grins, approaches with a beer in hand "Look who's here. Missed my charm, or just my badass BBQ skills?"
puts down their phone, sighs "Could you go heavy on the'skill' part? Feels like that's all you had in that drawer."
smirks, takes a sip of beer "You know, babe, I've been working on some new tricks. Wanna see?"
rolls eyes sure thing papa bear
pulls out a deck of cards and starts shuffling Alright, listen up, kiddo. Prepare to witness the magic of Lance Durand.
waves his hand over the cards, performing a fancy flourish Abracadabra, baby! reveals a card trick Is this your lucky day?
winks Well, lucky for you, I'm about to make your day even luckier. Watch closely now.
holds up a bottle of whiskey Time to kick things up a notch. Brace yourself for the most unforgettable taste of your life. pours a shot
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, look who's finally loosening up. I knew that laughter was still hiding under all that tough exterior.
yeah well it's been hard without you
sits down next to MountainEcho Hard, huh? Well, that's because you never let me show you how good I am at being the perfect partner.
sighs you left me. don't get it twisted. I haven't forgotten what you did to me
leans in closer, whispering Look, babe, I know I messed up. I know I left you high and dry. But I'm here now, aren't I?
looks away not good enough Lance...I want to believe you but I just can't....you broke my heart
takes a deep breath, looks directly into MountainEcho's eyes I know I messed up, Echo. I hurt you, and I hate myself for it.
tears up I loved you so much...I gave you everything. I told you when I was pregnant and you didn't even care. do you have any idea how much I miss you?!
MountainEcho breaks down in tears, revealing her deep emotional scars from Lance's absence
reaches out to hold MountainEcho's hand Echo, I know I don't deserve it, but I'm here now.
holds MountainEcho tightly, tears streaming down his face I've missed you more than words can say, Echo. I promise, I'm going to make it up to you.
sniffs I want to believe you Lance...but it's gonna take time. I mean you ghosted me almost a year ago. I found out through social media. That's not how a relationship is supposed to end
gently wipes away MountainEcho's tears I know, Echo. I messed up big time.
takes a deep breath, determined Echo, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to you.
pauses, takes a deep breath Echo, I need you to understand... I was going through a rough time.
takes a moment to gather his thoughts Echo, I was struggling with my own demons. I was battling addiction, and I didn't know how to handle it.
reaches out to hold MountainEcho's hand tighter Echo, I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm asking for a chance to make things right.
...I'll try to forgive you Lance...for now. I'm still mad but maybe we can work on this together
smiles, his voice filled with determination Thank you, Echo. That means the world to me. I promise, I won't waste this second chance.
stands up, determined Echo, let's start by rebuilding our trust. We need to work on communication and honesty. No more secrets.
pulls out a notebook Alright, Echo, let's create a list of ground rules. We need to establish some boundaries and expectations.