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It took only a second for Taven to whisk her back to the dance floor, and Lucas was once again alone. By the looks of it, Taven wasn’t exactly uncomfortable with the new arrangement either. That figured.
Now was the perfect opportunity for Lucas to slip away unnoticed. He wouldn’t get any flak from his date or his friend, and he could avoid all the locals who were likely secretly judging him for showing up with someone other than Ella.
Lucas moved toward a nearby garbage can, tossing his cup before heading outside. When he stepped into the dark evening, he was immediately hit with cooler air. The space opened up around him, making him feel like he could breathe again.
Over the last several years, Lucas had been decently happy. Perfection was overrated anyway. There was just one thing that bothered him. When he thought back to what his life was like before he’d really gotten to know Ella, he realized just how empty everything had felt.
After losing her, he couldn’t deny that everything was worse. He felt cold and hollow. Lucas paused in the middle of the path that led toward the parking area. The sound of the music faded at his back, as did the light. While he stood there in the darkness, he felt more alone than he had in ages.
Footsteps shuffled from the building, probably someone who had gotten tired of the party just like he had. Lucas had expected to see whoever it was walk past him and toward the parking lot. But the footsteps stopped right behind him.
Slowly, Lucas turned and came face to face with Candy. Her arms were folded, and she had one hip popped to the side. “I have a feeling that you didn’t want to go on this date tonight.” She didn’t sound upset. In fact, her voice dripped with the same curiosity as before.
Lucas couldn’t move even if he wanted to. All he could muster was the strength to look back to the building where her date was likely waiting for her. The second he met her gaze again, she let out a soft laugh.
“It’s that woman, isn’t it?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lucas replied. “I mean, no, I wasn’t exactly planning on going out tonight, but—”
“You don’t have to lie to me,” she said softly. “I get it. You’re hung up on that girl, and it’s okay. But if you ask me, I think you need to do something about it before it’s too late.”
Lucas gaped at her. She didn’t know anything about his relationship with Ella, and yet she was offering relationship advice. He couldn’t believe she’d have the guts to do something like that. They were strangers, for heaven’s sake.
Candy laughed again. “I’ve been in your position before. I’ve let someone I cared about walk away from me when I knew he was the only person I wanted to be with.”
“And what happened?”
A sadness filled her eyes even though she offered him a smile. “He’s married now. Has a beautiful little girl.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. Sometimes things don’t work out. It’s the way the world works, you know? I have my whole life ahead of me. I’ve learned a valuable lesson, and I’m better for it. At this point in my life, I’m just focused on enjoying my single status until Mr. Right comes along. But let’s face it, soul mates aren’t exactly everywhere we turn. If you think she’s the one for you, don’t let her slip through your fingers. Fight for her no matter what it takes.”
If only it were that easy. Lucas still struggled with the idea of abandoning his friend. If anyone needed a good influence in his life, it was Taven.
And yet, the idea of winning Ella back called to him.
If his current misery was any indication of the decision he needed to make, then he already knew what he was going to do next. Lucas had to get Ella to forgive him. More than that, he needed to find a way to convince her that she was the only woman for him.
“See? There it is. You’ve finally figured it out, haven’t you?” Candy reached out and briefly touched his forearm. “For what it’s worth, I’m a little disappointed I couldn’t win you over myself. If I’ve learned one thing about enjoying my single years, it’s realizing when I’m with a good one.”
“Yeah,” Lucas mumbled. “I can say I know that feeling too.”
The way Candy smiled, he figured she thought he was referring to her. But there was only one face that came to mind when he thought about the kind of person he wanted to be with.
And that was Ella Thompson.
Now, he just needed to figure out a way to get her back.
26
Ella
Ella had just pulled into her driveway when her phone buzzed in the passenger seat. She reached for it, already knowing she wasn’t going to like whatever was in the message she’d just received.
The only people who would be sending her any correspondence now would be at the party. And anyone who would rather talk to her instead of spending the night enjoying themselves would only need her if there was a problem.
She groaned when she saw her father’s name on the notification banner of her phone. He’d known she wanted to leave early, but he’d been against it. He’d wanted to show her off to his friends. While she had absolutely refused to get on stage, she hadn’t told him she wouldn’t talk to his friends.
