Page 69 of To Love or to Lose
“You’re being honest?” I ask seriously.
Luke rubs his lips and drops his hand. “I’m telling you as much as you need to know.”If that isn’t avoidance, I don’t know what is.
“Why are you so worried about hurting this girl’s feelings?” I ask, and I think my tone of finality makes him realize that this is the last time I’m asking. “I don’t mean to be harsh, but you don’t really seem like the type of guy who wants to ease the unrequited feelings of all the different girls who have crushes on you.”
If he doesn’t tell the truth right now, I’m not going to help him at all.
“It’s complicated,” he admits, running a hand through his hair yet again. “But I promise, it’s nothing bad.”
Sincerity, and a bit of desperation, are practically dripping from him, clarifying that he is telling the truth.
“Fine,” I agree. “Please, don’t make me regret this,” I say. My voice is just as empathetic as his.
“Thank you.” He smiles brightly before he makes his way back to his group of friends.
Winnie and I make our way toward the elevator yet again, and as soon as we enter, a hand stops the door from shutting.
“Ladies.” Logan smiles at us as he shrugs his duffel bag over his shoulder. Jameson is close behind him, hitting the button for the floor that they need.
“You just never leave us alone, do you?” I groan sarcastically, leaning my head back toward the ceiling.
“Winnie, how can you stand there and let her treat me this way?” Logan asks, putting a hand to his chest in faux pain, making her laugh.
It’s quiet for the next few moments, and then the elevator doors open. We all step out, and begin heading down the corridor together, only to realize Logan and Jameson’s room is right beside Winnie and mine.
This is going to be wonderful.
Once we've settled into our hotel room, closer to nine o’clock, Winnie gets a call from Logan asking her if she wants to meet him for a late dinner.
She’s already opening her suitcase, digging for an outfit by the time she hangs up the phone. “You don’t care if I go, do you?” She turns her head around to ask.
“No, go ahead.” She never has to feel the need to ask me for permission. “I’ll probably order room service or something.”
I’m sitting on the bed, staring out the window. Normally, she’d invite me along with her and Logan, but I’ve already told her I want to stay in tonight.
I’ll probably spend the time alone hanging my clothes, because I cannot allow them to sit in a suitcase for almost a week.
“As long as you’re okay with it,” she says, holding up two dresses when I nod. “Which one?”
“Oh,” I drawl. “So, this is afancydinner.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go?” she questions.
“No, I’ll let you enjoy dinner, just you and Logan.” I tease with a bright smile. Winnie doesn’t even notice.
She picks out a dress, lets me choose what shoes she should wear, and by then, Logan is knocking on our hotel door.
I usher Winnie out quickly, telling her a string of goodbyes. “Have fun, kids,” I tell them cheerfully as they walk down the hall toward the elevator.
I step back in the room, shut the door behind me, and turn around so my back can lean against it, readying myself for a peaceful night.
Chapter Nineteen
I take long strides toward the sliding door that leads to the balcony. It is freezing outside, and a chill runs up my spine at the idea of it being this cold on the ski slopes tomorrow.Even knowing I’m going to have to endure the cold, I’m still excited to go skiing.
For now, I focus on the view of the city.Snow is falling over the streets of the city, cascading across the multitude of different colored lights, coming from all different buildings and billboards.
It looks pretty, but the sound of the faraway city is enough to keep anyone who comes from a small and quiet town up all night.
