Dash studied business while playing ball at Arizona much to the displeasure of his father who preferred his heir and only son to attend an ivy league or more specifically his alma mater. He was already beginning to take over business operations from his father.

Quentin had joined the army straight out of high school when he claimed college life wasn’t for him and a little structure and violence never hurt anyone. Jesse surprisingly hadn’t although he was raised in a military family. Everyone expected him to simply follow in his father’s footsteps but instead chose to work with them instead.

It seemed that everyone had taken great steps and moved forward while I still felt as if I were standing still.

“So where’s Willow? Was anyone ever going to bring her up?”

“On that note, I think I have to use the gentlemen’s room,” Jesse coughed.

“Willow is, um… well, she…”

“She went to Nebraska and we haven’t seen or heard from her since.”

I made a point to glance over at Dash, who sat glowering at the tabletop. “So she is literally the one that got away, huh? I guess charm and money doesn’t work on everyone.”

“What’s your problem?” Dash said finally looking up.

“You are. You’re stupid.”

“And that makes you?”

“Cocky, arrogant, spoiled, and unfaithful. Did I get it right, Shelly?”

“Yes, but I believe I forgot one. You’re also a coward.” She pushed away from the table and stood up from her chair. “Lake, can you look after Kennedy?” She didn’t wait for an answer before walking away. I tracked her movements until she disappeared inside the ladies room.

“If you want her back, you’re going about it the wrong way,” Keiran stated.

“Are you supposed to be an expert?”

Instead of answering he turned to Lake. “Baby, do you love me?”

“Yes. Do you love me?”

“Forever,” he whispered softly. His hard gaze shot to me. “See? It’s that simple.”

“Is it?”

“It is. You just have to be smart enough to realize it before it’s too late.”

“How about we take Kennedy with us and put her to bed so you and Sheldon can have some alone time?” Lake offered.

I wasn’t going to argue with that possibility.

“Kennedy?”

“Yes, Keenan?” I had to swallow the urge to tell her that I was her father for the umpteenth time before speaking.

“Your aunt and uncles are going to take you back so you can get some sleep. Your mother and I will be right behind you to tuck you in.”

“Come on, you little juvenile delinquent. Let’s see how much trouble we can get in before bedtime.” Keiran scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder much to her delight. Her squeals of excitement echoed through the restaurant as he led the rest of them out.

It took me another moment to realize that they’d all left me to pay the bill. As I was fishing out my credit card, Sheldon emerged from the restroom. Even from here, I could see how red and puffy her eyes were.

“Shelly?”

My ears began ringing from the sound of some prick calling my girl by the nickname I gave her when we were in love. Sheldon had been on her way back from the restroom, with me clocking her every step when this blond, frat-looking guy approached her. When his fingers slid around her waist and pulled her close for a kiss, I was out of my seat and closing in fast. Her back was to me so she didn’t see me approach them.

“Eric? How—what are you doing here?”

“I’m having lunch with my parents. I told you I’m from this area. Are you okay? I’ve been calling and looking for you everywhere.”

“I’m fine. I’ve just been going through a really tough time with the stress of finals and medical school admissions.”

“You’re still coming to the graduation, right?”

“I’m not sure, and I’ll tell you all about it later, but I have to get back.”

“There’s no need to rush off, Shelly . Everyone left. So who’s your friend?”

Her complexion noticeably paled at the sound of my voice invading their intimate moment. I schooled my face into a complacent expression, but judging by the way she was shaking, she already knew it was an act.

I warned her of what would happen if I found out she had lied. I knew she had been lying to me. She’d forgotten just how well I knew her. I also knew one day I’d come face to face with the guy she thought she could use to forget about me.