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"No," he said "This had nothing to do with Lenny Or San Diego--at all San Diego was the last thing on my mind, actually It was about ht to keep theo stupid Seriously, I’m a complete dumbass, okay? I shouldn’t have come in here hot like I did I’m sorry, Lily"

She felt herself soften a little bit in spite of herself But only because she got it about his fa a part of a family unit anymore," she said, "but I can still understand that part" With the water warhed and closed his eyes, like he couldn’t help himself

Which ers through his hair for far longer than required

Which changed nothing She’d long ago learned there were things she could control and things she couldn’t, and whatever Aidan thought of her, that fell into the latter She had to let go of the things she couldn’t control It hurt toohis hair, she aze in the mirror

He opened his mouth to speak and she turned on the blow-dryer She really did get that he hadn’t ot that he felt bad about it

But though she could forgive, she couldn’t quite forget Not this

"I’ll book you for another hour to keep you talking tohis hair "Hell, I’ll go along hatever torture you’re dealing out, even a"--he shuddered--"bro-zilian"

He was teasing, but she couldn’t turn it off like that Maybe she couldn’t make hiet Not this "It doesn’t matter anymore"

"What does that mean?"

"I’m done," she said very quietly And with that, she walked away, heading to the back

He got there first, placing one of his big hands flat on the door above her She dropped her forehead to the wood

"You’re done?"

"As in stick a fork in o or should I?"

He turned her to face hiht I have a question, I coet pissed about it, and you what, just walk away again? Is that it? Is that how this is going to work, Lily?"

"Yes, and speaking of work," she said past a burning throat "I have to go Or am I fired?"

He stared at her "I’m not your boss And I’d never fire you Lily--" His radio beeped He turned it down but she could tell by the look on his face that he was up