Second Chance Addison

Once Roy had convinced Eve that Chance was not in any way a threat, the two men made their way through the library and called the elevator.

While they waited for it to reach the top, Chance couldn't help but stare longingly at the endless rows of books. He wished he'd had more time to explore it. Maybe he would find some of the rare books he recently lost.

"Roy, am I allowed to come here again?" He looked up at the big man like a reluctant child whose parents told him it was time to leave the playground.

Roy couldn't help but smile at the pining look on Chance's face. He had to stop himself from patting Chance on the head like he would his daughter when she gave him that same look.

"I don't see why not, it's your library after all. Actually, this entire building is yours."

If Chance's expression was amusing before, once he realized what Roy had said, it only got worse. His hazel eyes sparkled as he asked, "Really?"

With that, Roy lost it. He couldn't hold it in any more and laughed so hard he almost couldn't reply.

"Yes, really! It was Mack's so now it's yours!"

Before Chance could say anything else, the elevator chimed and the doors opened.

Roy calmed himself and the two got on the elevator. He pressed the button for the underground parking garage and they started their descent.

With the exception of Roy's occasional chuckle, they stayed quiet during the ride down.

The elevator chimed again when it reached the garage.

They stepped out and went over to Roy's blacked out SUV. His vehicle was surprisingly ordinary and unassuming but it had the best possible safety rating.

As Chance opened the passenger door he noticed a very pink car seat and a few princess dolls in the back. Clearly this SUV frequently had a little VIP riding in it.

He climbed inside and Roy handed him a large paper bag.

"Figured you might need some of this stuff."

Inside were the things Chance would need to get cleaned up. He saw soap, a razor, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, a change of clothes, and even a set of pajamas.

"Thanks."

"You can thank Genny for the pajamas, she picked those out."

Chance took a second look at them and noticed they had little unicorns and rainbows printed all over them. He smiled and nodded.

"I'll be sure to do that."

It took them about forty-five minutes to get to Roy's house out in the suburbs. When Roy pulled in the long driveway it was almost three o'clock in the morning. He sighed when he saw that the light in the living room was on.

"Let me do all the talking. You just..." Since she had waited up for him, he knew there would be trouble either way. "Nevermind, just wing it. She's already mad at me anyway."

They Roy unlocked the door and they went inside.

They were greeted by the sight of a beautiful woman with an irritated expression. Her dark almond shaped eyes were narrowed and her lips turned downward in a frown. She had her long slim legs crossed and her delicate arms folded across her c.h.e.s.t.

Roy completely froze up like a statue and he broke out in a cold sweat. He was too afraid to take another step. 'I'm dead. She's going to kick me out again.'

Chance stepped out from behind him and introduced himself.

"Umm, hello. I'm Chance, the uh... stray that Mack rescued." She turned her head and looked at him so he continued. "I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience that I've caused for you and your family. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, I'll do it."

Roy felt pity for the ignorant man beside him. Offering a favor to Eve was worse than writing a blank check. And she would definitely come to collect it later.

"Is that so?" She finally spoke. "Then I shall have to impose on you in the future."

Chance, who had unknowingly just taken one for the team, felt like he had dodged a bullet.

"Thank you Mrs. Griffin."

"You can call me Eve." She gave him a polite smile and turned her attention to her husband. He felt the non-existent hairs on his head stand up.

"Honey, could you show our guest to his room? It is getting late and I'm sure he'd like to get some rest."

"Yes, dear!" He looked at Chance and gestured to a flight of stairs. "This way, please."

Chance followed him up the stairs and down a long hallway. At the end of the hallway, Roy opened the door to the guest room.

"That door on the left is a closet and that one there on the right is a bathroom." Roy showed him where to find towels and extra blankets before bidding him a good night's rest and practically running back to his wife.

As soon as Roy left, Chance went into the bathroom and took a hot shower. Then he dried himself and put on the unicorn pajamas from Roy's daughter.

He laughed wholeheartedly when he saw himself in the mirror. Here was a full grown man wearing unicorn print pajamas with a huge and colorful unicorn head on the front of the shirt. It was the perfect contrast to all of the terrible things he had gone through in the past few weeks.

He brushed his teeth, dried his hair, and decided to shave later. He was too tired to do anymore and he was worried he'd cut himself.

Chance went back into the bedroom, turned out the lights, and climbed into the queen size bed. As soon as his head touched the soft pillow, he was out.