Second Chances(33)

He looked up at Linda and tried to give her a genuine smile. He felt like a jerk and was ready to ask her to forgive him, which might confuse Paige, but he was certain Linda would completely understand. Even if she wouldn't accept his apology. But Linda wasn't looking at him, her eyes were locked on Paige.

Paige was looking back at Linda. No, that wasn't quite right. Once again she was looking towards Linda, but not really at her. Once more looking through her, beyond her. She was chewing her lower lip again. He let his eyes linger on her for a moment before they flickered back to Linda.

Linda brushed a hand through her hair, a small trickle of sweat ran down the side of her forehead.

"Well I remember mine," she chirped.

"What was it?" Paige asked, a definite edge to her voice.

He studied her. What was that tone in her voice? It almost sounded like she was desperate to know what Linda's thoughts were. Almost sounded like she was on the edge of panic.

"Dean's list reception, second year. You wore that lovely red dress. I had that yellow backless number. Sarah had more than a little too much to drink. Remember? We had to sneak her past Sister Grimes. Lord, she was so strict. She'd have killed Sarah if she'd found out how drunk she was. Remember?"

Paige smiled, laughed and nodded.

"Sarah and Sister Grimes. Oh yeah, that was too funny. Sarah was so drunk that night."

"I can still hear her puking in the bushes," Linda said with a laugh.

Paige nodded.

"And Sister Grimes, she was so strict. She'd have killed Sarah.

Nathan frowned.

Linda smiled over at him as Paige again laughed at the memory of how drunk her friend had been. Another point for me, her smile said.

His desire to hit her was back.

"Sounds like a good time," he managed to say.

"Great time," Linda agreed.

"Great," Paige echoed.

"Bet that would have made a great blackmail picture."

"No doubt," Linda said.

He wasn't sure what made him say that and was even less sure about what he said next.

"It's a shame Paige lost everything in the fire. After hearing her talk about college I was hoping to see a picture or two. Unfortunately she lost everything."

"Yeah the fire," Linda started. "How awful. I was so sorry to hear about that."

She didn't sound all that sorry to Nathan.

"I'm just glad no one got hurt," Paige insisted.

"I don't suppose you have any pictures," he said, looking directly at Linda.

"Me?"

Nathan nodded.

"Of course I do. Hundreds. Unfortunately most are still packed away with all my college stuff. I've only been out here half a year and my place is so small I haven't had most of my stuff sent out to me yet."

"That's a shame."

Linda looked over at him, her eyes once again shooting daggers at him, but the smile on her face was unmistakable and he was quite certain of what was to come next.

"Oh, wait. You know what?" She lifted her purse, opened it, and rifled through it for a moment. "No. I guess not."

Nathan was impressed by her show, but not surprised by the ending.

"No, wait, yes here it is. I have one."

Linda triumphantly plucked a worn photograph from her purse. Surely the cat who swallowed the canary would have been envious of the smile upon her lips. She passed the photograph to Paige.

Game, set, match you son of a bitch. I don't know what the hell your deal is or what game you are playing, but either way I am the winner here, not you.

"Sorry to keep you waiting so long," Oliver said as he set the glasses down on the table. "A little backed up at the bar I am afraid. Have you decided what you'd like or would you like a few more minutes?"

Linda sipped her vodka tonic and winked at Nathan. "I think I am ready to order."

Linda and Paige ordered manicotti while Nathan opted for grilled chicken. When Oliver had left, Paige returned her attention to the picture. A huge smile played on her lips.

"Right outside the library," Linda said.

Paige nodded and then handed Nathan the photograph. His heart sank. It was Paige and Linda. They stood close to each other in front of a large stone building, a massive tree off to their left decked out in the full pageantry of a New England Autumn. He stared at the photo. Paige's smile melting him, while Linda's mocked him.

"Well," Linda said as she stood. "I need to check in with the office. If Oliver is as quick with the food as he was with the drinks, I won't be getting back to the office today. If he comes back, order me another vodka tonic, okay?"

Paige nodded.

Linda patted Nathan on the shoulder as she walked by.

Sorry pal, but you just struck out, better luck next time.

He turned and watched her walk away. His anger was undeniable. He only wondered why he felt it. Was it because he didn't believe her or because he did? Was it because she had shattered his illusions, his hopes? His eyes lingered on her for a moment and then she was gone. His emotions were conflicted, a mixture of anger and shame. He couldn't bring himself to look at Paige. He was afraid of what she was thinking, feeling. He turned and looked down the street, his eyes sweeping quickly over the various shops before he looked back at the photograph.