There's No Such Thing as Second Chances

Memory

1 year earlier

"Are you almost ready yet?" Derick yelled at me from the living room. I could hear the agitation in his voice and I knew I didn't have much time left.

"Yes yes, calm down Derick we have hours before the event even starts" I tried to calm him but knew it wouldn't work. When he was this worked up, giving in to what he wanted would be the easiest option. "I have to find my shoes and we can go."

"Finally" he grumbled and made his way into the kitchen to pour himself a drink.

I grabbed a pair of high stilettos and let out a loud groan. I needed to wear these tonight but knew I would be paying for it greatly tomorrow. I hated heels but couldn't wear flats with a dress like this.

I walked over to the mirror to conduct one last inspection and gave myself a satisfied nod. I was happy with the long black gown and felt that it hid my belly and other small imperfections very well.

Since my book release, I've been on the road on a meet and greet tour and haven't been eating the best. My scale and the ten pounds I gained could attest to that.

I added a little hair spray to my long blond curls and applied red lipstick as a finishing touch. I thought I looked pretty damn good and made my way downstairs to join Derrick.

"Ta da" I extended my hands as I entered the kitchen attempting to do my best version of a supermodel walk. "How do I look?"

"Good" he answered barely looking up from his phone, "the cars here. Let's go"

I followed him out, slightly disappointed at his reaction but let it go.

Today was a big night for him and I didn't want to start a fight or add any additional stress.

Derrick was attempting to make partner and needed to make a great impression at today's event.

His firm was hosting a client appreciation night and he needed to put himself out there and win over a lot of people. He was in the running with some cutthroat lawyers so it wasn't going to be easy.

We arrived at the venue and, before I could even ask where I could hang up my coat, Derrick had taken off and started mingling.

I sighed to myself and made my way over to the bar. If I was lucky, I'd find a few other people in the same boat as me and have some fun of my own.

I sat down at an empty barstool and glanced over at the person sitting to my right. He was about my age, slight build, dark hair and very handsome.

He flashed me a bright smile and moved his legs over to give me some additional room.

"Hey, do you work for the firm or are you one of their clients?" He asked with a hint of playfulness.

"Neither, I'm married to one of the lawyers that works here" I answered and ordered a glass of wine from the bartender. "You?"

"I'm dating someone from the firm as well, Helena, know her?" He took a sip from his glass and did a quick glance around the room.

"Yeah, she's my husbands legal secretary. I'm married to Derrick" I followed his line of sight and saw my husband and his girlfriend chatting together. As if they felt us watching, they both looked over and split up in separate directions. "I'm Charlie"

"Sam" he shook my hand and gave me a weird look, "Helena does talk about your husband a lot. She seems to like working for him quite a bit. He's very generous too, gives her lots of gifts of appreciation"

"Oh, like what?" My stomach did a little flip and suddenly I felt uneasy.

"He gave her a necklace for her birthday. Always picks up little things for her when he's away on trips" he scoffed to himself, "just a really nice boss I guess"

"Well, that's Derrick. Always super thoughtful" I tried to steady my hands and push the feeling of anger down. I didn't want to make a scene but I was definitely going to bring it up when I got home. I don't remember the last time he brought me something when he was gone.

"Yes, seems that way" I saw a flash of irritation on his face but it seemed like he was trying to control himself too, "but enough about them. You're Charlie Rose. The famous author"

"Oh I wouldn't say famous" I blushed not expecting to be called out or recognized.

"Are you kidding me. The last book you wrote had me up almost every night until I finished reading it. I never expected the killer to be the bartender" he whistled and looked genuinely impressed, " and the photos were just awful"

"Well there will be a fourth book in the serious. Ty is still looking for her sister" I gave him a little hint without wanting to give away too much. When others overheard us talk, we were quickly surrounded by a bunch of people who had also read the book.

Soon, there was a large discussion formed around why the killer did it and who the mastermind behind the murders was. I was really enjoying myself until I felt a hand nudge me away from the group.

"What are you doing" I looked up to see Derrick towering over me with an unimpressed look on his face.

"Making friends, talking about my book" I smiled sheepishly. I couldn't believe how many people had actually read it.

"That's great Charlie. Just great. That's all anyone is talking about. Hey are you married to Charlie the author?" He looked pissed.

"And that's a bad thing?" I couldn't believe him. What was so wrong with his wife getting a little attention.

"Really Charlie, you had to make this about you?" I whipped my head towards the sound of the voice and saw Helena waking towards us "you know how important this night was to him right? And instead of being supportive, you had to steal the limelight"

"I'm sorry who asked your opinion?" I gave her the deadliest glare I could muster.

"Don't you dare speak to her like that. Unlike you, Helena has been by my side this whole evening, helping me win over the clients. You took off and began flirting with some guy at the bar" his eyes met mine with disgust. "Clearly you don't care how this makes me feel or look for that matter"

"What are you talking about. You left me as soon as we stepped through the door" I couldn't believe what was happening.

"Keep your voice down" he closed in on me, "I called for the car. They will take you home. Don't wait up for me"

Derrick walked away with Helena trailing close behind him. I had never seen him that mad nor did I understand what I did that was so horrible.

I decided to take the car and stay in a hotel. If he wanted to talk to me, he would need to win the chance to do so.