“Hello,” I say in as offhand a tone as I can muster, impressing even myself. Particularly because the inside of my brain is shrieking at being this close to the man who humiliated me and left me for tragic, so soon after our recent meeting in L.A. Not just soon, even. This is going to be a regular thing. I need to get used to it. My greeting reaches Lyle midsip. His hand drops, lowering a glass glittering with something golden and undoubtedly expensive, and he turns. My breath catches, automatically. His cool brown eyes take me in, toes to crown, and I feel instantly used up.

Just like always.

The worst kind of familiar.

Cameron, bless him, circles Lyle, blocking him from view and breaking the moment, to wrap me up in a big hug, practically lifting me from my feet.

The best kind of familiar.

“I’m okay,” I reassure him with a whisper.

“I’m not,” he quips, releasing me. “That was for me.” I catch Lorelai’s shocked expression over his giant shoulder. I can already see the wheels spinning. The car ride home will be interesting. I’ve told her bits and pieces about my history with these two men over the years, but that was when I thought that part of my life was over and done. Clearly, I need to update her, but hell if I know how to explain this.

Lyle has risen to his feet and is watching us.

“Lyle,” I say, clearing my throat.

He grins, overlarge and sappy, pressing in to kiss my cheek. I hold my breath. I don’t need to be inhaling his expensive cologne. I’m half sick to my stomach and one whiff away from choking out nervous tears. “Good to see you, Shelby. I didn’t get the chance to say it before, but you look all grown up.”

My breath rushes out in a huff. Jesus. Could he be any more patronizing?

“And I didn’t get the chance to tell you, you look just the same. Careful with that Botox, Lyle. I’ve heard it can mess with your testosterone levels.”

“There she is,” he mutters, rolling his eyes. “Classy as always, Shelb.” He turns to Lorelai, who holds up a hand in front of her face.

“Fuck no,” she says.

I love her.

“Cameron Riggs and Lyle Jessup, this is my best friend, Lorelai Jones.”

Lyle’s eyebrows climb with surprise and he whistles low. “I finally get to meet the Lorelai Jones. I’d heard a rumor you two were friends.”

Lorelai scowls. “Of course the Lorelai Jones. You think I would purposely lie about my name just so I could deal with jackoffs like you every time I went to a bar?” She turns to Cameron. “No offense, I love it here. Shelby said your friend owns the place?”