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At least I look like I belong Lauren surveyed the other guests own Callie gave her for her birthday for the fundraiser In fact, she’d seen two other wo her weight to the other foot, she searched for a fa the sea of beautiful well-dressed people Already she felt out of place, but by standing alone the feeling only intensified She’d attended several siuest in the past She’d ht, however, she felt more uncoht she returned his ring sat in the forefront of her et invited to events like these because of her friendship with Callie Before he’d said it, she hadn’t considered it Now as she looked around, the truth sank in

“I thought I’d see you here tonight”

Lauren turned toward the familiar voice Anyone who could afford a ticket elcoht of Kevin surprised her He’d never struck her as much of a philanthropist He’d only been at the last fundraiser because his mom wanted someone to accompany her and his father had been sick “How are you?” Lauren smiled

“Good, but busy I spent last week in New Jersey What about you? Are you here alone tonight?”

“Yes I got here yesterday Sara wanted help with some plans for a party”

Kevin’s arainst hers when hea lot about you I miss you, Lauren Let’s start over Have dinner with me this week” He brushed a hand down her neck, and Lauren took a step back before she realized she’d done it

“We can ap between them “My offer still stands” His voice turned seductive “We ether”

Lauren studied Kevin and then looked around the ballrooain Despite her previous rejection, Kevin wanted her back Yet even though Kevin offered her a place in the society around her, a chance to no longer just be the tag-along, but to belong, she didn’t want it At the beginning of their relationship, perhaps she had, but what she truly wanted was love If that meant she never attended another event like this, that was fine

“I’e you want doesn’t work for me”

Kevin’s nostrils flared, and the et another chance, Lauren Once I leave tonight, I won’t be back “

How had sheit or had she intentionally overlooked it? Either way, it didn’t matter Unlike Nate, Kevin never really knew her “I know, Kevin If you’ll excuse ain Enjoy the evening”

Lauren stepped around Kevin without a backward glance, as snippets from each conversation she’d had that weekend played over in her head She had allowed the pain froment She realized that now

Making her way through the crowd, she spotted Charlie and Jake dancing With their arms around each other, they moved as one, oblivious to the crowd around the the periether she was practically in his lap, while their hands were clasped together on the table Across from them, Dylan sat with an arm around Callie’s shoulders

A knot of pain started in the center of her chest and radiated outward as she watched the other couples She wanted what they all had and not just with anyone The same love reflected in these couples burned inside her for Nate No matter what else happened, he’d always be the one A inia was a small sacrifice when she considered the alternative

Two hours after leaving Cliff House Sunday , with a pros went, Lauren pulled into the driveway at Nate’s aparte when Mrs Callahan came out of her house

“Lauren, what you doing here?” She stopped at the bottom of the steps

Her reason for being there seemed obvious “I’m here to see Nate”

“Why would he be here, dear? Isn’t he living with you now?”

Had hehis ement was off? Since she planned to rectify herfast, she came up with an excuse to explain her presence “He ht pick up ht he ht still be here I haven’t stopped home yet”

“No, I haven’t seen him all weekend Say hi to hiht this week the two of you can co plans”

Lauren walked back down the stairs and gave the woht?”