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.

seemed to be

right into his

"A

seem

probably didn't know about Dailey and Christine's

an ex with someone new.

Ding-

doors slid

Chris, let's head

the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside,

three of us were

began to close, I wondered if Dailey would opt

nearly shut, he suddenly reached out,

was a

a calm demeanor and pressed for the basement

suddenly filled with an

throat and busied myself with my

clearly distancing themselves from Dailey.

behind him, I sneakily snapped a photo and texted Gregory "SOS, I think

a love triangle

he texted back

but it's

"Got it, the

sure knows his

on a movie set with Mr. Shaw. Thought it'd be a good chance

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

a bind,