Page 42 of Yes, Love

Dominic shook his head, eyes filled with defeat and loathing. “Just said Will was taking her out to celebrate some stupid award he won for surfing.”

I nodded. “I’ll find her.” I pulled out my phone and searched for any recent posts tagging Lucy. Some fan was sure to have snapped a pic with their location.

As it turned out, being a social media genius was useful. It only took a moment before I found her. “Got it. This girl posted a selfie with Lucy at Twisted Silver five minutes ago. That’s a really trendy bar downtown.”

Dom nodded and reached for his keys with fury in his eyes.

“Hold it, big guy.” I placed a hand gently over his, and it seemed to calm him.

Dominic closed his eyes and sighed. “I have to do this.”

“I know, I know. If she needs help, then we’re going to help her. But how do you think it’s going to look to Will if you march into the bar with all that rage? Especially if he’s already seen the photo of you two? What if Lucy won’t go with you? Then what? How’s that going to be for her later, huh?”

Dom groaned and paced around my kitchen.

“Besides that, I think you might kill him if you end up in the same room as him. You wouldn’t last in prison, lover boy. You’re too pretty.”

He didn’t stop pacing but did manage to shoot me a half-amused look.

“Hey.” I stood in front of him and pressed my hand into his chest to stop him from walking. “I’ll get her.”

“No. I won’t put you in that situation. It could be dangerous for you.”

“He’s not going to lay his hands on some girl he’s never met in public. I’ve got this, okay?” I didn’t think I had it at all, but I had a better chance of helping Lucy than Dominic did, and I had to try. I tried to give him a reassuring smile.

“That’s even faker than your blogger smile.”

“Okay, shut up. I’m going to get your woman.” I ignored the bitter taste of those words. It wasn’t about me and my feelings right now.

“I won’t let you do that alone.”

I chewed on my lower lip and tapped my foot. “Fine, I’ll let you drive if you promise to stay in the car and only come out if I call you for help.”

“Deal.” He followed me out to his car. “You’re not so bad, you know?”

I glanced over my shoulder and saw a warmth there that almost made me melt. I smirked at him. “Well, you’re the worst.”

***

When we arrived at Twisted Silver, I watched Dom clench and unclench his fists in the driver’s seat. He was at war with himself, and I wanted to calm him.

“Hey, Dom.” I took one of his hands in mine. “I’ll get her out of there.”

“What will you say to her? Have you got a plan?”

I chewed on my lower lip. “No, but I’m good at faking and improvising.” I pulled a tube of red lipstick from my bag and applied a fresh coat. If lipstick, smiles, and charm could hide the depression, they could also hide the fear that tore through my heart tonight.

Dominic watched me with worried eyes as I slid out of the car. “I’ll call you if I need help. Promise.” I tried again to give him a convincing smile but could tell from the look on his face that I’d failed.

My trembling legs carried me around the corner to Twisted Silver’s entrance, and my beauty blogger smile allowed me to bypass the line to get inside.

This is insane. You can’t do this. You. Can’t.

The bar was loud, crowded, and blasting pop music. This was totally my scene, and I prayed I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew tonight.

I spotted Lucy sitting in a corner booth, looking as flawless as ever. Her wild, brown curls flowed all around her, and she looked like a delicious mocha goddess in her long-sleeved, white party dress. I squashed down my jealousy. It had no place here. If Will was hurting Lucy, then she needed my help, woman to woman.

I took a seat at the bar and watched her for a moment, trying to decide how best to approach her. Will must not have seen the photo of Lucy and Dominic yet. He looked far too happy. In fact, at first glance, they looked like a picture-perfect happy couple, but then I noticed Lucy nervously twisting a napkin in her hands. She’d almost torn the thing to shreds, but she kept a smile on her face whenever Will spoke. She didn’t say a word, though, and I knew enough about her to know that was out of character. Lucy Macklemore had a sharp wit and was always up for a joke.