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.

Christine seemed to be

into his collar,

chuckled, "A bit

just me, or did it seem like he was trying to rile

he probably didn't know about Dailey and

bring up an ex with someone new.

Ding-

elevator doors

let's head in," Merritt

Christine and then

three of us were inside, Dailey

I wondered if Dailey would opt not to join

shut, he suddenly reached out,

was a heart-stopping

calm demeanor and pressed

filled with an almost tangible

and busied myself with

one corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey. Dailey

corner behind him, I sneakily snapped a photo and texted

love

be free, and he texted back instantly: "Is that Christine's

it's still up

it,

sure knows

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

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

it. Remember, if you're in a bind, call