Page 10 of Before I Lost You

“But it’s so much fun.” He pouts.

“I’m Jasmine.” She offers a smile. “His best friend.”

I smile back, relief hitting me like a truck. “Nice to meet you, Jasmine.”

Her smile widens. “You too.”

“Well, this has been fun,” Kenneth says, slapping his hands on the table and getting up from his chair. “I’m gonna close the tab.”

“Wait—” I grab his wrist when he goes to pass me, and I let go as if he’s burned me. He looks down at his hand, where I gripped him, and back up at me. “Are you gonna get in contact with me?”

“Maybe.” Kenneth shrugs, looking at me with a smile. “Maybe not.”

I nod, though my belly feels funny. Like maybe I’ll throw up. “I understand,” I reply, smiling tightly. “Have a good night.” I take a step away from him to let him pass me.

Kenneth’s mouth opens and closes, and then he says, “Listen, I don’t really date. I think you’re hot, but it seems you want something more than a hot lay, and I don’t think I’m the right fit for that.” I nod again, and it seems that’s all I can do. He, on the other hand, looks a bit awkward for the first time, so that kind of makes me feel somewhat better. “I’m sorry if I was mean. I wasn’t trying to be. I hope you find what you’re looking for, though.”

And then he turns around and walks away, leaving me here staring after him.

Fuck.

That went much worse than I thought it would.

I shake my head, and when I turn around, Jasmine is chuckling. Personally, I didn’t find this encounter amusing.

“There’s no hope for me, is there?” I ask her, squaring my shoulders, though there’s a grimace on my face.

“I wouldn’t say that.” Her grin is back, and she leans forward conspiratorially. “You could do one more thing to convince him.”

I hold my breath, waiting for her response, but when she doesn’t give it, I ask, “What is it?”

“There’s a pop-up show tomorrow night. You should come.” Jasmine pulls her phone out of her purse, handing it to me. “Give me your number, and I’ll text you the address.”

“Fuck, yes.” Emerson grins.

“Uh.” I shake my head. “No. I’m not gonna go, but thank you for offering. He’s clearly not interested, and I need to accept that.”

Emerson groans. “Why, Con? Give it one more shot. Come on!”

“My decision is final,” I say firmly. “He has my number if he changes his mind.”

Jasmine nods slowly, looking apologetic and sympathetic at the same time. “Okay, well, you guys have a good night, then.”

“You too,” I tell her, and Emerson does too.

I turn around, and as I do, Kenneth and I make eye contact once more. He smiles at me, and I smile back softly. My heart is pounding like crazy when he passes me, but he makes sure not to brush against me or come close to me at all. It makes my chest squeeze.

Why do I have to want him so badly?

“Em,” I sigh, walking back to our table. He follows. “I’m pretty sure I just made a fool of myself.”

“Why would you say no to Jasmine?” he asks.

“Because he was clearly not interested!” I whisper-yell. “I can’t force someone to go out with me. I just need to accept it and move on.”I hope I can.

“I still think you have a shot.” He claps me on the back once, and we sit down at our table. “Don’t give up yet. He’s the man of your dreams. It’s fate—”

“Maybe fate isn’t real.”