After She's Terminal The Alpha Regrets (Elaine and Lucas) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

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“Happy birthday,” she said.

Something more genuine crossed his features, but it was quickly interrupted by Ayla pulling Lucas further onto the lawn.

“Come look at the decorations!” Ayla said. “I set them all up for you myself.”

“I somehow doubt,” Liam whispered under his breath as he walked up beside Elaine. “Hey you.”

She glanced sideways at him. “Hey.”

“Enjoying yourself so far?”

“I love being the butt of every joke,” Elaine replied sarcastically. “How are things with you and Lucas?”

Liam rubbed the back of his neck. “Not the same.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be.”

Liam and Elaine joined the others as Ayla sat Lucas down at the head of the table. A spread of various dishes were already laid out.

“I’m starving,” Jake said, sliding into his own seat. “Ayla, this all looks amazing!”

“Well…I figured I’d cater a little bit to everyone today,” she replied, smiling brightly. “Lucas, I have your favorite here too. And a cake for later!”

“Thank you, Ayla,” Lucas said.

Shayne sat down. “Damn. You got one of the better ones there, Lucas. My girl doesn’t do a thing for me like this.”

Elaine and Liam sit on the other side of the table. Next to each other. Lucas watched them with narrowed eyes. Something close to jealousy stirred inside him, even if he had no right to feel that way with Elaine

anymore.

“Yeah. More than Elaine ever did, right?” Evan added, then glanced over at her. “No offense.”

Elaine blinked in surprise. “None taken…”

Liam shot Evan a look.

“Oh, no, wait, wasn’t there that one time Elaine tried to throw him a party?” Shayne chimed in. “First year of marriage. When she tripped and spilled that champagne all over herself.”

Elaine stiffened. “Well, actually, Ayla had bumped into me–”

“Smelled like a drunk all night!” He barked out a laugh. So did the others. Even Lucas chuckled fait remembered it, though perhaps more fondly at the clumsiness of that situation.

The only one not laughing was Liam.