Shane (Damage Control 4)

Dakota gives him the finger, but she’s laughing.

“So it’s a good thing she chose Zane. I fully approve.” Rafe grins wide. “Zane, you lucky motherfucker. You found your other half. Not everyone is as lucky.”

A lump is forming in my throat, and I will it away. They all look happy, and in love, and the boy I love doesn’t want me.

My phone is buzzing in my pocket and I glance at the display, hoping against all hope it’s Shane, though I’m not even sure he has my number.

It’s my mom. Sighing, I put the phone back into my purse.

God, I need to leave this happy reunion and go home, grab my trusted bottle of tequila from under the sink and forget about this evening. About this month and how happy I’ve been, thinking me and Shane were a possibility.

“I won’t say much more. I’m not good at this speech making thing, or at figuring life out. I’ve found my own half, and I’m not letting her go ever again.” He squeezes his girl closer and she giggles. “Just one last thing: patience is the essence of relationships. Forbearance. Perseverance. Tenacity. Courageousness. Bravery. And yeah, okay, I looked all these words up. I admit it.” He quirks a crooked smile, showing off deep dimples. “Know where I found them? Under synonyms of love.”

The crowd is silent. Then someone starts clapping, and the applause rises like a tidal wave, louder and louder.

Zane and Rafe hug, then they all hug on the dais, boys and girls, and everyone in the crowd, laughing and yelling, and I turn around to go.

Did I give up too easily? Was my patience too short-lived? Am I sure Shane hates me, or is it my own fear that reflects back at me?

And what about bravery? How does that work? If I’m brave, won’t I face Shane, ask to know how he feels about me?

I stop in my tracks.

“She’s with me,” he’d told Jesse. He said that, didn’t he?

Why didn’t it register before now? Enough of beating around the bush. I need to find him, ask him what he meant by that, what I mean to him.

Patience or bravery? Wait for him to make a move, say something more, or go find him?

Then Ev appears by my side like a rabbit out of a hat, scaring the bejesus out of me, and puts an arm around me. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

***

“Now isn’t a good time.” I’m trying to extricate myself from Ev’s hold, but she’s bound and determined to get me to meet his person, whoever it is, right the hell now.

“Her name’s Kayla. She used to be my roommate, and now she lives with Amber, which means soon she’ll be looking for a new roommate. We’ve been placing bets on how long it’ll be before Amber and Jesse move in together.”

I dig my high heels in. “So what? I’m not looking for a roommate.”

“Oh come on, Cass. You’re miserable living all alone and you know it. You’re lonely, and Kayla is fun. You’ll see.”

“I’m not lonely. Or miserable.” Am I? “Let me go.”

What’s wrong with everyone tonight?

God, I wish Shane was here. I wish he’d hold me. Wish he loved me.

“Kayla.” Ev waves at someone and drags me forward a few more steps before I react enough to resist. “Brought you an

other one to cheer up.”

“She cheered you up?” I follow reluctantly, glancing around, hoping and dreading to see Shane at the same time.

“She said some awesome things about me and Micah, so…” Ev’s grin is reaching her ears, and almost unwillingly I smile, too.

“You don’t need anyone to tell you Micah loves you,” I whisper, “and that you’ll live happy with him. He’s a great guy.”

“Aww.” She spins me around, hugs me breathless, and then propels me toward the mysterious Kayla. “Go on. She’s so good at this, she should do it professionally.”