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“I was helping Thane with an injured dog that we picked up on the road last night,” I explained.
At the mention of an injured animal, Shellene wanted details, so I told her everything that happened.
“Awe. Thane’s a really great guy,” she commented.
“He’s very kind to animals, not so good with humans,” I corrected her.
“Why do you always put him down so much?” Shellene asked gently.
“Did you forget what he did to Evan and Lila?”
“Of course not. He’s got some issues, but he’s always the first person to offer help in every situation, most times without being asked. His kindness toward dogs shows he has a great heart,” Shellene pointed out.
“I know. I’m just having a harder time getting over what he’s done to my friends,” I told her.
“I get it, but forgiveness goes a long way, and I’ll bet it would show Thane that he doesn’t have to be a bad person to achieve happiness,” Shellene went on.
“Okay, wow. You need to go meditate or spend time with your pets. You’re getting awfully lovey-dovey on me, Shelly,” I told her, smiling warmly, so she knew I was kidding. She smiled back and went upstairs.
I decided to read on the front porch. After I got myself situated, I read the first paragraph. Over and over and over again. I’d read the paragraph then glance over at Thane’s driveway, waiting for Candiss’s car to drive out. I was relieved when Candiss left only about 20 minutes after I had gotten home.After our morning together, there’s no way he could’ve gotten it up that fast and finished in 20 minutes with her!I was restless, so I went for a swim, then showered and got ready for dinner. We were all going to go and try out Regan’s restaurant. I wondered if Thane would be joining us.
* * *
The restaurant was very elegant,and we were seated immediately; Regan saw to that. By the time that we received our food, Thane still hadn’t surfaced. “Did anyone invite Thane?” I asked.
“I did. He said he already had other plans,” Lila said. “He might still surface if his plans get canceled or cut short.”
I found myself wondering what his plans were.Stop torturing yourself!But I found out soon enough when Thane walked into the restaurant with Candiss. I couldn’t believe he had the nerve. He knew I’d be here. He knewLilawould be here.Asshole.He could have chosen any other restaurant in Miami. I almost walked out but didn’t want to cause a scene or let on that anything was going on because then I would get interrogated. So, I concentrated on my meal.
I heard delighted laughter and looked over at Thane and Candiss. He had his hand over hers, and they were leaning in as if they were talking about something secretive. I desperately wanted to be a fly on the wall.
“Is that Thane and Candiss?” Evan asked.
“It certainly is,” I answered.
“Dammit, why is he with her? I thought she moved back home. Miami isn’t big enough for the likes of her. That was one of my conditions for not turning them in to the police, that she return to Tampa,” he said, slamming his fist on the table.
“Calm down, Evan,” Lila said, rubbing his back.
“You should go talk to her now and break up their little tête-à-tête,” I said. I would be happy if he broke up theirhappyconversation.
“Why do you seem so angry?” Shellene asked me.
“I’m not. I just know what hell she brought into Evan and Lila’s lives, so, naturally, I despise her,” I explained.
“Yeah, you seem a little jealous or something,” Remi noticed.
“Jealous? Oh, no. That’s so far from the truth. They can have each other. I just don’t want to see them creaming over each other in a restaurant. It’s gross,” I said.
“I rest my case,” Remi said, raising her eyebrow.
“What? No, Remi, it’s not like that at all. I’m just tired and cranky. I still have jet lag.” I hoped this would take her focus off of me.
“Protest all you like. I know jealousy when I see it,” Remi continued.
“Would you stop? You’re wrong. Drop it, please,” I told her.
Remi held her hands up. “No problem, Darcy.”
