Page 110 of Chasing Lyric
The burn in my chest isn’t just disappointment, it’s gut-wrenching devastation. It’s the kind of hollow that settles in deep and doesn’t go away easy. I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched, and worse, I let myself hope this time would be different.
Dax mutters something beside me, but I can’t make out a word. All I can think about is the look on her face, and the weight of everything I still haven’t managed to say.
I failed.
Again.
I clench my jaw, turning to Dax in a semi-panic. “This isn’t working!”
He yanks me out of the booth, making us stand up straight. “Patience, young Padawan. It’s only note two. But c’mon, we gotta keep moving.”
I groan. Now he’s quotingStar Warsas he drags me toward the door.
“Can I get your number?”Carlee calls out.
Dax shrugs. “Duty calls, gorgeous. Another time,” he replies while yanking me out of the store and back to his car. We jump in, in a hurry. Lyric has already left, so she’s ahead of us.We need to hightail it because we have to arrive at our next destination before her.
Dax starts the engine before I even buckle my belt, and I’m thrown back into my seat as he takes off. How we haven’t been pulled over for speeding or dangerous driving is beyond me. But just like Dax always says, he could probably talk his way out of it, even if it was a male cop.
Yeah, he’s full of shit!
Within a couple of minutes, Dax slams on the brakes at Love and Lavender.We park the car out of sight before we make our way to the front of the store. I pull out note number three, the weight of it is heavier than the others. The first two? They were soft touches, testing the waters, seeing if she’d let me close. But this one, this one’s straight from the heart. No more circling the truth. I’m done pretending I can play this safe.
As we pull up, I scan the street out of habit, eyes flicking toward her store like it’s sacred ground. I glance around to make sure Rory’s not inside, or Lyric’s not approaching, but the coast is clear.
My fingers hover at the edge of the note. I know what’s written, but I still need to see it again, like maybe it will hit differently when I read it now, knowing everything I’ve already screwed up.
I miss you.
I miss our Netflix nights curled up on the sofa.
I miss Polly trying to steal my popcorn.
Hell, I even miss him cussing me out the second I walk through the door.
I miss you both so much it hurts, Lyri.
But more than that, I love you. xo
My throat tightens as I read it.
This isn’t just a note. It’s a confession.
A last shot at something I shouldneverhave taken for granted.
I fold it, my thumb pressing over the crease like it might somehow soften the blow. Then I slip it into place under the‘Closed’sign, step back from the door, and walk away before I change my mind.
I take a deep breath as Dax slaps my back, and we walk to the car to wait. It’s like we are just another car parked on the city street, thoroughly blending in, but we have a clear view of her front door.
My leg bounces up and down in anticipation of her arrival and to see if this note, too, will fall by the wayside. I don’t know if I can continue to handle these rejections. This letter means more than the others did. I put more depth and thought into it. I told her I miss them both. I hope it triggers something inside of her.
Her car pulls into the lot, and I shift in my seat, instinctively dropping low even though the tint on Dax’s windows should keep us hidden. He doesn’t move, doesn’t even blink, just tracks her like a sniper on a target. Cool, confident. Like we didn’t just spend a week working on these notes as if they’re blueprints to a better life.
Me?I’m less sure. My gut’s tight and twisting.
Lyric climbs out of the car, her coffee clutched in one hand, muffin dangling from her teeth like she’s already juggling too much. She’s casual until she isn’t. Her steps slow when she nears the front door. No looking around this time. No scanning the parking lot. Just a straight-line approach like she’s already wound up and ready to detonate.
Fuck.
