I see Esme’s husband tucking his phone back into his pocket, though.
Oh.
Oh.
If it wasn’t Esme’s husband sending him the photo, someone here likely did.
Gossip spreads like wildfire, and geographical separation is no match for cell phones.
“I can’t do this,” I whisper.
“Can’t do what, sweetie?” Mom asks.
“I can’tnotgo talk to him. I have to. I have to go see him. I want to know—I want to know if we can work.”
Lorelei squeals and hugs me again.
Applause breaks out among the townspeople gathered in the square.
I know they’re not clapping for me. I know they’re clapping for my grandma and the Silvers’ grandparents attempting to make up.
But it gives me more determination anyway.
I want to date Dane Silver.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to him that I mean it.
Chapter 33
Dane
Leaving Tinsel was the stupidest thing I’ve done in my life.
I don’t want to be in San Francisco. I don’t want to go to work. I don’t want to walk my dog in my neighborhood. I don’t want to swim laps in the pool on the roof.
Iwantto be where Amanda is.
Iwantto ask her to give me a chance—a real chance.
The pictures of her from the town party last night that everyone kept sending me—her halfhearted smile, the way she was crying while she hugged Lorelei, one of her staring at her bare left hand when I’m sure she had no idea anyone was watching, much less photographing her—I was an absolute asshole to leave her.
Especiallyin the midst of feeling so guilty.
How was she feeling? How much support could I have offered her instead?
I’m fixing it.
Today.
Instead of heading into the office, I’m packing and getting ready to leave for the airport.
Chili’s giving me heavy side-eye from his spot in his doggy bed beside my bed.
“It’s a nonstop flight,” I tell him. “And we should land the same time Amanda does.”
He lifts his head and woofs once.
I think that’s approval.
