Page 63 of Always Almost You

Mandy took Eric’s hand and began pulling him toward the house. Then she glanced over her shoulder at Mike. “Don’t go anywhere,” she called. “I’ll be back to get you. It’s time you met Lauren Simpson.”

Mike watched them disappear into the crowd. He didn’t respond. Instead, he pulled out his phone and opened the nanny cam app again.

Buddy was no longer on the sofa. Now he sat in the middle of the family room floor, his body rigid. His snout pointed toward the ceiling as he cried and howled. A throw pillow from the couch lay shredded beside him, its stuffing scattered across the floor like snow. In the background, Mike heard the sharp pop of fireworks.

“Damn it.” He vaulted over the wall, hurried along the side path, and headed for the street. Meeting Lauren Simpson would have to wait. Some idiot had set off fireworks early, and Buddy was clearly suffering. Mike needed to get home.

CHAPTER 41

Eric’s uncle and his wife eventually excused themselves, heading inside to say goodnight to the hosts. “We like to be off the roads before midnight,” he said as they wished Lauren a happy New Year.

Lauren searched the patio until she spotted Kathy and Jake mingling with a lively group gathered near the pool house. She joined them just as a classic rock playlist blasted through the outdoor speakers. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” began.

The man standing next to Lauren, his enthusiasm clearly fueled more by alcohol than talent, started belting out the opening line with heroic confidence and very little accuracy. His wife slapped his arm and shushed him loudly.

An awkward silence fell over the small group.

Lauren cleared her throat and picked up the next line of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Everyone turned. For a split second, the group fell silent. Then someone laughed. “Wait—who sings like that at a house party?”

Another woman stepped forward, pointing at Lauren. “You have to come to karaoke night at The Friendly Bean! It’s a coffee shop,” she continued. “Have you heard of it?”

Lauren nodded. “I go there all the time. It’s between my office and my house.”

“Then you definitely need to participate in karaoke night,” the woman said.

The man beside her chimed in. “I own The Friendly Bean,” he said proudly. “Karaoke is every Thursday night. Most of the singers are terrible.” He grinned at Lauren. “You’d be our ringer.”

Lauren laughed. Maybe she would go. She had come to this party hoping to expand her circle, to find new people, new energy, and a sense of community. This might be how it started.

Kathy leaned toward her. “That was awesome,” she said. “You’re definitely leading us in ‘Auld Lang Syne’ in about half an hour.” Then she grabbed Lauren’s arm. “But, first, we’re going to find Mike Miller.”

They followed the path toward the house and almost collided with Eric and Mandy. “Do you know where Mike is?” Kathy asked.

Eric nodded slowly.

“Good,” Kathy said. “It’s time these two finally meet.” She gestured toward Lauren.

Eric hesitated. “I’m afraid that’s not going to happen tonight.”

Mandy frowned. “We just talked to him.”

“He was here,” Eric said. “And he knew I wanted to introduce you. But I just saw him hightailing it out of here. Something must’ve come up.”

Mandy shot her husband an exasperated look. Kathy shrugged.

Lauren felt her shoulders loosen. To her surprise, she realized she didn’t feel disappointed. The night was already turning out better than she’d anticipated. She was laughing with new friends, making plans, and singing out loud in a backyard full of strangers who suddenly didn’t feel like strangers anymore. If she met the elusive Mike Miller someday, that would be fine. But, tonight, she was exactly where she wanted to be.

CHAPTER 42

Mike stepped off the elevator with Buddy in perfect heel position and headed down the hallway toward the glass doors with MM Architecture emblazoned in bold black letters. “You handled that elevator like a pro,” Mike said, glancing down at his dog. “Have you worked in an office before?”

Buddy flicked his eyes up at him as if to say, Of course I have.

Mike stopped a few feet from the door to his firm.

Buddy immediately sat and looked up at him.