Page 42 of Forgotten Romance

I stare at the slip of paper, not sure I want to touch it.

My realizations about Davey are blinding, and I don’t have the mental space for anything else. But Tonya did say that it’s worth having a backup plan.

And I do like Luke.

It’s hard not to view this as a sign.

With a huge inhale, I tug out the paper.

Why don’t you ask a Hobbit for money?

They’re always short.

I grin at the joke and keep reading.

Sorry for the stupid jokes, I just like to see you smile. You’re impossible to look away from when you’re happy.

I blink at the words, smile sinking from my face.

All I want is a sweet man who’ll love me like I love them. I want that man to be Davey.

But …

I read through the note again, then slip it into my drawer.

Maybe it’s time to start being smart.

Maybe I’m putting too much pressure on Davey to fix everything for me when I’m the only one who can do that.

13

Davey

“Do you really need my help?” I ask Art, trailing after him into town hall.

“Yes. You’re the only one not at work, so get your butt up here.”

“You know, some people take vacation leave to … have a vacation. From working.”

My friend pins me with his intimidating gaze. “You telling me you want to sit on the couch binge-watching shows all day?”

“I’d like to have the option.”

He laughs and pushes open another door. “Such a liar. You’re like me, and between the two of us, we wouldn’t know what a day off looked like if it pole danced naked in front of us.”

I think of Mack pole dancing naked. Fuck. “No, but I’d be interested enough to find out.”

He gives me one of those looks that could be checking me out if I didn’t know him better. No, this look is all assessing. Sizing me up. Which means there’s something on his mind.

“How was the other night?” he asks.

The best and worst night of my last year. I don’t mean for my sigh to slip out, but of course, Art latches on to it.

“That good, huh?”

And even though he’s being a smart-ass, I agree. “Yeah. It worked perfectly.”

“Then why the long face?”

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