Page 3 of You, Me, and Lucky Number 13

Aisle thirteen had a buy one, get one free sale on ice cream. It was like the universe knew I needed not one but two tubs of ice cream tonight after the last few shitty months I’ve had. I took it as a sign, and that sign led me right past Chad and his new girl.

I only followed them for a minute before heading to register thirteen and checking out. It wasn’t until I was in my car, crying and opening the ice cream tub, that I saw Chad head to his carparked on ROW THIRTEEN. The universe was clearly testing me.

That’s when I knew this was my day to get back at the piece of shit who destroyed my life.

Now, I’m not blaming my faithful lucky number. I’m just saying that maybe I read it wrong today.

“Ma’am.” The ridiculously sexy firefighter taps on my window, trying again to get my attention. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

No, I’m far from all right. What the hell did I just do? Did I really chase Chad and crash my car in the process?

Someone clears their throat, and I’m reminded that Hottie is still waiting for my answer.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I tell the man with straight white teeth and a big grin. “Just hanging out.”

He chuckles. “Maybe it’s time to hang out somewhere less exciting, huh?”

I’m pretty sure he’s making a joke, and I appreciate the effort.

“Yeah.” I sigh. “I’m getting a little overstimulated by all the fanfare.”

His smile is both charming and dangerous, and I’m not sure which one is more appealing. “I’m Luke,” he says through the window. “I just moved here from Georgia.”

“Charlotte, but most people call me Lola.” I shrug. “And unfortunately, I’ve lived in Bal Harbour all my life.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Lola. How about we get you out of here and away from all the paparazzi?”

Well, Luke is just freaking adorable. Treating this like a drunken celebrity crash is more than I could ask for. At least he’s easing the awkwardness.

“Do you think you can come through the window?” He holds his hands out like he intends to help me.

I laugh—like deep-belly-throw-my-head-back kind of laugh. “If you think I’m going to let you see me like this, you’re sadly mistaken.” I cross my arms, sobering my laugh. “I’m going to need you to turn around.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

Of course not. Nothing can go my freaking way today.

“And why not?”

His lip twitches like he wants to laugh. “It’s my job to extract you from the car safely.”

“Extract?” I scoff. “I think you’re being a little too dramatic. I can totally get out on my own. I don’t need an extraction.”

For goodness’ sake. What a freaking dumpster fire this day has turned out to be.

“From where I’m standing, ma’am, it seems that you do.”

Luke leans in closer to me, like he's about to share a secret. “You know, a lot of people come to this small town for the peace and quiet. But sometimes, life has a way of bringing all the drama right here to the front door.”

I look around at the crowd of onlookers and the damage I caused. “I guess that's true.”

“But you know what they say, don't you?”

“What's that?”

“Even in the midst of chaos, we find our moments of clarity. And from the look of things, it seems like you've had quite the revelation today.”

I sure have. Next time, I’m not going to leave Chad as a witness.

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