next. “What about this guest house?” he asked. “Is creepy AF? Full of porcelain dolls?”

“Funny guy…its fine. It screams upscale IKEA, so fancy minimalist.” It was a basic two bedroom bungalow. One bedroom was made into an office. The other was outfitted with a king bed and gorgeous matching set. It was black with a gold paint etching. However the rest of the furniture was super minimalistic. A beige sectional, basic tables and a straight out of HGTV kitchen with breakfast nook was her home until November.

She chatted with the boys until she heard a light knock at the door. When she peeked out the window she saw a little girl with a plate of food. She hung up the call and slowly opened the door. “Hi. Can I help you?” she asked her little guest.

“Hi, I’m Kiana. Aunt Cori mentioned that she didn’t think you had any groceries yet, so I brought you some dinner.” The little girl handed her a loaded plate. “And do you really have a parrot?”