Page 21 of Love Letters From Memphis

The View for lunch.

He didn’t reply, and Lei wasn’t surprised. When Cade got the information he needed, he was done. Deciding to send her last message now instead of putting it off, she pulled up Londen’s profile and looked it over again briefly.

Londen,

At this point,I’ve hit the limit on my social meter. I’m not even sure why I’m doing this anymore. I don’t know what to say. Maybe I should send you this message another day.

With a groan,Lei deleted the message and started over.

Londen,

Hi.

Quickly pushing send,Lei stood and scurried upstairs to grab her shoes and purse. At that point, she didn’t care if one or all men responded. There wasn’t a chance she’d truly connect with any of these men. If she did, they’d have to truly work for it.

??????

When Lei pulled into the parking lot of The View and saw Cade getting out of a black town car, she smiled. He headed over to her car, holding a bouquet of white roses. As tattered as her heart was because of Steven, her brother and father had been doing all they could over the years to restore her faith in men. That was easier said than done, though. Lei was convinced they weren’t making men like them anymore.

“Cade!” Lei squealed, accepting the flowers. “These are beautiful, brother. Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, Princess,” he replied, accepting the hug she offered.

“Did you take the day off?”

“Yeah. I was going to take you and Ma to lunch, but I decided to just stop and see you for a sec’ since you already had plans.”

At the sound of a door closing, both sets of eyes looked in that direction. Lei grinned as Infinity approached them.

“Apologies, love.”

“For what reason exactly?” Infinity asked, closing the space between them.

“If I would have known you’d be with my sister, I would have gotten you some flowers too.”

Infinity’s head lowered bashfully for just a second before she almost cooed, “That isn’t necessary, Cade, but thank you.”

He licked his lips and eyed her frame before returning his attention to his sister. “I’ll let you get to your friend. Have a good day, ladies.”

“You too,” they agreed simultaneously before heading across the parking lot.

The View was one of Lei’s favorite restaurants. It was located right on the beach. Its entrance was by the parking lot, and the back of the restaurant had the perfect ocean views. Lei loved that she could sit as close to the beach as she wanted without getting sand on her feet. It was the place she often came to after a long day of work. With the restaurant being divided into two levels, she often opted to sit upstairs, where there was a full bar, several fire pits, and the ocean view.

Once the hostess showed them to their table and they made themselves comfortable, Infinity asked, “Why are you looking like you worked a three-day shift in two hours?”

Lei chuckled. “Girl, because that’s how I feel. Sending messages to those men stressed me the hell out. I can’t remember the last time I approached a man for conversation first, if ever.”

“Are you regretting your decision to do the bet?”

“A little. Not because I changed my mind about men deserving love and companionship… I just don’t think it will actually come from me.”

Infinity’s expression softened and shoulders slouched. “Why not, Lei?”

Their waitress arriving kept Lei from answering right away. They both ordered Mai Tais before Lei responded.

“I guess I’m just not as open as I thought I would be.”

“Is this because of your ex-fiancé?”

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