The Dark Society

77

Alex's relationship with Karen had ended without provocation, and once again, he trusted her only to be left heartbroken.

Meanwhile, he settled along the lakefront, not intent on reminiscing but rather on forgetting. However, as the sun set, headlights unexpectedly cut through the dusk.

"I knew you'd find me," he remarked.

"You all right?" Lyndsey asked.

"As all right as I can be."

Tatum sounded genuinely sympathetic, but she also recognized Karen's manipulation. Plus, she'd noticed the ironic similarities between Alex and Lyndsey despite their varying perspectives.

"Karen has an agenda," Tatum confessed. "Why can't you see that?"

"It doesn't matter because it's over between us."

The girls felt mostly relieved, but Alex appeared distressed, so they stayed mindful of his emotions.

"Is that what she told you?" Lyndsey pressed.

"Not exactly," he revealed, "but it was pretty obvious."

Karen's schemes were well known to end in calculated charades, so Tatum aimed to separate herself and Lyndsey from the situation.

"Come on!" she announced.

"In a hurry?" he called out.

"We're leaving town for a while," Lyndsey explained.

Alex overlooked the water. "Give Sabrina my best."

Lyndsey frowned. "How'd he know?"

When least expected, he received an unforeseen message. But amid the silence, his subtle gestures spoke volumes.

"What is it?" Lyndsey questioned.

"Karen," he confirmed. "She wants to meet."

"Where?" Tatum asked.

He shifted and stood. "At the lake."

Alex was like Luis in many ways--strong, determined, and inclined to see the best in everyone. Even so, Sabrina and Karen weren't like other girls. Yet Alex was in love and determined to make it work.