Lost Me Gained Regret

"Much appreciated."

We came to a halt in front of the elevator.

I felt a gaze upon us.

Glancing over, I saw Dailey standing next to me.

Silence fell for a moment, but given he wasn't a stranger, I felt compelled to break it.

"Headed downstairs, Mr. Clarkson?"

Dailey's eyes briefly swept over Christine before he responded, "Yeah, wrapping up. Off to the parking garage."

Got it, he was leaving.

I mentioned, "We're also headed to the parking garage. Might as well share the ride."

No sooner had I finished than Merritt suddenly piped up, "Chris, my back's suddenly itchy. Can you scratch it for me? My hands are full."

A simple request, and Christine was quick to help out.

"Chris, it won't work through the coat."

Merritt's voice, laden with a hint of whine and those puppy-dog eyes, really did make him seem like a big, playful pup.

Impossible not to feel a bit soft-hearted.

I've never been one for younger guys, totally not my thing.

to

into

chuckled, "A bit

me, or did it seem like

he probably didn't know about Dailey and Christine's

unlikely to bring up an ex with someone new.

Ding-

elevator doors slid

let's head in," Merritt

an arm to hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside,

us

wondered if Dailey would opt

shut,

a heart-stopping

calm demeanor and

filled with an

throat and busied myself with my

corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey. Dailey

a photo and texted Gregory "SOS, I

love triangle

be free, and he texted

interest, but it's

"Got it, the backup

knows his

"He's working on a movie set with Mr. Shaw. Thought it'd be a good chance

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

"You handle it. Remember, if you're in a bind, call your