Page 114 of Third Time Lucky

Mitzi nods. ‘Women adore love letters. I’ve gotten dozens throughout my life, and even though I only occasionally loved any of the men who wrote them, I’ve kept every single one to this day.’

I wonder how big a box that is.

‘Really?’ I ask, surprised to hear this. ‘Do you still read them?’

‘When I need a pick-me-up, yes. Trust me, dear. I’ve lived a lot of life; I know things. Write the note. She already loves you; she just needs confirmation she’s not making another mistake. Stand out. Be the prince she’s always dreamed of.’

The words of Madi in Vegas, flash through my mind suddenly. ‘He’s her prince.’ At the time, she was talking about Brandon, and we all know how that turned out. Is that what she’s looking for? Because I can be that. I’m a blow the socks off that daydream prince.

* * *

So, after dinner, I grab the pen and paper, the weight of Mitzi’s words heavy on my shoulders. Women adore love notes. I’ve never actually written one, so here goes nothing.

After what feels like an eternity, I finish, folding it neatly and slipping it into the bouquet – her name written across the front.

With a determined stride, I make my way to Lucy’s room, pausing at the door as I’ve not yet been in her bedroom, and it feels slightly weird to do so without her here. But the door is already ajar, so I push it open slowly.

Her room is a soft oasis decorated in pastel colors and touches of floral patterns. The lace curtains billow gently in the breeze, the windows on either side of her bed casting a warm glow over the room. The walls are a pale lavender, casting a dreamy hue over the space. Her bed is neatly made with a plush comforter, and a stack of books sits on her bedside table. Trinkets and treasures line the shelves and dressers, including a photo of us that neither of us took, but we’re at the bubble dance party, looking quite comfortable in one another’s arms. If I had to guess, I’d bet Mitzi took this. And she framed it. In her room. Maybe she doesn’t hate me if she’s not burned this yet.

I carefully arrange the flowers and note in the middle of her bed, then leave her bedroom door as it was before. God, I hope every word I wrote will make her heart race a little faster, just like they did mine.

37

LUCY

Sitting at the bar, Madi and I anxiously wait for her ‘date’ to arrive so we can put her plan into action. Plan – Make Aaron Jealous – to see if he actually has a heart or if sexual gratification is his only personality.

‘Have you two talked yet?’ Madi asks.

I shake my head. ‘I’m sort of spooked, honestly. I don’t want to make another mistake.’

As I recount my conversation with Asher, the storm of insecurities that Brandon left in his wake stirs to life. Is it normal for guys to pretend like Aaron’s behavior is OK? Shouldn’t men hold each other accountable instead of looking the other way? These questions swirl through my mind like a hurricane getting ready to level up, causing me to second-guess everything I thought I knew about Asher and our relationship. If someone had said something to Brandon, would it have mattered?

‘Ash is probably different,’ she reassures me.

‘Probably doesn’t help me not worry.’

‘I know,’ she moans, taking a sip of her drink. ‘Aaron is a grown man and can make his own choices – Asher is not responsible for that. However, if someone is deliberately disrespecting or degrading a woman, it is the responsibility of all men to speak out against it – especially if they’re brothers.’ The words tumble out of her mouth in a rush, frustration and determination filling her voice.

‘That’s what I think,’ I say. ‘Honesty is one of the qualities I admire in Asher. I mean, he wouldn’t let me marry someone unfaithful. Why is he suddenly drawing a line with his brother?’

‘Did you tell him that?’

‘I did. And then I was interrupted by work, and since then, I can’t bring myself to talk to the guy because I’m terrified he’s been hiding the kind of man I’m trying to avoid. If that’s true, at this point, my heart will break forever, not just temporarily…’

‘Forever,’ Madi sets her drink down, the look of shock on her face. ‘No more man ban?’

I shake my head. ‘Or maybe a permanent man ban if this works out for the best. I think I’m in love with him.’

She gasps, holding a hand over her mouth. ‘Love?’

I nod.

‘Holy shit, I’ve intruded with my ridiculousness, haven’t I?’ she asks suddenly.

‘No,’ I reassure her. ‘Friends come before guys.’

‘I can’t believe you love him! Does he know?’

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