Page 71 of And Then Came You

“I had to find my center, because my feelings for you had changed, and I didn’t know if I could change them back. I had to get past my bruised ego and lacerated heart. The other day, I found some photos of us at the pub, and I realized how much I missed you. I knew in that moment that I’d rather have you in my life as my friend than nothing at all.” She manages a laugh, but it’s tinged with sadness. “Then the photos arrived, and I knew I had to reach out. Try to fix this mess.”

My heart pounds out of my chest, listening to her pour out her feelings. That I caused this woman one ounce of pain is a dagger in my soul. “Can I say something?”

“Not about that night, no.”

Her firm statement catches me off guard. “We need to talk about that night.”

“No, we don’t, Sam. If we are to move forward, we need to never speak of that night. That’s my stipulation. Take it or leave it.”

“I don’t get to explain my side?”

“I’d rather you didn’t. Look, I’ve spent the better part of the last month feeling very silly, but I have no right. You never promised me anything, except that you would always be my friend. I hope that still holds true.”

“Always and forever.” Okay, she’s thrown a bit of a monkey wrench in the plan, considering I can’t give my version of events.

Not a problem. I’ll up the ante. I won’t tell her over the phone. I’ll show her exactly how I feel—in person.

“What have you been up to? I saw some photos from your show in Paris.”

“Terrible fashion, right?”

Lexi giggles, and it melts that ice that’s taken up residence in my heart. “Questionable choices, to be sure.”

“I’ve been working.” I’m sure as hell not discussing the many mistakes I’ve committed over the past month. I regret every single one. “I have an idea. I’m hopping on a plane to New York tomorrow, and I’m taking you to dinner. Mastro’s Steakhouse or Masa, your choice.”

“Those are some of the most expensive restaurants in the world.”

“Exactly. Only the best for you. In fact, I’m planning an entire week for us, so we’ll go to both.”

“I’d love to—”

My heart leaps at her words. “Great. I’ll book a ticket. Give me ten minutes and I’ll call you right back. We’ll stay at the Plaza, in my suite. You’re staying with me, no questions asked. I don’t want you driving, so I’ll send a limo to pick you up.” I’m talking a mile a minute, but the idea of seeing my Lex Lex again is the best form of speed in the world.

“Sam,” Lexi interrupts, “it sounds wonderful, but I have plans tomorrow.”

“You can’t break them? Delay them? Is it another deadline? Do I need to speak to your editor, because I totally will.”

The silence from her end of the phone is deafening. “I have a date.”

My high crashes onto the ground, right next to the pieces of my heart, as she utters those words.

“Sam? Are you still there?”

“Yep.” It’s all I can manage, and even that is a struggle.

“I’ve only been out with him a few times. He’s really nice, despite what you might think.”

“Which asshole did you choose?”

“Damian.”

“The artist. How original. Is it serious?”

“I don’t know.” I hear the trepidation in her voice, but the pain in my gut overrides any discomfort she might be feeling.

“It either is, or it isn’t.”

“It has promise. It’s been a long time since I’ve dated anyone promising. You know that firsthand.”

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