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The injection takes but a second. Erin drops the needle into the biohazard bin stationed next to my bathroom door. “Can we talk?”

I look at her for a second and nod. “Of course. Go grab a drink and I’ll be through in a second.”

Is she here to tell me she’s making a real go of it with Mack? It’s likely, I suppose. They were dating for months. Maybe Erin forgave Mack for her indiscretions, and they plan to live happily ever after. If that’s the case, I’m catching the next plane to Hawaii and will spend the days I have left with a coconut drink and white beaches.

Erin is sitting on the sofa when I enter. She has a beer in one hand. There’s one for me on the coffee table. I sit with her but leave a decent amount of space. “So,” I begin, because I don’t want to drag this out.

“I spoke to Mack.”

“And?”

“She stands by what she said. That it was a joke.”

“Okay.”

“That was until I told her we have cameras stationed at every VIP booth, with sound.” Erin, you crafty kitten.

“And did that influence her story?”

“Considerably. She told me what she said to you. Claims it was her insecurities, and that she’s sorry. Oh, and she loves me.” Wow!

“Quite the declaration. Should I be getting ready for a wedding invitation?”

Erin laughs. “No. I broke it off.” My heart is in my throat. “I can’t be with someone like that. And…”

“And?” I am dying to hear these next words.

“I don’t want you to let me go.” Holy shit! Did you hear that? My soul did because it’s doing the Cha Cha Slide right now.

“What do you mean by that, Erin?”

“Do you still want to date me?”

“Yes, but—”

“No buts. Do you want to date me? Just me?”

“You know I do. But—”

“I only want to date you, Amelia.”

“Then, I’m all in.” I am totally all in. “When can I take you out?”

“I’d like to take you out this time, if that’s okay?”

“Completely. When?”

“Now?”

I want to lean over and kiss her, but I won’t. This feels like a reset, a clean slate, one devoid of Mack or anyone else. Just me and Erin. We’re just about to leave when the dark angel herself swans in. “Mother wants us all for dinner.”

“Hey, Lucille, how are you? How’s your day? I’m good, thanks for asking.” I snark.

“Erin, darling,” she purrs. “It’s wonderful to see you. Oh, you must come to the house. Mother would be furious if I didn’t have you come with us.”

“Lucille, we were just about to go out.”

“I’ll let you call Mom then,” she sniggers.