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NEVER REALLY OVER – Katy Perry
Ariana drovepast while John gave Boss his nightly workout. He attempted to head Boss off as he trotted toward the blue house with the ball in his mouth.
By the time John reached them, Ariana held her arms up, clutching a bouquet of flowers as she tried to move past Boss.
“Boss, she doesn’t want to play with you. Sorry.”
“No problem.” She scooted around them as he held Boss by the collar.
“Nice flowers.” A new guy in her life could be a good thing. Except she avoided making eye contact. Crap. “Ariana?”
She stopped, her head down as if studying the ground intently. She sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping even more. “They’re from J.R. He came by while I was at work.”
“Ariana,” he repeated, his voice dropping as he drew out each syllable.
“He said he was sorry for what happened and asked if I’d give him a second chance.”
John rolled his eyes.
“I know, it’s just . . .”
“What?”
“I agreed to meet him for dinner. Tonight.”
“You think that’s a good idea?” Because he could think of a dozen better ones off the top of his head. Tell him hell no. Show up with a date. Stand him up.
“I don’t know,” she confessed.
Fantastic. “Then don’t go.”
“But what if he’s sincere? Pink roses are my favorite flowers, and the note with them was really sweet. I know he’s made some mistakes, but it sounds like he’s trying to get his life together.”
“What if he’s just trying to get you to drop the charges?”
“I’ll be able to tell. I think.”
“You said you’re meeting him there?”
“I thought that would be better. Besides, I think he’s scared to come here.” She eyed John.
“There’s no reason for him to be scared of me unless he hurts you again.” His voice deepened. “Promise me just dinner. That you won’t go anywhere with him after.”
“But if things are going well . . .”
A grumble escaped, despite John’s attempt to be supportive.
“I’m thinking I’ll ask a friend to be at the restaurant.”
“I volunteer.”
“I didn’t meanyou.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“It’d be awkward if you’re there alone, staring at us,” Ariana explained in protest.
“A girlfriend won’t provide protection if J.R. tries something. I could get a friend to meet me for dinner.”
