Page 79 of Love and Other Chances

Dad hugs me and takes my bag after Brooks leaves. “Everything go okay today?”

I follow him to the kitchen because I need a long drink of water after that intense kiss in the car. Following an already-intense day.

“Yeah, as good as it could go, I guess. It was nice to see Brooks’ dad and brother and be there with them,” I reply, hoping he won’t press for more details. Thankfully, he doesn’t.

I chug a glass of water.

“So, would Brooks like to join us for lunch or dinner tomorrow?” Dad asks.

Shoot.

“Oh, um, about that,” I stammer. I feel my cheeks heating. “We sorta booked flights to D.C. first thing in the morning.”

“You what?”

“We decided to fly out and visit Lana and Mateo since it’s a long weekend. Kinda spur-of-the-moment. You know me!” The words rush out of my mouth as I take in my dad’s disappointed face.

“I do know,” Dad mumbles. “I was looking forward to spending a little time with you this weekend.”

I didn’t even think about how our last-minute adventure would affect my dad.Gah, Teegan!“I’m sorry! I promise I’ll come back to visit again soon. Brooks needs something fun to distract him this weekend. I think he’d rather not be here in KC the whole time, around all the reminders,” I rapidly explain.

Dad raises his eyebrows. “Only Brooks?”

I drum my fingers on the empty water glass I’m still clutching. I shrug.

“It’s okay.” My dad sighs. “I know you haven’t seen Lana in a long time. I’m glad you’ll get the chance. I just . . . I would really like to have some time together. Soon.”

“I promise,” I vow, exaggeratedly nodding my head. “Brooks is picking me up super early though, so I should head to bed for tonight.”

“All right. Let me know if you need anything,” Dad says. He gives me another hug goodnight. I don’t miss the droop of his shoulders as he retreats to his room.

It’s okay, Teegan. You can come back in a few weeks. But for now, let’s focus on Lana!

And Brooks.

Let’s be real—a good chunk of my focus has permanently shifted to Brooks.

“BEEF!” Lana’s voice squeals, alerting me to her incoming embrace.

“LaLa!” I squeal back, essentially jumping into her arms.

Any and all onlookers are probably avoiding the crazy women jumping, hugging, and screaming on the sidewalk.

“I’msoglad you decided to come visit!” Lana exclaims in my ear, still squeezing me in a tight hug. “This is the best spontaneous surprise ever.”

I catch sight of Mateo over Lana’s shoulder, dimple popping on his right cheek as he grins at our outlandish display of affection. Letting go of Lana, I give Mateo a side hug as I motion Brooks over.

“Brooks, you got to meet Lana at my birthday, but this is her husband, Mateo,” I introduce. “Mateo, meet my boyfriend, Brooks.”

They shake hands and exchange greetings. “Thanks so much for bringing Teegan to D.C.,” Mateo says. “I probably won’t have to buy any gifts for Lana for the rest of the year. This will be enough to keep her happy.”

Lana rolls her eyes. “Like that would stop you from getting me anything.”

“Fair point,” Mateo says, winking at Lana.

Just like old times. It’s good to see the spark doesn’t die.

Brooks is quick to take my small suitcase from me, so I’m free to loop my arm through Lana’s as we walk toward the parking garage. “So, what’s the plan?”

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