---- emotionless. "I'm off to pick up Joan. You'd better grab a cab home. I don't want her getting the wrong idea." Isnapped out of it, managing a smile that did not reach my eyes, "Okay." After I got out of the car, I could not resist turning back to Keith, "Maybe you should take another car to pick up Joan. I wouldn't want her to find out what her future mate and his sister have been up to here. Keith did not even give me another look, his voice dropping a degree colder, "You seem to know your place well enough, no need for me to spell it out." He drove away, leaving me standing there, long after the car had vanished down the road. The next day, I went to the restaurant my mom had texted me about to meet with Lucas, the next in line for the Morey pack. The guy was all decked out but talked like he was anything but classy, "Elsie, I don't care about your bad rep. Just be my mate and stop your wild ways, and that's all I need. I just want a ---- pretty face to show off." I bit back a retort, but before I could get a word out, Daniel popped up out of nowhere, sliding into the seat next to meas if it was the most natural thing in the world. "Seriously? Dude, aren't you scared Elsie's gonna blow all your cash on me? I mean, we've been tight for almost four years now," Daniel said with a smirk. I glanced at him, my face a blank slate. Lucas' eyebrows knitted together in worry. "Elsie, is he telling the truth?" I was not into that whole set-up date thing and was itching for a way out, so I just nodded, my mind elsewhere. "That's just who I am. I can't change it. You should look for someone else." Lucas' face turned icy. He held back his anger and stood up. "Elsie, I'm going to tell your mom everything that happened today, exactly as it went down." ---- I gave him a fake smile, totally unfazed. ''See ya." Once Lucas was gone, I got up too. I tried to ignore Daniel, but he stuck to me like a pesky stray dog I could not shake. I sped up, my patience wearing thin, when Daniel piped up, "Hey, Elsie, isn't that your favorite brother over there?" I looked without thinking, and there, in the jewelry store window, were Keith and Joan. I knew the store's deal-guys could only buy one ring for life. My heart skipped a beat, and it hurt like I had been jabbed with a needle. They looked perfect together, just as I had thought. I tortured myself, unable to look away. Then I saw Keith slip that stunning diamond ring on Joan's finger. ---- I stood there, stunned, a wave of bitterness washing over me. Without thinking, I gripped the ruby necklace around my neck-the first gift Keith ever gave me. Ihad never taken it off since the day I got it. Daniel eyed me with a smirk, leaning in close enough for me to feel his breath on my ear. "Elsie, just look at you. You're like a lost little puppy." I turned my gaze away, heart twisting tight in my chest. Maybe this was for the best. At least this way, when I'm gone, he won't mourn me for long. Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.