Second Chance At Sunrise

bandoned her plan to dye her hair, craving sleep instead

d the sleep from her eyes and reached for her ph

ly voice filled the room.

shaking off the h

Listen, I have to warn you... some of

es narrow

said evasively. "Don'

and navigating the halls of their high school together. After graduation, they had parte

sing last-minute details for the bachelorette pa

Rachel asked, her voice

for a moment. "Jake?" s

l sweetheart," R

nd like a whispered secret. Her pulse quickened, and she felt a f

to sound nonchalant despite

"He's a prosecutor in the high court and a single father of one. He won't be at

attempting to sound c

You don't have a problem with h

ally. "Of course not, Jake and

st heartbreak. The memories of their tumultuous relationshi

to wander. What would Jake look like now? Would he st

ding, sent a shiver down her spine. Lexi's emotions s

chel's laughter bro

ought," Lexi repli

with mischief. "I kne

instinctive. "Rach

she couldn't quite grasp. Why did Jake's name still evoke

of Jake's charming smile and piercing blue eyes. Lexi's heart

er mind, focusing on the night ahead. She transformed

caded down her shoulders like a rich, honey-brown waterfall. A spritz of her favo

. The city lights blurred together as she gazed out the wind

's excitement grew. She rode the elevator to the top, the

liar faces, all gathered to toast Rachel's last night o

squealed, flinging her

t lift off her shoulders. Rachel's infectious enthusiasm and

e epic!" Rachel exclai

tement. "I'm so happy for you, Rach. You

i with a serious expression. "You know, Lex, I'm really gl

oice barely above a whisp

the party erupted into a frenzy of dancing and laughter. Lex

Jake, her past, and her uncertain future fad

getting the better of her. As she reached the bar, she acciden

ked, laced with a mix of s

ning in recognition. Megan, her former high sc

xi said, forcin

exi, her expression criti

ill a bitch. But she kept her cool, responding with a

he flaunted her gold ring. "O

piqued despite hersel

ce dripping with superior

ver wavered. "I

ed with intrigue. "

l, but her mind raced with defian

or answers. "I guess not," she conclud

always been the queen bee in high school, reveling in her popularity and beauty. Lexi h

ent toward Megan's condescending attitude. But sh

o rise to Megan's bait. "

t's code for 'I'm a

e wearing thin. "Actually, it mea

de, her timing impeccable. "

sugary sweet smile. "Rachel, darling

Lexi excused herself, eager t

!" Rachel

nd Rachel mouthed,

and mouthed back, "Hi

eside Lexi, concern etched on he

one laced with amusement. "I

on, how was I to know s

isted. "Bitches

point. But I thought

p of her cocktail. "Some people

atorially. "I swear, Meg

alous. Married with a kid, bu

housewife. Her husband leave

othing compares t

by the DJ spinning a popular song

he conti

Rachel said, tuggi

t this one out," Le

e?" Rach

. "Yes, my

Lexi watched her friend laugh and spin to the music, she s

as when sh

ss the room. A face she hadn't ex