FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 16

Nicole was out with Kevin Saturday night one of those exquisite international restaurants that they both loved. She could hear Kevin talk but listened with half a mind instead her thoughts were on East. The hurtful words she had hurled at him. She knew he didn't deserve such treatment responding to him then being cold and shutting him out. It was like she was playing with his feelings hurting him even more. Nicole knew how much East had changed but she was willing to take a second chance with him again? Her heart dictated "Yes" but her mind was still cautious fearing to take the risk with East. Then there was Kevin she can never hurt him. He was too good to her. She knew she loved him. Did she really? It was East she loved with all her heart. Some feelings never changed.

Nicole's thoughts were interrupted when she felt a hand waving in her face. Kevin was gesturing to her.

Earth to Nicole. Earth to Nicole he repeated.

She laughed looking embarrassed. Sorry Kev just a little bit tired. she said as he chuckled.

Or I'm boring you. Maybe East is a better conversationalist than I am. he couldn't help but crack making Nicole turn red.

Off course not! What the hell do I care what he talks about. What's important is you. she said kissing him on the nose.

Yeah right! The fact is that I think you didn't hear a word I said. he was continuing needling her.

For your information I heard everything. As she repeated all in detail. Where Nicole got it from she didn't know but she had that knack even if she really wasn't listening.

Satisfied now Mr. Whitman? That I was hanging on to your every word even if you were thinking my mind was somewhere else.

He grinned then. Very satisfied Ms. Shepard. Here I was starting to get jealous that your mind was on Mr. Architect.

Nicole feigned irritancy but Kevin hit it right on the spot.

Why do you always have to shove East in my face Kev? Ever since those pictures. They are after all just pictures it was your father's idea for us to go. I would have been happy if you were there beside me. But it's business again. What would you have me do abandon East in a swarm of people he didn't know. she exclaimed.

C'mon don't get irritated honey. I know I'm over reacting so I'm sorry. he said quietly his voice contrite. It's just I love you. I don't want to lose you ever.

Nicole kissed him tenderly on the lips as he smiled looking finally quite content.

And you know I love you too Kev. Nothing will ever change that.

Nicole breathed a sigh of relief as she pacified Kevin. She could see how much she meant to him. How could she even consider having a second chance with East when she had such a wonderful boyfriend. Risking her stable relationship for something so uncertain with East. She had learned the hard way recalling past hurts. The pain of his betrayal. Maybe he just had empty words to give her but recalling him slump on the pavement floor with his head buried in his hands. Nicole knew East had changed. How much he still loved her.

Nicole tried to keep up with the conversation trying to appear lively for the rest of the evening with Kevin. But in the movie house with Kevin's arms around her it was East she wished beside him. Remembering his lips on hers tugging playfully. The soul searching heart stopping kiss they shared wishing for more. As Nicole responded to Kevin's kiss she pretended to play act imagining East kissing her. At this point she was very confused torn between Kevin who was all dependable creating a sense of security in her life or East who she felt had finally change. But was she certain? Was it for real? Those questions plagued her. Nicole knew she could only find out if she can will herself to gamble and find it in her heart to forgive East.