Page 82 of The Two Last Moments

The news about my uncle’s DUI, his being in Southern California without saying a word to us… It reminded me of the time when I was ten that Uncle Travis promised to take me to Knott’s Berry Farm. I waited all day excited about rollercoasters and ice cream, and he never showed. Later I found out he’d argued with my father that day. My dad thought Travis was a bad influence and forbade Travis from spending time with me. I was so pissed at my father. But did Uncle Travis try to let me know? He didn’t. He let me down.

When I was a teenager and Travis took off for good, I used to wish he’d come back. But as I got older, I accepted the fact that my uncle wasn’t going to return. You can’t make people love you, and it’s far better to move on than to be the idiot who sticks around longing for something that will never be. I can’t ever forget that lesson.

I’m finished with Travis, and as far as I’m concerned, Nina is too.

Aiden and I both look over at Lark, who’s talking with our other roommates. “Why shouldn’t I be happy?” I ask. “I got the girl, and I’m taking her out tonight.”

“Something tells me you had that girl from minute one. You’d be stupid not to see that she’s crazy about you.”

Slices of skirt steak are waiting on a cutting board for tacos. I grab a piece and pop it into Aiden’s mouth. He smirks at me as he chews. “You know, you’re a good guy deep down, Aiden.”

“Take that back.”

“Nope, it’s true. Someday, you’ll find the right person who turns you into a softie and you’ll be smiling like an idiot, too.”

He shakes his head. “I’m immune.”

Just you wait, I think, and clap him again affectionately on the back.

Not long after, Lark and I head home. I park in the driveway, tapping my hands on the steering wheel. “Go in and pack an overnight bag. And wear a pretty dress.”

She arches an eyebrow. “Oh, really? You have big plans?”

“I do.” I lean over and kiss her nose. “We’re leaving in an hour, just as soon as I get Nina settled. I’m taking you on a date.”

I’m going to give Lark all the happiness she deserves. Even if I have to remake the world, slay every dragon, even rewrite history to make it happen. I feel it with a desperate determination that goes all the way to the marrow of my bones.

I won’t let the past hurt us. I refuse.

* * *

We pullup to a valet stand. “A hotel?” Lark cranes her neck as she stares up at the white building. “This is our date?”

“I thought we could use a night away. They have this courtyard full of exotic flowers. And botanical themes to all the rooms. I’ve never stayed here, but I read about it online. If you’re not feeling it, though…”

She turns to me, eyes wide with wonder. “You picked this for me?”

“Of course I did.” I slide my fingers into her hair, my hand resting at the back of her neck. “Just for you.”

“Danny, I…loveit.”

“Wait until you actually see it.”

The valet takes my keys while a bellhop gets our bags from the trunk, and we head inside to check in. “This is too expensive,” she whispers to me.

“Don’t worry about it. I wanted to do this for you.”

I’ve booked us an ocean-view suite. This place is on one of the fanciest stretches of Ocean Lane, and it’s not my usual scene. But I have a little nest egg saved up from my military days, and if I can’t dip into it for an occasion like this, then what’s it for?

When I told Nina the idea, she was one hundred percent on board. Ryan’s going to come in this afternoon, and between him, Starla and Jess, Nina is covered.

This night is just ours. I want to spoil my girl.

The bellhop takes our bags to the room, and Lark and I head straight for the courtyard. It’s gorgeous, an open space several floors high, with huge trees growing in the center and long, flowering vines trailing over trellises and railings. Lark and I hold hands as we make a slow circuit, and she examines every unique bloom. But I can’t take my gaze off of her. She’s wearing a simple, knee-length black dress in a silky fabric, and her hair is pinned halfway up, the rest trailing down her exposed back.

She fits right in here. Her green eyes are as bright as the lush foliage surrounding us, and her smile might as well be the sun. This woman is turning me into a romantic. I’ll probably start writing poems next, and Matteo will have to suffer through hearing my various drafts, because he’s the most romantic asshole that I know.

Maybe I’ll torture Aiden with them a little, too.

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