Page 125 of Dare To Live

My confession in the dark comes back to me, and something clogs up my throat. I mask my reaction by burying my face into the mug of coffee.

“He might not be here physically, but he is with us,” she continues quietly.

She has no idea how much I need to hear someone else say that. Or maybe she does. The look she gives me holds a wealth of understanding and she reaches across the table to cover my hand with hers.

After a second, Miles’ hand comes down on top of hers and the three of us sit in silence, staring down at where we’re all linked.

“Not a day goes by when I don’t think of him at least once.” Miles’ voice is rough, shaky with emotion. “I love Ivan, don’t get me wrong, but part of me wishes he was Kellan.”

“Where is Ivan?” I ask, finally noticing the other man’s absence.

“Still sleeping. Although I think he was pretending, just so I could have some time alone with you guys.”

I give a slow nod, then turn to look at him. “We need to talk.”

There’s no surprise on his features at my words. “So, Arabella said. I knew this day would come. Can we find somewhere quieter, though? I don’t really want to have a breakdown in front of all these assholes.” His laugh breaks slightly before he rallies and smiles around the table. “It’s time. And I think Kellan would appreciate it being done at the school.”

“Why don’t we meet for dinner? I can place an order instead of us coming down here,” I suggest. “The school has a planned list of events for today, I think, and I suppose we should show up for now.”

Chapter 69

Arabella

Miles nods, his hand slipping from on top of mine. “Where?

“How about your room,” I suggest. My lips are still tingling from Eli’s possessive kiss. At least he doesn’t seem to be angry with me for slipping out early this morning and leaving him.

“I think it would be the easiest,” my best friend agrees. “Kellan never used to come to my room. We just met in private around the school when we … when we were together.”

“Neutral territory for all of us,” Eli says, leaning back on his seat. “At least for memories of him.”

Garrett shifts in his chair. “You’re serious about reliving all of this? I still have nightmares.”

I smile at him sadly. “We all do.”

“Count me in then.”

“You don’t have to.”

“No, I do.” He huffs out a breath. “I didn’t just come back here for the reunion. I’ve been carrying around questions in my head. What ifs—”

“Which we shouldn’t discuss here.” Eli interrupts them. Cradling his mug of coffee in his hands, he’s glancing past us.

I turn my head to see Lacy and her entourage watching us closely. “What the hell is her problem?”

Miles glares at them. “She’s a bitch, trying to relive her glory days.”

“Jesus, it’s like being back at school again,” Garrett grumbles. “We’re fucking grownups. You think they’d have just learned to get over this shit.”

“Stop staring. It just feeds their crazy.” Miles takes a sip from his drink.

I shift my attention back to Eli. “Are you hungry? I can go get you something.”

He shakes his head. “No, I’m good.”

“Are you sure? You didn’t eat much at dinner last night.”

Miles chuckles. “Food is Ari’s love language. If she’s trying to feed you. It means she cares.”

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