Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Even if she was a sly old fox-so what?

Jane watched it all unfold, barely able to believe what she was seeing. The woman she'd called Grandma for years was standing there, choosing someone else over her. Was this really what Fiona had always warned her about?

Her hand shook, nearly spilling the chicken soup she held.

"Grandma, are you really going to take her side?" Jane's voice was quiet but sharp.

The silence between them stretched on, heavy and suffocating, before Jane finally broke it. She was only asking out of habit now. If Mrs. Kidd was really going to protect Carson, then what was the point of Jane pretending to lead this family anymore?

Suddenly, a hundred memories flashed through her mind-every moment she'd shared with Carson, every time Mrs. Kidd had seemed to favor her. On the surface, it always looked like Grandma supported her, even spoiled her. But looking back, Jane realized there was never any real difference between her and Carson. She'd just been too blinded by trust and hope to see it.

She'd been wearing rose-colored glasses for far too long.

"Jane, you're a Kidd. The family always comes first," Mrs. Kidd said, her tone final.

"Is that so, Grandma?" Jane's disappointment was impossible to hide. "And Carson? Doesn't he have to put the family first too? He's the one burning through our emergency funds."

inside Jane broke. She scooted her chair away from Mrs. Kidd, putting space between

The Kidds weren't on the edge of collapse. The money was all in Mrs. Kidd's hands. Of course, the Kidds were one of the

lying to her. One lie after another, day

she'd bought into every single

run herself ragged, chasing deals, desperate to save

crashed over her, heavy and cold, stealing her breath and leaving her dizzy-like she was

believed you," Jane laughed, the sound

joke a fool everyone else was in on, left in the dark while they played

she have been so naïve, so willing to believe everything Mrs: Kidd said? She'd danced to their tune like a puppet, thinking she was doing the

You're both my family. I love you both the same," Mrs. Kidd said, letting out a heavy

good girl. I'll make up for the money, don't worry," Mrs. Kidd said, pulling a bank card from her purse and placing it in Jane's hand. "I'm old now, I just

7.ne

for there to be no more

card, her heart numb. She didn't want