Page 44 of The Truths We Find

It’s not like I was a monk the last decade. I dated, hooked up, even convinced myself I was okay. And for a while, I was. But now she’s back, and it’s like my system rebooted. Suddenly, no one else feels right. The idea of trying to flirt, make conversation, go through the motions feels empty and forced.

The truth is, I never stopped caring about her. I just got good at pretending I did. And now that she’s in the picture again, I can’t pretend anymore.

Now I’m stuck. Between moving on and definitely not being ready.

The girl leans in again. “You want to dance?”

I laugh nervously. “You really go for it, huh?”

“Life’s short.” She shrugs. “And you look like you need a reason to smile.”

And maybe I do. But it’s not her, and not tonight.

She tilts her head, still waiting for me to respond.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m going to take off. I’m not in a place to be anything but a mess right now.”

She shrugs her shoulders. “Fair enough.”

“Thanks for asking, though. Really. It meant more than you probably know.”

She gives me a soft pat on the arm. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

And with that, she falls back into the crowd, leaving me alone again, more at peace than I’ve been in months.

Chapter 15

Dani

It’s early. Too early to even think straight. I look at my phone and see 4:30 a.m. shining brightly across my screen.

Ugh. Why did we decide a six-thirty flight to Las Vegas was a good idea? At least I have Alexa with me to commiserate on the ride over.

Once we’re out of the rideshare, we quickly check our bags and make our way through security.

“I need coffee.” I yawn.

“How can you be so tired? Today’s the big day!” Alexa beams.

She’s right. I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire career, but I still need coffee.

We make our way through the airport and find our gate. Alexa grabs some seats for us and immediately pulls out her laptop to work on an acceptance speech. She’s so confident we’re going to win. I on the other hand am not going to jinx it.

“I’m going to head back to that coffee shop we passed,” I say. “Do you want anything?”

“No thanks. I’m wired enough.”

I make my way down the hall until I find the little slice of heaven I was searching for. Just the smell of the beans is already helping me wake up. I’m standing in line when I hear my name from behind. I turn to see Gavin walking up. He isn’t in his usual suit and tie today. Instead, he’s wearing dark jeans and a light red pullover sweater, and his hair is a shaggy mess. This is almost the Gavin I remember from all those years ago.

“I shouldn’t be surprised to find you in the coffee line.” He smiles.

“What are you doing here so early? I thought only Alexa was compulsive about being here exactly two hours before a flight.”

“Looks like you have two compulsive friends in your life,” he laughs. “What are you in the mood for? Coffee is on me.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to. Today is about you and Alexa. So, prepare to be spoiled rotten.”