Page 71 of Second Chance for the Single Mom

“Only to those of us who know you,” I said. “So you’re admitting it? You moved back here to try to win Haley back?”

Slowly, he nodded. “Iwassick of Detroit. That’s the truth. But I chose Vancouver specifically because of Haley. And because I have friends here,” he added.

It was good to hear him say it out loud. Maybe this would go better than we thought it would.

“Haley is the girl who got away,” he explained while pushing food around with his spoon. “She’s stayed with me all these years I’ve been gone. It kills me that she only remembers theoldme, and not the man I’ve become. I know she might reject me. I can handle that. But I need her to know I turned out okay. That I got over myself and became a man.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Shay asked. “I only agreed to share her that night because you insisted it was only physical. That you had no real feelings for her.”

“Honestly? I was kind of lying to myself,” Lucas admitted. “I told myself it was only physical, but deep down I was hoping it might spark something else between me and Haley. I don’t regret that night, by the way. If anything, it helped rekindle everything. If you weren’t there, things might have turned out different.”

“Thanks for admitting it to us,” I said, glancing at my watch. I had to be back at the hospital in twenty minutes. “Now for the important part. You need to tell Haley.”

“Tell her why you moved back to Vancouver,” Shay agreed, “andtell her that you have feelings for her.”

“Well, there’s something that’s been stopping me.” Lucas leaned back in his chair. “The two of you have feelings for her, too. You’ve hinted at it, but I can tell.”

“Jordan and I have already discussed this,” Shay replied. “We’re willing to put aside our feelings for Haley… but only if you go for it.”

“Go for it?” Lucas asked.

“Fuckinggo for it,” I insisted. “No more fucking around, acting like the cool guy who doesn’t care, who is totally casual and down to hook up with no strings attached. Buddy, it’s time to attach those strings. Tell her you want something serious with her, and with Bran.”

This was the main reason Shay and I wanted to have lunch with Lucas today. To push him into action before his date tonight. I had strong feelings for Haley—which were growing stronger every single day—but I loved Lucas like a brother. I would duck out and let him have a shot at somethingrealwith her.

That hurt to think about. I didn’twantto put an end to whatever the hell I had with Haley. But it was the right thing to do.

Part of me even hoped she would reject him and choose me. A small part. Mostly, I wished nobody had to get rejected at all. The four of us had vibed well together that night, and in the weeks since then. Sharing her in our different ways.

But of course, that could never work long-term.

Hence this intervention.

“I’ll do it,” Lucas said, standing and picking up his tray. “I promise I’ll tell her tonight.”

“Thanks for letting us talk some sense into you,” I said, hugging him.

He patted me on the back. “Thanks for doing the talking. I needed the push.” Lucas sighed. “Now time to actuallydoit.”

“Good luck,” Shay said.

When Lucas was gone, I turned to Shay. “That went well.”

“Better than I expected,” he muttered, polishing off his burrito. “Hehasto tell her the truth. That’s the most important thing here.”

I cocked my head at him. “I have to admit, I’m kind of surprised you’re so passionate about it.”

Shay closed his eyes and sighed. “Yeah. It’s because I figured something out.”

“That sounds ominous.”

He opened his eyes. “You have to promise not to tell Lucas. Not without me, at least.”

“Yeah, okay,” I said. “What have you figured out?”

My jaw dropped when he told me.

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