Page 27 of Love is a Roller Coaster

“Yep.” I smile at him. After the amazing day I had yesterday, I refuse to feel ashamed for enjoying something he thinks is immature and silly.

“Hmm.” His eyes move from mine to the ocean behind me.

What was he expecting? That I’d be wallowing away, unable to stop the tears from soaking my pillow?

But…is that what I would have been doing if I hadn’t run into Tyler?

Not that I would have been crying over Landon. He’s not worth any tears. But it was the realization that the life I had envisioned over the last few years was completely gone.

With Landon sitting here in front of me, I realize how ridiculous that was. Being with him would have meant a life of unhappiness.

And on the other hand, I have Tyler asking what would makemehappy…and then doing everything he can to make it happen.

The server comes with our burritos, asks if we need anything, then disappears back into the restaurant after we say we’re fine. Landon picks up his burrito and takes a bite.

But I’d rather get this conversation over with, and apparently Landon isn’t getting to the point. I place my hands on the table. “Landon, why are you here?”

He chews a few times and swallows. “I made a mistake. I’m here to make amends.” He sets down his burrito and grabs my hand. I nearly recoil at his touch.How was I ever attracted to him?But I hold myself back, not wanting to cause a scene. Not yet.

He continues. “We belong together, Brooke. You and me, we just make sense. I was stupid and had a lapse in judgment?—”

“Twolapses in judgment,” I interject. “And who’s to say how many there were that I didn’t see?”

He ducks his head, feigning shame. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of. But I’ve seen the error of my ways. I know you deserve better than that.”

“You’re right. I do.” I pull my hand away and cross my arms over my chest. I’ve let this go on long enough. “And it’s not you.”

“What?”

“I deserve better thanyou.”

He snorts a laugh. “Who’s better than me? I’m successful. I make a ton of money. Our families run in the same circles. I can give you everything you want.”

I glance back at the hotel, thinking of the one most important thing he could never offer. “Not everything.”

“What do you mean? What do you want?”

I can’t believe how different thosewords sound coming out of Landon’s mouth. It’s the same question Tyler has been asking me all week—what doIwant—but from Landon, it sounds challenging and accusatory, where Tyler says it with genuine concern and consideration.

And that is all I need to conclude this meeting.

I stand from my seat. “I’m sorry you came all the way out here for a conversation that could have been a phone call. Please don’t call or contact me again.”

I’m a little disappointed that I won’t be eating the burrito in front of me, but I need to leave, and fast. I grab my purse and take a step, but Landon stands so quickly that he knocks his metal chair over, causing all the other patrons to stare at us.

Landon grabs my arm. “Please, Brooke. I can’t go back home without you.”

I shake my arm free from his grasp. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I just…can’t.”

I put a hand on my hip, waiting for an actual explanation.

Landon runs a hand through his hair, a gesture I used to think was endearing. Now I realize it’s when he’s caught in a corner and doesn’t know what to say.

“My parents…and your parents…” His voice trails off, waving a hand around in the air, and he shrugs.

I fill in the blanks. “They told you to come get me.”

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