Page 119 of Lucky Night

What?

When you got here. I opened the door. What did you say?

Her expression changes. She looks guarded.

I greeted you, she says. I don’t remember, it was—

Hello, you said. Hello something. It surprised me at the time.

She doesn’t respond.

You know what I’m talking about, he says. I can tell.

It’s embarrassing, Nick! I don’t wantto—

Jenny goddammit, what did you say?

Too loud. She winces. God, he’s been a monster tonight. He was truly out of control there for a while. Now he doesn’t know what to think.

Except that he needs to know this one thing.

He takes her hands. Jenny. Please tell me. What did you say?

She sighs. Looks down.

I said, hello, happiness.

Hello, happiness, he says.

She pulls away and covers her face. It was so corny! You opened the door, and I was so glad to see you, I just blurted out the dumbest…what?

He has taken a step back. He’s gazing at her. Amazed by her.

You, he says. You.

She’s so lovely. Even after everything, he’s struck by it. She’s got such a beautiful, lively, living face.

Youuuuuu,he says. Shaking a finger at her. You.

What?

You love me, he says.

I don’t. I did—

And you stilldo.

Nick,no.

You do! You love the shit out of me, Jenny! Admit it. I’m your happiness.

Look, she says, taking his hands. I’m sorry about everything, okay? About not telling you, about springing it on you tonight, but I promise you, I got over it. I wish I had told you earlier. I’ve never felt so…

She keeps talking, and he watches her, letting her hold hishands, look at him and speak. Watching her mouth form words of earnest denial.

Love falters, he knows. Love dies.

But he’s her happiness.

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