Page 119 of Love Thy Neighbor

Ineedher to talk to me. To hear me out.

Need her to know I love her and I don’t want to go another minute without her.

I watch as she consoles Maya about something, then greets Shayla with a smile that lights up the fucking room even though I know she’s hurting as badly as I am.

Then, she turns.

And our eyes lock.

I stop breathing.

I’m sorry,I say with my eyes.I’m an idiot.

I know, hers say back.

Then she flips the blonde locks I love to feel between my fingers over her shoulder and shuts me out again.

I let out a staggered breath, nearly choking on the air.

“You good?” Paul asks.

“Not even fucking close, man.”

He follows my gaze. “Ah. Was wondering where she was tonight. You guys okay?”

I shrug. “I’m really not sure anymore.”

“Damn. You fuck it up that fast?”

I glare at him and he laughs, not scared at all.

“Caroline’s not the type of girl you let get away. She’ll haunt your ass for the rest of your days. You’ll turn into an old miserable fuck yelling at all the kids to get off your lawn.”

Don’t I fucking know it.

“All right!” The MC cuts through Paul’s words. “Let’s hear it for Henry, who never fails to woo us all with his rendition of Lady Gaga’s ‘Marry the Night.’”

The crowd cheers and whistles, clapping for Henry, a regular here at Lorde’s who always sings at least one Lady Gaga song.

“We’re going to take a short karaoke break, but we’ll be back soon with Joy, who promises to make us all swoon with their version of a popular love song.”

The MC switches off the mic and sets it on the empty stool, the house music blaring back to life.

“Anyway,” Paul continues, “whatever you did, you better apologize and make it grand.”

Make her listen.

Dean’s words echo in my mind.

I need to make her listen.

I need to make it grand.

I spring from my stool and push through the dancing crowd.

My feet don’t stop until I’m standing on the stage, microphone in hand, looking out at the wild sea of people.

The MC rushes me.

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