The Best of Us (Love in Isolation 2)

My heart aches at the thought because he’s right. Kendall’s an amazing woman, and there’s no way she’ll stay single forever. I need to figure out what the hell I’m gonna do before it’s too late for us.

“I’m sorry…” I offer. “I hate that for you.”

“And I’d hate it for you.” He grins. “Are you in love with her?”

Without hesitation, I nod. “Ridiculously in love with her. I can’t stop thinking about the way she makes me feel when we’re together and how much I’ve missed her. She overheard me say something I didn’t mean, and before I could explain, she told me off and walked away. All my calls and texts go unanswered.”

“You better fight for her then. Fight like you’ve never fought before.”

“I wish I knew how or what would get her attention.”

“Well, I just gave you off New Year's Eve and Day. That gives you a week to figure out what you can do to win her back.”

“My parents host a huge party on New Year's Eve, and since she’s best friends with my sister, there’s a good chance she’ll be there.”

“Bingo!” He points at me with his beer bottle. “Don’t let her leave without hearing you out. You get on your knees and beg her to forgive you.”

I exhale with a grin. “Sounds like a solid plan.”

“And if, at the end of the day, she doesn’t want to be with you, at least you can walk away knowing you did everything you could. You’ll have the closure you need to move on, and that’s one thing I never got. Trust me, it’s better than nothing.”

An hour later, Nick and I part ways since we work tomorrow. As I walk to my car, I decide to call Kendall again but am sent straight to voicemail. Even though she may never hear it, I leave her a message.

“Hey Kendall, it’s Ryan. I’m not sure you’ll ever get this, but I just wanted to tell you I’m thinking of you and miss you. I’m not giving up on us. I love you.”

I end the call before my emotions take over and hope like hell she’ll give me one more chance.Chapter Twenty-FiveKendallI spent Christmas Eve with my parents and Piper. On Christmas Day, I volunteered at the shelter until dark. I helped cook, then served food until we ran out. The past week, I’ve managed to stay so busy that when I get home, I immediately fall asleep in bed. Even so, I'd be lying if I said Ryan still hasn't found his way into my thoughts. He's impossible to forget about, but I'm trying to let go.

After I put on some dark red lipstick and finish my smoky eye shadow, I text Cami. Her family’s throwing their traditional New Year’s Eve party, and I agreed to go even though I’m not in the mood for one. She was relentless and refused to take no for an answer. I don't know if Ryan will be there, so I’m full of nervous energy. If he’s not working, he’s usually there, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's at the hospital tonight.

I've been thinking about what I’m gonna wear. If he's there, I want his jaw to drop to the floor, and I’m certain this skintight dress and curled hair will do the job.

After I lightly spritz on perfume, I text Cami and let her know I'm on my way. My driver texts me when he arrives, then I check myself in the mirror before grabbing a coat and stepping out. Within fifteen minutes, I'm at Cami's parents' penthouse. A woman stands at the door, checking in those who have RSVP’d. The paparazzi have tried to ruin many St. James’ parties, so they take extra precautions to keep their guests safe.

As soon as I walk in, one of the attendants takes my coat, then I'm personally greeted by Cami's mom and dad. Clara gives me a hug and kisses both of my cheeks before Bradford tells me hello.

"Hope you've been well," he says.

"I have. No complaints," I reply as I grab a glass of champagne. When I look through the crowd of older people, I see Cami walking toward me wearing a huge smile. She grabs my hand and pulls me away.

"Thank you," I say as she leads me to the massive kitchen filled with the caterers.

"They would've bored you to death. Trust me." She grabs one of the crystal shot glasses and pours tequila.

I glance at the bottle. "Imported. Fancy."

Cami lifts hers and gives me a wink. "To a new year!"

We shoot it down. She gives me a look, then smirks. "He's here."

"Who?" I play dumb, but my heart rate immediately races.

She tilts her head, seeing right through me. "My brother. I knew you weren't going to ask, so I thought I'd just tell you instead."