Page 91 of Finding London

“Who knew bowling was so competitive?” I laugh, leaning my head onto Loïc’s shoulder as he sits next to me.

“Everything between Cooper and me is a competition. When we were stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, we went bowling all the time. There seemed to be nothing to do in that city, but for some reason, there were four bowling alleys really close to the base. So, Cooper and I spent a lot of our free time trying to beat each other at this game.” Loïc smiles.

“I’m glad we all got to do it. It’s fun. I haven’t bowled since I was a kid,” I say.

“Yeah, it’s cool having everyone out together.”

“It is,” I agree.

“You sure you don’t want to get together tomorrow or Friday? Sarah will love it. I promise,” he says.

“No, really, that’s okay. You two haven’t seen each other in years. You should spend her last two evenings catching up. It’s fine. I’ll see you Saturday after she flies out.”

“Are you sure?” Loïc doesn’t sound convinced.

“Totally.” I pat his leg. “Enjoy your time with Sarah, but when she leaves, you’re all mine. Got it?”

He laughs. “All right. I can handle that.”

I have Loïc all to myself today.Finally.I’ve been patient for a week now.

That’s a lie.

I let Loïc believe I was being patient when, in reality, I’d been complaining my ass off to Paige for seven days straight. She’d had to endure my bitching and moaning from sun up to sun down.

That’s also a lie.

I wouldn’t get out of bed until at least noon—most days, two in the afternoon—so the complaining was endured from lunchtime on, at best. But, regardless, I’m a nightmare when I’m in a foul mood, and Paige is the best for putting up with my shit.

The crazy thing is, I can’t complain to Loïc.What kind of insensitive bitch would I be?

Hey, you, boyfriend. I know that one of the only people you’ve ever loved, who you thought was dead, just showed up, undead, and you’re over the moon with joy as your heart unshatters from the million pieces in which it had previously shattered. But do you think you could pay me more attention?

See? It wouldn’t work.

In truth, I truly am so happy for Loïc. He has had such a hard life, and he received such a gift last week. He deserves it. He’s such a great man. He is worthy of happiness. I can’t even imagine how he must be feeling, having Sarah back. The entire ordeal is hard for me to wrap my mind around, and she’s not even my long-lost best friend/sister.

So, while my head tells me to stop being selfish and to think about someone else’s happiness for once, my heart is beating with more urgency this week…in warning. Of what though?

Loïc’s told me many times that he’s always loved Sarah like family, like a sister. There has never been anything romantic between them. But I have a hard time sitting back while my love spends quality one-on-one time with a gorgeous woman he loves and cherishes, regardless of the way in which he claims to love her.

Rationally, I know I have to give him this. I have to trust him. But I’ve never loved anyone the way I love him. My fragile heart is so fearful of the things that could happen. Because, let’s face it, stuff can happen. I have friends who have had betrayals happen with boyfriends who had a lot less invested in their mistresses than Loïc has invested in Sarah.

Bowling on Wednesday went well. Loïc was completely sweet and attentive toward me. He treated Sarah with the same type of admiration he showed to Maggie and Cooper. Nothing seemed amiss, but the underlying feeling of dread remained.

Loïc did invite me over to hang out with him and Sarah several times this week. I knew he was just doing it to be nice, so I always declined. The mature girlfriend in me gave him time to get reacquainted with his dear friend. I know he needed it, and I hope that his heart was able to mend itself some this week.

Yet I miss him so much it hurts. I just need him to get here, so I can reassure myself that everything is right between us.

The rumbling hum of Loïc’s truck’s engine sounds through my bedroom walls.

He’s here!

I don’t even wait for him to make it to the front door before I throw it open and leap into his arms. He catches me, and I wrap my legs around his waist. His strong chest vibrates from laughter as I cling to him like a spider monkey.

“Miss me?” He chuckles.

His full lips plant soft kisses on my neck as I hold him tight, burying my face against his shoulder.

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