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"It looks like it's buzzing," Tyler says as he pulls into a vacant space and flicks off the ignition

"Let's go and have a good time" I throw open the door and shake ht that I'd be this way? Not me The thousands of conversations I had with Tyler inlike this But real life is often so different froination

Tyler follows me into the hall as I scan the crowd for Carmella or Connie or another familiar face

Car toward o around rateful to see her I know the id "What the fuck…?"

"It's a long story," I say quickly "Don't make a scene He drove me from the repair shop I've told hi to have a good time When this celebration is done, I'll say what I need to say and walk away, okay?"

With her free hand, Carmella tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear with the tenderness of someone with love in their heart "Protect that heart of yours, San San" Her use ofsensation in my throat

I nod firotten to be an expert at that"

Turning, I usher Tyler forward "Tyler, you remember Carmella" He nods and has the decency to do it with sha ainary older brother

"Tyler" Car that he's treading on thin ice

"There you are" Derek appears next to his wife, handing her a long-stene

There's a moment of aardness as we all stand in silence Then Cars to life "Derek, this is Tyler"

Both lancing at his wife, and she nods Derek's eyes open a little wider, then he sether?"

Trust a man to put his foot into it

"Err, no darling," Car to rescue him "Sandy's car broke down, and Tyler kindly offered to escort her"

"Well, that's good of you," Derek says, glancing between us as though he's hoping he'll be able to read ouron