Page 66 of The Dating Pact

She blinked. “I did.”

“And who figured out how to potty train two boysat the same time?”

“Well, me, but it was a horrible experience that I’d like us to never mention again.”

I laughed, completely understanding. Some of the kids at school were still working on their bathroom skills; it was a slow and messy process. Literally.

Joy twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “I get what you’re doing. I’m amazing and clever, and on some level, I know it’s all true. But I still don’t feel like I’ll ever meet someone. I’m trying to be a strong role model for my boys and not depend on anyone, but sometimes it gets lonely.”

I could relate. Why else would I own so many pillows? Surrounding myself with soft, huggable things made the nights seem a little less lonely and dark.

“Someone’s going to fall in love with you and the boys. I don’t doubt that for a second. And that person will make you laugh and help you clean up life’s messes, so you aren’t always doing it on your own.”

Joy let out a long sigh. “Well, it would be nice to have someone unclog the toilet or fix the garage door when it jams. I’m sure Aiden would appreciate it.”

“Actually, he doesn’t often complain about it.” I glanced at my phone.

4:55.

The knots in my stomach tightened. This was it. No more stalling. “It’s time.”

Joy grabbed my hands. “Good luck. I’ll be peeking out the shop window to check on you. And when you’re done, we’ll paint this mural and get takeout. My treat.”

At least that was something to look forward to.

I left the store and crossed the street. Lukas was already sitting at a table outside Stellaluna’s, a pair of sunglasses on, presumably to conceal his face, and a baseball hat pulled low over his forehead. Out of habit, I slowed my pace and scanned the surroundings to see if there were any paparazzi nearby. It had been a year since I’d last stepped foot in his world, but I still remembered the lessons as if I’d learned them yesterday.

Head up.

Hips back.

Walk with purpose.

No,I mentally admonished myself. That wasn’t my life anymore. There was no need for me to be “on” all the time.

“Hello, Lukas,” I said as I approached him.

He got to his feet when he saw me. “Hello, Everly.” He reached out as if to hug me, but I jerked away.

Lukas’s smile wobbled, but he lowered his arms and motioned to the table. “If it’s alright with you, I ordered you a chai tea made with oat milk. I remember it was your favorite. But if you don’t like those anymore, I can order you something else.”

“That’s very thoughtful. Thank you.” I sat and pulled the cup closer.

He relaxed back in his seat and tapped the wrought iron table with his long, tapered fingers.

“So, how are you?” I asked at the same time as he blurted out, “I wanted to—”

We stared at each other and laughed nervously.

“You first.” I sipped my tea.

Lukas stopped tapping and leaned forward in his seat. “Thank you for agreeing to meet. I reached out to apologize for how our relationship ended. Guess I really messed everything up, didn’t I?”

“Neither of us was perfect,” I said, trying to be generous.

He barked out a laugh. “You don’t have to be polite with me. I was a jerk, and we both know it. I never should have kissed Seline that day. It was our engagement party.”

Thatday? My mouth drew up in a frown. “Is that why you’re apologizing? Because I caught you making out with your publicist on a day that should have been special for us? When would have been a better time to make out with another woman? Perhaps another day when I wasn’t there?”

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