“He was cocky, arrogant, spoiled, and unfaithful, remember?” Her opinion of me would forever remain in my memory. I didn’t have the right to feel hurt over it. I’d more than earned it.

“Yes, but he also followed his conscience and loved with his heart on his sleeve. He would have given his life for me rather than threaten to take mine in more ways than one. He left because deep down he couldn’t let me go any other way, so he did what he could to set me free.”

She trailed her finger to a specific spot on my chest just below my heart. Caged in between the broken vines were the words—A broken love can still last forever so long as you carry the pieces close to your heart.

“I forgave him years ago, and I carried the pieces too, waiting for him to come back, but he never did. I had to learn to live without him.”

She looked up at me with so much hope and love that I had no choice but to let her go and leave the bed. In truth, I was at a loss for words. I quickly gathered my clothes to dress and headed for the bathroom. The door closed, but not in time for me to miss the sound of her cry.

* * * * *

When we arrived, the restaurant was alive with locals and tourists. The bar was already crowded and every table seemed to be filled. I quickly spotted our party seated at a table in the back and led Sheldon by the hand, much to her chagrin.

“Nice of you to join us,” Dash greeted sarcastically.

“You really need to find a girl so you can stop acting like such a cock block,” Keiran remarked.

“Keiran!” Shelly scolded as she took her seat on Kennedy’s right. I took the seat on Kennedy’s left and reached for the waiting glass of water.

“I’m not cock-blocking. I’m hungry.”

“Uncle Keke, what’s that?”

“Shit.”

“Oooh, mama. Uncle said a bad word.”

“Congratulations, douchebag. You have officially corrupted our niece.”

“What’s a doo?”

“You’re both dumbasses.” Q laughed.

“Dumb ass!” Kennedy repeated and then laughed outrageously.

“For fuck sake, everyone stop talking before you all corrupt my daughter.” Everyone at the table grew quiet at my outburst including Kennedy. Sheldon’s gasp was audible, but I had eyes only for Kennedy and her for me though hers were rounded with wonder. I wondered if she could understand what had just happened. I chewed on my bottom lip wondering what I should do next.

“What’s fuck?”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Kennedy, that is a bad word that little girls should not say and neither should grown-ups when in the presence of a sweet little girl like you. I am so sorry.”

She nodded and turned her attention back to eating her chicken tenders as if nothing had happened. When she dipped a chicken tender, I noticed she had ketchup and honey mustard mixed together just as I do.

“We ordered for her so she wouldn’t have to wait for you to finish bumping uglies like the rest of us,” Dash griped once again.

“You are suffering from serious blue balls, my man.”

We ordered and conversation flowed easily for the rest of dinner. I learned a lot of what had taken place in my absence.

Sheldon was scheduled to graduate with a pre-medical degree next Saturday. She wanted to study to be a pediatrician. This was news to me given that she’d always wanted to be a fashion model. I had a feeling that Kennedy had something to do with that.

Keiran was studying for a degree in computer science. That gave me the longest pause. He had received an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Arizona so I knew obtaining a degree was a part of that deal, but I hadn’t expected him to choose something that didn’t involve sports.

Lake was studying for a degree in education. Her plan was to become an elementary school teacher specializing in learning disabilities.

Dash studied business while playing ball at Arizona much to the displeasure of his father who preferred his heir and only son to attend an ivy league or more specifically his alma mater. He was already beginning to take over business operations from his father.

Quentin had joined the army straight out of high school when he claimed college life wasn’t for him and a little structure and violence never hurt anyone. Jesse surprisingly hadn’t although he was raised in a military family. Everyone expected him to simply follow in his father’s footsteps but instead chose to work with them instead.

It seemed that everyone had taken great steps and moved forward while I still felt as if I were standing still.

“So where’s Willow? Was anyone ever going to bring her up?”

“On that note, I think I have to use the gentlemen’s room,” Jesse coughed.

“Willow is, um… well, she…”

“She went to Nebraska and we haven’t seen or heard from her since.”

I made a point to glance over at Dash, who sat glowering at the tabletop. “So she is literally the one that got away, huh? I guess charm and money doesn’t work on everyone.”

“What’s your problem?” Dash said finally looking up.

“You are. You’re stupid.”

“And that makes you?”

“Cocky, arrogant, spoiled, and unfaithful. Did I get it right, Shelly?”

“Yes, but I believe I forgot one. You’re also a coward.” She pushed away from the table and stood up from her chair. “Lake, can you look after Kennedy?” She didn’t wait for an answer before walking away. I tracked her movements until she disappeared inside the ladies room.

“If you want her back, you’re going about it the wrong way,” Keiran stated.

“Are you supposed to be an expert?”

Instead of answering he turned to Lake. “Baby, do you love me?”

“Yes. Do you love me?”

“Forever,” he whispered softly. His hard gaze shot to me. “See? It’s that simple.”

“Is it?”

“It is. You just have to be smart enough to realize it before it’s too late.”

“How about we take Kennedy with us and put her to bed so you and Sheldon can have some alone time?” Lake offered.

I wasn’t going to argue with that possibility.

“Kennedy?”

“Yes, Keenan?” I had to swallow the urge to tell her that I was her father for the umpteenth time before speaking.

“Your aunt and uncles are going to take you back so you can get some sleep. Your mother and I will be right behind you to tuck you in.”

“Come on, you little juvenile delinquent. Let’s see how much trouble we can get in before bedtime.” Keiran scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder much to her delight. Her squeals of excitement echoed through the restaurant as he led the rest of them out.

It took me another moment to realize that they’d all left me to pay the bill. As I was fishing out my credit card, Sheldon emerged from the restroom. Even from here, I could see how red and puffy her eyes were.

“Shelly?”

My ears began ringing from the sound of some prick calling my girl by the nickname I gave her when we were in love. Sheldon had been on her way back from the restroom, with me clocking her every step when this blond, frat-looking guy approached her. When his fingers slid around her waist and pulled her close for a kiss, I was out of my seat and closing in fast. Her back was to me so she didn’t see me approach them.

“Eric? How—what are you doing here?”

“I’m having lunch with my parents. I told you I’m from this area. Are you okay? I’ve been calling and looking for you everywhere.”

“I’m fine. I’ve just been going through a really tough time with the stress of finals and medical school admissions.”

“You’re still coming to the graduation, right?”

“I’m not sure, and I’ll tell you all about it later, but I have to get back.”

“There’s no need to rush off, Shelly. Everyone left. So who’s your friend?”

Her complexion noticeably paled at the sound of my voice invading their intimate moment. I schooled my face into a complacent expression, but judging by the way she was shaking, she already knew it was an act.