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Lyric Decker commands attention in every way—not just with her height but with her very presence. She’s larger than life.
Eagerly, I move forward to greet her, but too soon, my feet freeze in place as if cemented to the floor. Beside her stands someone I never imagined I’d see today, or, if she had it her way, ever. The sight of her sends my heart into a dizzying tailspin.
“No fucking way,” I mutter under my breath, pulse kicking into overdrive.
It can’t be.
But there’s no denying it—it’s her.
Ameline.
My Ameline stands almost before me, pulling me in with her distinctive, captivating beauty. Her chestnut hair pinned into a messy bun. Some strands fall around her face, framing her striking hazel eyes, which now stare deep into mine.
Ameline can’t hide her emotions. Not from me. There’s hate, resentment, and . . . I can’t make out the rest because she blinks them away.
Her presence and those beautiful eyes create a rush of emotions that floods through me, leaving me momentarily breathless.The utter shock of seeing Ameline after endless years apart sends electricity jolting through my veins. The memories of our time together rush through my head. The best and worst parts of my life. The losses . . . we lost too much.
I lost her.
The numbness in my heart is replaced by searing pain.
I brace myself as they approach, pretending to be calm and together. But internally, a hurricane of feelings roils inside me, threatening to rupture through the crumbling façade.
“Gabe,” Lyric’s voice cuts through the haze inside my head. She covers the last bit of distance in a few long strides, enveloping me in a fierce hug.
“Hey, how was your trip?” I ask, trying to steady my voice. But my mind is racing, and I keep glancing back at Ameline, unsure whether to greet her or keep my distance. Because that’s exactly what she made me promise before she left. If I ever cared for her I should never, ever talk to her again.
That was long ago though.
It’s been an eternity—too fucking long since the last time I saw her. Since the last time we spoke and broke each other’s hearts.
“Great, and . . .” Lyric glances around with a frown as Ameline silently begins walking away from us. My sister’s voice trails off as she releases me to go after Ame.
“Ameline, don’t leave,” Lyr calls out, reaching to hold her elbow. Then, she turns her attention back to me. “Look who I bumped into at LaGuardia.”
Ameline hesitates, then offers an awkward wave. “Hey,” she murmurs, but as much as she’s trying to look casual, she can’t hide the unease in her body language. “It was nice seeing you again, Lyric. Say hello to your parents.”
As Ame begins to walk away, Lyric moves to stop her. “Wait, we can give you a lift wherever you need to go.”
“Thanks, but I was just about to call a car,” Ameline responds, holding up her phone.
I can’t help but sigh, trying not to show my frustration. It’s too late at night and too dangerous for her to be in the streets with a fucking stranger. Though, some things never seem to change. Ameline, as always, seems oblivious to the concept of self-preservation. Plus, she hates accepting help from others, especially if it’s from me.
Against my better judgment, I say, “We can take you wherever you need to go.”
Ame presses her lips together, a flicker of indecision crossing her face.
“You need to come with us,” Lyric insists. “We still have so much catching up to do.”
“Um . . . I guess, sure,” Ameline says with a fake smile.
I probably should let her go. Do what she does best, disappear and . . . okay, I should let the past go for a moment and just give her a ride to . . . “And where would you like us to take you?” I ask because she probably doesn’t have a hotel reservation.
Why spend money on something she won’t use until tomorrow night? I want to lift her off the ground and drag her to my car, instead of waiting for an excuse or for her to disappear. She should at least let me check her, make sure that the tumor hasn’t come back, and . . . Let her go, I tell myself. Just move on and let her go.
Ameline glances at her phone again before shaking her head. “Don’t worry about it. You two go ahead. I’ll manage,” she suddenly says, dismissing the offer with a wave.
Without another word, Ameline turns and strides off, leaving us staring after her.
