Footsteps of the Past (Second Chances #2) - Felice Stevens Page 0,3

else to take the reins every once in a while.”

“You think so?” Excitement built up inside him. Maybe Martine was right. A weekend away, just the two of them, someplace where they could hide from the world, would recharge their closeness. “We could go upstate to a cabin, or maybe to a bed-and-breakfast by the Cape.”

“The Hamptons house would be perfect, although I’m sure André wouldn’t care where you went, as long as you’re together. I knew when he brought you home that you were the man for him.”

Chess smiled. “I remember wondering if it was too fast. He said he fell in love right away, but I had my doubts.”

“It runs in the family. His father was like that with his mother. Love at first sight. No one had a chance from the time they met. I’ll say it over and over again until you believe it: André knew who he wanted, and it was you. I know André, perhaps better than he does himself, because that man never slows down to take a breath of self-reflection. He might’ve been a little wild when he was younger, but all that changed when he met you.”

“He never talks about those days.”

Darkness clouded Martine’s eyes. “Probably because he doesn’t remember most of them. He used to come home a little too late and a lot too drunk. I worried for him, and so did Dottie and Freddie. They were devastated when André stopped going to the Hamptons for the summers. I know they miss him and the twins. We’ve all worked for the Websters for so many years, they’re like family to us.”

That much he knew. André had told him his early twenties had been spent in the party-all-the-time haze of someone too young and with too much money. It wasn’t until his best friend died in a car crash near their home in the Hamptons while driving drunk that reality slapped him in the face, and he decided to straighten up and get serious about life. He went to work for the family business—boutique luxury hotels—and spent his time flying around the world, making deals, checking on ongoing construction projects, and ensuring the standards were kept as high as possible. It was exhausting and grueling work, but André loved it.

“Maybe you’re right. When I come home from lunch with Elliot, I’ll look into it.” Gulping the rest of his coffee, he rose from his seat and put the mug in the sink. “I gotta run. We’re going to experience the best dumplings in the city, and I don’t want to be late for that.”

“You better not be. You’re going to bring me your leftovers.”

Chess leaned in to kiss her cheek. “You got it. See you later.”

“Say hello to Elliot for me. I’m so happy he found someone. He’s such a nice person.”

“He is, and I will.”

He grabbed his phone and keys and left. Once outside, he realized he’d never make it to Elliot’s in Brooklyn by noon if he took the train, so he called for a car. In less than five minutes he was on his way to the West Side Highway.

Not too many minutes past twelve, he walked up the front porch of Win’s house, which Win and Elliot now shared. They’d planted multicolored flowers along the edge of the lawn and put in a porch swing. He rang the bell and heard Elliot’s footsteps.

“Coming.”

Elliot opened the door, and they hugged. “Come on in for a sec while I finish getting ready. Want a cup of coffee?”

“You’re looking great. All tan and rested.” He followed Elliot into the kitchen. “And no, thanks. I want to save all my room for food.”

Elliot snickered. “I bet. Win and I spent a weekend in Long Beach at the condo. Nothing but sun, sand, and fun. He really needs it with this detail he’s on. I don’t get to see him until near eleven every night. Next time we go, you and André should come. Nothing like a few days off to recharge.”

“You know, I was thinking of taking him away when he comes home from Europe in a couple of days. That may be the thing we need.”

“Do it! I don’t know if Win can get the time off, but I’ll give you the keys to the place and you can go without us.”

Touched by Elliot’s generosity, Chess squeezed his shoulder. “Thanks. Now, where are you taking me first?”

Elliot’s eyes twinkled. “To dumpling paradise. I have four places to hit up.