Page 36 of Last Call Lindy Hop

“Please?”

I sniffled and squeezed her tight. “I… I just can’t.”

“Ok.” She sighed. “I’ll order takeout and ice cream. We’ll watch bad movies until I can get you to laugh.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“I’m gonna try. Need anything else?”

I held up another empty tissue box. “Six pack? I think I’m out.”

“Ok.”

I released her reluctantly, but I knew she’d be right back.

At least I hadn’t chased Kenzie away.

Chapter 18 - Eli

Istared at my phone, willing for it to ring, or notify me of a new text message. However, it remained stubbornly silent.

I’d hoped—prayed—that Lance would be at the dance so that I could talk to him. But neither him nor Kenzie appeared.

Amber walked over and took a seat next to me. “Anything?”

I shook my head. “No.”

She sighed. “It’s been three weeks. I hate to say it but…”

I shook my head. “I’m not giving up Amber. I need to talk to him and apologize.”

“Didn’t you already text him?”

I nodded.

“I think that means you’ve got your answer.”

“I’m not satisfied with that.”

She sighed and pulled out her phone. “I’m going to text Kenzie at least, see if she has any answers.”

“You have her number?” I asked, glancing over.

She nodded. “I didn’t want to use it because this is between you and him. But I can’t stand seeing you like this.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you.”

“I do have a question though.”

“What?”

“Why are you so intent on this? I’ve never seen you so desperate to contact somebody, even some of your crappy exes who left you hanging.”

I swallowed. It was a question that had dogged me since he’d run out, and one I finally had to admit to myself.

The thought of never seeing him again caused a burning ache in my heart.

“I…” I licked my lips. “I think I love him, Amber. And not in that way I love you as a friend. I almost kissed him because I wanted to kiss him, and I still want to kiss him.”