Page 125 of Until You

“I told you I loved you and four days later, I had to fucking ruin it,” Tyler said.

“Hey,” she said, placing her index finger lightly on his lips. “None of that.”

“Lanie, closing your store is the single biggest greatest regret of my life, and that’s saying something, after some of the stunts I’ve pulled.”

She gave him a soft kiss, and he felt that the sadness he’d seen for the past several days had returned. “I know.”

“Why aren’t you beating me up for doing this?”

“Because you’re already beating yourself up enough for both of us.”

***

“Can I cut in?” a male voice asked behind her.

She glanced back to see Kevin, wearing a big grin.

Tyler mock-scowled. “I don’t think so. Who knows what you’ll tell her.”

Kevin moved closer. “Come on. I promise to be on my best behavior.”

“Tyler,” Lanie said. “It’s okay.”

Tyler dropped his hold, and Kevin took his place.

Lanie let him lead her around several measures before she said, “I’m kind of surprised you cut in.”

“Because I risked losing a limb with Tyler?” he teased. “I can take him.”

“No, because I kind of got the impression you don’t like me.”

“Really? Why?”

“Maybe because you’re worried I’m going to hurt your best friend.”

Kevin’s grin faded. “Yeah. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I know you’ve been talking about ending things with him when you leave next week.”

“Kevin, I’m sorry. You have to know this is killing me.”

“I know. I guess I don’t understand why you have to end it. Can’t you at least try it and break it off later if it doesn’t work?”

She shook her head. “I’m trying to be optimistic. But honestly, I just don’t think it’s going to work.”

“He loves you, Lanie, and losing you is going to kill him.” He paused. “Are you punishing him for shutting down your store?”

“What? No.” She glanced over at her table and spotted Tyler. He looked like he was ready to cut back in at any moment. “I don’t want to leave, but I don’t have a job here, and there’s a great one in Atlanta. And as far as trying a long-distance relationship, I’ve seen too many fail to do that to him.”

“Lanie, please don’t just leave him like this.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t want to, Kevin.”

Tyler broke in moments later, and Kevin took off, while Tyler pulled her back into his arms. “Lanie? Are you crying?”

“No. I’m fine.”

She forced a smile, then, when the song was finished, she suggested they go sit with his friends. But as they left the dance floor Britt stood by another table and motioned Lanie over.

Tyler gave Lanie a quick kiss. “You go see what she wants, and I’ll get us something to drink.”

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