Read Online Silver Lining by Wanda B. Campbell - Free Book Online

hadn’t, for fear he might have choked on his drink at the sight of her. She was beautiful, dressed simply in jeans and a V-neck pullover sweater. She’d worn similar outfits on most of their visits there, but now her jeans looked a whole lot better. She also used to greet him in the same manner.
    As a courtesy, Kevin stood and waited for her to be seated. “I took the liberty of ordering for us.”
    â€œYou knew I’d be late.” Marlissa smiled.
    â€œSome things never change.”
    â€œChihuahuas, not pit bulls,” she mumbled.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    She cleared her throat. “With the help of God, people do change.”
    Unprepared for her response, Kevin said nothing, opting to take a swig of Coke.
    The waitress placed a glass of iced tea in front of Marlissa, and Marlissa smiled at Kevin. “You still know what I like.”
    â€œAs I said, some things never change.”
    â€œKevin, I wish you’d soften, because I’m not leaving until we’ve made peace.”
    He ignored her declaration.
    â€œThis place hasn’t changed much.” She looked around, trying to make small talk. “Do you still come here often?”
    Kevin looked at her like she’d said something wrong before answering. “Marlissa, I haven’t been here since the last time you and I were here. Too many memories.”
    Before she could respond, the waitress set a small plate in front of them, then a mountain of Carne asada and pollo nachos. The steak half was for Kevin; the chicken for Marlissa.
    Kevin bowed his head and said grace, but Marlissa studied him. Kevin remembered everything. “Maybe all is not lost,” she whispered once Kevin concluded the prayer.
    As if time hadn’t passed, the two dug in like old times: Marlissa, careful not to touch the guacamole, and Kevin the beans.
    â€œThank you for the car. I really wasn’t expecting that after everything that’s happened,” Marlissa said.
    Kevin finally held eye contact with her for longer than a second. “Marlissa, I don’t hate you and I don’t wish you any harm. The reason I gave you the car is because you needed one, and, remember, that was my present to you for becoming my . . . well, you know.”
    â€œBut can you give me your forgiveness?” Marlissa blurted. He didn’t answer, so she pressed on. “Kevin, I am so sorry, but I can’t change what happened. I need you to forgive me. Please, it’s important for me to have your forgiveness.”
    Kevin dropped a chip back onto the plate and leaned back against the booth. “Marlissa, I’m trying to forgive you,” he answered honestly. “I have to if I’m going to have a future.”
    â€œDoes your future include Reyna?” Marlissa asked directly.
    Kevin shifted in his chair. He didn’t know the answer to that question. Marlissa took his silence for his answer.
    â€œHow long have you been dating?”
    â€œWe’re not,” he finally answered.
    â€œIt didn’t look like that the other day.”
    Kevin smiled; Marlissa was jealous. “Green doesn’t suit you.”
    â€œAnd Reyna doesn’t suit you. Now open up.” It was their tradition to share their half with the other.
    Kevin gazed at her, but it wasn’t a cold stare. “Come on,” she prodded.
    Kevin opened his mouth and she gently fed him the loaded chip, but not without smearing his mouth with sour cream. In the old days she would have kissed the sour cream away. Tonight she used a napkin. As her fingertips dabbed the corners of his mouth, Kevin held her gaze.
    â€œYour turn,” he said. His anxiousness surprised him.
    â€œSorry, gorgeous, but if I get any bigger—”
    He cut her off. “Marlissa, you’re beautiful. I . . . I mean you wear your size and hair well.”
    â€œThanks,” she said, then calmly took his hand in hers. “Kevin, can we please call a