Second Chance at Love

Chapter 2

Working in a clothing store is fun. I get to create great visuals for the store, which is my favorite part of my job, create outfits for my customers, and for myself, but managers' meetings, have never been my strong suit. I hate giving sales reports in front of all the other managers and the store owner. Thank god my boss isn’t an ass though.

After an hour of listening to everyone’s report, we finally get to go to lunch.

“How have you been, Tasha?” Mr. Coley asks.

He’s always been a great boss. Even being the owner of a multi-million-dollar clothing company, he’s still a kind and caring man. He never thinks of himself as better than anyone else, and he’s always open to criticism.

“I’m doing ok. I’m finding it a bit hard to concentrate today though. It’s already been a year…” I say, trying my best not to let all my emotion show.

 He’s such a companionate man, you can always say what’s on your mind without fear of the being judge or feel like you're overstepping your bounds.

“Oh, Tasha, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think it had already been a year since his passing. How’s your daughter dealing with this? Would you like to take the rest of the afternoon off? I would certainly understand your need to.” He asks with genuine concern.

“She seemed alright this morning. We’re planning on bringing flowers to his grave later tonight. But I’m fine staying for the rest of the meeting. You don’t need to worry sir.” I say with a genuine smile.

“Oh, please call me Luis. You know I hate being too formal with you all.” He says laughing out loud.

The rest of the meeting went well. I gave a few suggestions on how to merchandise our new collection and they were well received. It makes me proud and happy to contribute to our success.

Getting home, Kaylee’s already sitting at her desk doing her homework. I lean on her door frame, looking at her concentrating on her work. I’m grateful I have her as my daughter. She’s amazing, kind, and thoughtful. She’s the best daughter in the world.

“Oh! Hi mom. Been here long?” She asks, barely turning her head to look at me.

She must have felt me watching her.

“Just got home. What would you like for diner?” I ask, already knowing what she going to say, but I ask anyway.

“Can you… Can you make dad's curry chicken recipe?” She says, looking down at her hands, twisting them.

“Sure BB, want to help me?” I ask, smiling. BB was what Michael always called her, short for baby. Ever since she was born, those two had a very strong father-daughter bond. I lost my husband that day, but she lost her father and her best friend. They really had the most amazing relationship.

“Yeah, I would. Can I start on the sauce? Dad had shown me how to and I still remember!” She says excitedly.

“Of course, you can,” I tell her, turning around to head into the kitchen.

Michael was a great cook. The size my ass used to be can definitely tell you that!

He could look up any recipes and make it his own without even making an effort. Most of what he made was delicious. Except for that one time, he tried to make some Chinese soup of some kind. We didn’t have all the ingredients, so he substituted a lot of them. It was disgusting. But now, it makes for a great memory. You never value the moments, even the tiniest ones you spend with someone until you can no longer have them. The cup of tea while reading. The blanket he puts over you when you fall asleep during a movie. The midnight runs for smarties flurries during your pregnancy. All of those small moments become the biggest and the greatest memories of your life.

“Did you pick up some flower for tonight, mom?” Kaylee asks, concentrating on her task.

“Yeah, I did. I picked up a dozen daffodils.” They were his favorite.

I take a peek at her while I cut up the vegetables. She’s got a longing smile on her face and tears at the corner of her eyes. It breaks my heart to see her like this. She tries to be strong, but I know she struggles with his loss often.

Putting my knife down, I walk up to her and hug her from behind.

“You know, your father was so proud the day you were born. He was so afraid to break or drop you on the floor, but he held you so gently in his arms. He vowed to protect you always from the moment he saw you. He’s always with you, in your heart, you know that, right? And so will I, sweetie. We love you so much.”

As she lets out a sob, I turn her around and hold her tight in my arms.

“I miss him so much mom, it hurts!” She says, crying on my shoulder.

“I know sweet-pea, I know.” I run my hand up and down her back, trying to comfort her at the same time as keeping my own tears away. I need to be strong for her.

After diner, we get dressed. It was a tradition with him, on any outgoing, we had to dress up. We both put on a nice black dress and black shoes to match. Taking the bouquet of daffodil, we head to the cemetery.

Walking along the path, I have to take in a few deep breaths to remain in control of my emotions. ‘We can do this’ I repeat to myself like a mantra. Finally arriving at his tomb, Kaylee takes the flowers and places them at the edge of the tomb.

“Hi dad, it’s me, Kaylee…I miss you sssso much.” She says grabbing my arm, holding me for support. We both say a prayer in silence.

Please watch over our daughter. I miss you and I love you.

Staying quiet for a few more minutes, we then leave, feeling tired and drained from our roller coaster of emotion from today.

Tomorrow is another day.