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We love you more Want us to stop by the office?

No We’ll talk tonight Be safe, okay?

This is Wilood

I exhale deeply I can’t believe so

It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim interior of the establishment A few pool tables are situated in the back corner, and the usual cast of regulars in their faded jeans, leather vests, and bandanas are stationed around t

he center bar

Lylah, the other A on the polished wood separating the trash It’s just after noon on a Tuesday

We slide into a wooden booth and she calls back over her shoulder “Toni! Got a couple of regulars in your section”

Toni, aka, “Star,” walks out, and I’ed her look since the last timeher Instead of the blood-red lipstick, jet-black hair, and white tank showing off hera navy shirt-dress and leopard print cardigan Her hair is s down her back in chestnut waves, and while she still has the cat-eye er for Melissa It’s the look we used to trap Sloan The only thingis my fiancée’s sapphire-blue eyes

“Thanks for driving up,” she says in her low smoker’s voice “I know it’s a haul, but I didn’t knohat else to do”

“No worries, girl,” Patrick steps forward and kisses her cheek “You look great How’s school treating you?”

She slips in across fro gu every bit the biker chick with her side ponytail, short shorts and tight tank She’s still sporting the look—Priscilla Presley hair and red-velvet lips

“What can I get you fellas today? The usual?”

“You bet” Patrick drops a twenty on her tray “And a little privacy”

Lylah’s eyebrows rise “When have I ever been a concern?”