Page 43 of Strawberry Cake

“For what? Stealing your best friend away?”

“For walking up to him that day in the coffee shop. And calling him.”

“Well, he’s a cutie pie. How could I have passed up that opportunity.”

“You and I both know that other people would’ve seen the wheelchair and looked the other way.”

“I like the premium parking.” Then she sobered. “I just hope that I can make him see how amazing he is.”

“You’ve made a good start.”

The two of them had slowly circled the car as they talked. When Hope returned to Decan, he shook Tay’s hand again before the man walked off. “Do you mind if we look at the other cars?”

“Not at all.”

“You two love birds should circle back around after you’re done so we can have lunch together.”

“We’d love to,” she agreed.

When the show started to dissolve, they met back up with Marco and after confirming that Laura was meeting them for lunch, they agreed on the Galleria Mall.

Hope kept a hand on Decan’s thigh as he drove, her thumb brushing the denim. “Why did Tay call you a trust fund baby?”

“Because I am.” He grinned over at her. “That’s how I bought my apartment. My family is well off and my parents’ only condition for me gaining access to my trust fund was to graduate college.”

“Oh. So I really didn’t have to feel bad for that dinner date, huh?”

“Not one little bit.”

Laura was already waiting for them in the parking lot, pulling Hope into a hug before doing the same to Decan. “You’re missing someone.”

“Probably having trouble fighting off all the ladies because he’s driving his sexy car today.”

“I heard that, dumbass,” Marco muttered, approaching from behind them. He held out his hand to Laura. “Hi, you must be Hope’s other half.”

“Basically.”

They parted ways to grab their different cravings at the food court, then met up at one of the tables in the middle. Though Laura seemed distracted, so Hope followed her gaze—right to her ex-girlfriend. Then Lisa started walking their way. Before she could reach the table Hope stood and stopped her in her tracks. “You should leave.”

“I was just going to say hi.”

“She doesn’t want to talk to you.”

“Maybe you should let her make that decision,” Lisa snarled, trying to duck around her.

Without taking her eyes off Lisa, Hope asked, “Laura, would you like to speak to Lisa?”

“No, thank you.”

“She’s made her decision. Now leave before I cause a scene.”

“You don’t need to be such a bitch about it.”

“I’d consider it if you hadn’t cheated on my best friend. Go. Now.”

“I didn’t cheat!” Lisa defended.

“Oh, really? Should I show our friends the screenshots and let them decide?” Defeated, Lisa left, and Hope returned to her seat, where Decan watched her with wide eyes. “Sorry.”

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