Page 91 of Undeniable Love

“No, but…”

“Do you honestly think she’s going to sit in her house pining away for you instead of doing what she always does? In your mind, do you see her just not living because you two can’t see each other once or twice a month like you’ve been doing?”

“You’re oversimplifying things. I didn’t say…”

“Lucy’s a badass,” Noah interrupted. “She doesn’t seem the type who’s going to just stop being herself because of a schedule she already knew about. And wouldn’t you prefer to at least get to talk to her or video chat with her than be without her? When Lily went to audition for that dance squad down in Miami, I thought that was the end of us. She actually broke up with me over it. But after we both calmed down, we realized it’s not an all-or-nothing situation. You need to think about that too.”

Just then, their dinners arrived and after everything was served, Jax knew how he needed to respond.

“Can we just…not talk about this anymore tonight? I’d like to enjoy this meal with you guys and then go home and beat both of you at some video games.” He grinned. “And I promise to think about everything you’ve said, just…no more tonight.”

“That seems fair,” Noah agreed.

“And don’t be so cocky about beating me at anything,” Simon joked. “I played all afternoon in preparation to finally best you, so…be prepared!”

That made him snicker. “Great. Consider me warned. Now, pass the bread and dig in!”

Chapter Fifteen

It was all taking longer than she expected, and honestly, she thought Jax would have called her by now.

But he hadn’t.

She thought he would have texted her by now.

But he hadn’t.

And more than anything, she thought she’d have the confidence in herself to believe that it was all going to work out.

But…she didn’t.

Tonight, the Warriors were playing against the Jets and as much as she wanted to watch the game in hopes of catching a glimpse of Jax, she was refraining in the name of self-care.

Does that make me weak?

Even if it did, she didn’t care. She was handling things the best she could. Every day, she went to work. She’d had dinner with her family and they had all talked like adults without throwing accusations and even though she didn’t share exactly what had happened before she came home from Wichita, she had a feeling Ty knew what was up.

Hell, she was surprised he hadn’t shown up and played the “I told you so” card.

Strolling into the kitchen, she contemplated dinner. “Let’s play tonight’s round of do I want to cook or get takeout?”

While she was standing in front of the open refrigerator trying to figure out what she was in the mood for, her phone dinged with a text.

Gemma: Incoming!

Frowning, she had no idea what that meant.

Lucy: ???

Gemma: Open the front door and find out!

For a moment, hope filled her. Was Jax here? Was he trying to surprise her and used her friend to help him?

Skipping to the door, she yanked it open with a big smile, completely ready to launch herself into his arms.

“Surprise!” Gemma, Ty, and Wyatt shouted. They each held up massive bags of takeout from some of her favorite places.

Disappointment hit her hard, but she forced herself to smile. “Hey! This is a surprise! Come in!”