Taking Chances: Chapter Thirty-Five

Some things can’t be denied.

Don’t hold back.

Take a chance.

When Jules’ best friend introduced her to the gorgeous new owner of the produce stand, something happened. His kind smile let her feel emotions she’d bottled up inside for two years.

Olly has managed to avoid relationships for way too long. When he met Jules, he didn’t even think about the possibilities. His mom did, though.

Lola and Ryan are the very definition of yin and yang, but a moment of kismet is about to change all their plans.

They’re ready to explore beyond the instant attraction.

Taking Chances is a small-town romance serial. New chapters are added weekly.

Just like your favorite TV series, characters will come and go.

The best part about the serial is that you decide what happens next.

At the end of every chapter, you’ll find an author’s note with a question. Your answer will help me write the next chapter.

*Note: This serial will always be free.

Jules

“Maria.” I bent down and kissed her cheek. Olly’s mom was sitting at the kitchen table mixing something in a bowl.

“Jules.” She squeezed my hands. “It’s so good to see you.” She patted the table. “Sit. I want to hear how you are doing.”

I didn’t mean to laugh, but she was so damn adorable.

“First, I need to know how you are doing?” I sat down beside her. “You’ve had a busy few days.”

“I blame the stool.” She rolled her eyes. “It was in my way.”

“Did you throw it out?” I winked.

“I thought about it.” She placed her hand over mine. “Benny made it, so technically it’s not going anywhere.” She shrugged and patted my hand. (Benny was Olly’s dad.) “How are you?”

“Good. Busy at work.” I smiled. “Nothing exciting to share.”

“Well, you have one exciting thing to share.”

“I do?” I had no idea what she was talking about.

“It looks like you and Olly are doing well.” She raised her eyebrows up and down.

“That’s true. That is exciting.” I nodded. “What are you mixing up? Can I help?” I was trying to shift the conversation.

“Lola’s boyfriend Ryan is coming over for dinner.” She pulled the bowl closer. “I was worried we wouldn’t have enough tortillas for the occasion.”

“Can I help?” I straightened in the chair, ready to jump up and grab some ingredients.

“That would be wonderful.” She rubbed her hand up and down my bicep. “Thank you.”

“Hi, Mom.” Olly walked into the kitchen and bent to kiss his mom’s cheek. “How are you feeling today?”

“Hi, Sweetie.” She patted her hand on Olly’s chest. “Feeling stronger every day.” She sighed. “Your dad told me I can’t go back to the flower shop for a few more weeks, though.”

“At least that long.” Olly nodded. “It could be sooner, though.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and it opened. “The fun has finally arrived.” Lola stepped inside. She was holding Ryan’s hand. “Hi, Mom.”

“Lola.” Marie attempted to stand, but Lola ran over to stop her. “I’m still able to get around. Goodness.”

“I know, Mom, but since we’re all here, you can chill instead.” Lola smiled and kissed her mom’s cheek. “Look—” she pointed toward the door— “Ryan’s here.”

Ryan stood close to the door.

That’s when Maria stood. “Ryan.” She stepped closer to him. “It’s wonderful to meet the man who makes my daughter glow with happiness.”

He looked uncomfortable. “Hi, Mrs. Martin. It’s nice to meet you.”

Maria grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “Call me, Maria. Come in, come in.”

“Hey, you.” I hopped up and pushed my shoulder against his. “Fancy meeting you here.” I laughed.

Lola hopped closer to him and fell against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. “Mom, how can Ryan and I help?”

She pointed at the refrigerator. “There are two bowls on the top shelf: one with salsa and the other with guacamole. We all need a treat before dinner.” She sat back down. “This is nice.” She whispered the last sentence, but I was close enough to hear her.

Olly sat down beside me. “What are you doing?”

I had a ball of tortilla dough in my hand. “I want to help make the tortillas, but I don’t know what to do.”

“Let me grab the tortilla press. The dough is ready.” He leaned in and kissed me before hopping up. “Mom, did you move the press?” Olly yelled from the pantry.

“It’s over here,” Marie yelled back. She was pointing to the counter by the stove.

In just minutes, the small space descended into chaos.

Lola and Ryan were glued to each other.

I was trying to roll balls from the tortilla dough, but they turned out more like ovals.

Olly was looking for his mom’s favorite pan to cook the tortillas.

Maria was sitting in her chair at the kitchen table, smiling.

“What’s that?” I asked Maria.

“What are you talking about?” She scowled.

“That ear-to-ear smile.” I laughed.

She didn’t say anything for several seconds. Then, she looked over at me. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for this day?” She sighed. “Olly and Lola each with someone special. It makes me so happy.”

“Well, I’m excited to report, Olly makes me happy, too.” It was true, too. I didn’t know if I would find someone as wonderful as my late boyfriend, but I did.

Ryan surprised me and leaned closer to Maria and me, and said, “Ditto, but with Lola.” He smiled. “I’ve never felt happiness like this before.” Then, he took the few steps toward Lola and wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer.

Maria didn’t say anything. She just sat in the chair and watched them.

I was waiting for her to start asking him a million questions. She didn’t, though. It was obvious they were happy, and not because they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. It was the way they were looking at each other.

I glanced over and found Olly staring at me. I had to cover my mouth to hide my smile. He was looking at me the same way.

AUTHOR NOTE:

Maria is definitely chill compared to some moms out there, LOL! Do you think Ryan needs to learn how to make tortillas, too? Just like Jules did.