Page 58 of Pity Present

I smile as I write this down. Being that the lodge caters to families, I like the idea of them carrying things like nails and cheap earrings. Big girls and little girls alike love that stuff. And being that Trista and her fiancé don’t care if they make money from the shop, these two items would be a great addition.

“Why don’t you already sell protein bars?” I ask. I assume it has to do with wanting people to eat in the dining room, but with so many outdoor activities it would make sense that people get hungry at non-mealtimes.

“We have granola bars and cookies,” she says, “but I think people want more if they’re doing sports.”

“Okay, Lorelai, thanks.” Then I tell her, “I think I’ll spend the day talking to guests and try to get some other ideas.”

As luck would have it, as I turn to leave the gift shop, I walk right into Kyle.

“Molly.” By the look on his face, he’s obviously wondering what happened to me. I’m relieved when he doesn’t comment.

I talked to Kyle for a little bit last night. He asked to have breakfast with me, but I declined. In retrospect, I might have been better off had I eaten with him. Chances are my nose wouldn’t be so sore.

That’s when I realize I still haven’t had my breakfast. I spilled Blake’s juice on the french toast and beat it out of his room before I could eat the omelet. “Hi, Kyle. Have you eaten?”

He looks surprised. “No.”

“Would you like to join me?”

“But you said no when I asked you last night.” He hurriedly adds, “I’d love to eat with you.” As we walk toward the banquet hall, he asks, “How did you hurt yourself?”

“I tripped. But it looks worse than it is.” As we cross the lobby, he tells me, “I’m really glad you’ve decided to spend some time with me. I’ve felt just awful about everything ever since I saw you here.”

I shoot him a look that has him rushing to add, “I’ve obviously felt awful for longer than that.”

Thinking about my situation with Blake somehow makes me feel compassion for Kyle. “You can’t choose who you love.”

“But you can choose how you proceed.”

“That’s the truth, Kyle.” That’s when I realize I need to quit telling myself to stay away from Blake and just do it. What was I thinking, having breakfast in his room today? And now that I know he’s here under false pretenses, Ireallyneed to keep my distance.

As we near the room that’s been set up for our group’s breakfast, Kyle asks, “What do you say we skip the circus and eat in the dining room? You know, away from curious eyes.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” I tell him. Also, that way, there will be no chance of running into Blake if he decides to come down.

Once we’re seated and we’ve ordered, Kyle asks, “So, have you thought more about giving us another go?”

I shake my head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t forgive being cheated on. Distrust is no way to start over again.” Truthfully, I’m surprised I even agreed to have a meal with him. I blame Blake for throwing me off my game so badly.

“I don’t blame you,” Kyle says. “I was horrible to you.”

I don’t know what comes over me, but I tell my ex, “It’s done. You can’t keep beating yourself up about it. You just need to move on and do better the next time.”

“I thought I’d done better with Amelia,” he says. “Not that you want to hear about that …”

I’m so over Kyle that I find I don’t mind listening to him. “You can talk about her if you want. I know how you must be feeling.”

“Because of me.” Even though I’m glad he’s experiencing remorse, I also feel sorry for him.

“You know that old saying.” His blank stare prompts me to tell him the same thing I told Blake at the beginning of this. “All’s fair in love and war.” With a shrug I add, “There’s truth to that. No one should settle for someone they don’t wholeheartedly adore. Life is too uncertain not to be totally committed to the one you’re with. And you should do everything you can to be with that person.”

Kyle picks up the glass of ice water in front of him and takes a slow sip. “Yeah, but what if you’re sure the one you’re meant to be with doesn’t feel the same way about you?”

I know he’s not talking about me. “Then you find something to distract yourself with until your heart doesn’t hurt so badly.”

He looks at me sheepishly. “Is that what you did?”

It’s time to stop being sympathetic and regain some self-respect. “I was sad when you left, Kyle, but I wasn’t devastated. I took time to reevaluate my life, and then I started going out again.” I don’t mention that was with my girlfriends, not with potential love interests.

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