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 be enjoying

right into

"A

just me, or did it seem like he

know about

was unlikely to bring up an ex with someone new. Maybe it

Ding-

doors slid

Chris, let's head

hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside, offering a protective

us were inside,

wondered if Dailey would opt not to

just as they were nearly shut, he

a heart-stopping

Dailey entered with a calm demeanor and pressed for the

suddenly filled with an

and busied

corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey. Dailey positioned himself near the elevator controls,

him, I sneakily snapped a photo and texted

a love triangle

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

it's still up in the

"Got it, the backup

knows

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

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

if you're in a