‘You looked so hurt. It’s haunted me ever since.’
‘Really? I didn’t think you’d noticed.’
He reached for my hand. ‘I wanted to run after you that night.’
A little shiver of pleasure ran through me at his touch and my heart started racing again. ‘Why didn’t you?’ I whispered.
‘I’ve asked myself that question so many times. I just wasn’t in a good place. As awful as it sounds, you were a distraction. I risked my career being over before it even started if I didn’t keep that focus. At the time, it seemed easier to let you go. I never stopped thinking about you and regretting what happened. Look what I carry around with me.’
He let go of my hand, reached into his wallet and handed over a creased photo. I gasped and those butterflies went wild again. It was the picture of us in Rhodes that prompted me to get in touch with him again and rebuild our friendship. How romantic.
‘It’s been in there for years,’ he continued. ‘Every time I feel down or lonely I take it out, look at your smiling face and I feel better.’
Tears pricked my eyes at the thought of him being so sentimental. It was the sort of thing the old Andy would do. ‘I have another question,’ I said. ‘Why now?’
Andy flashed me a dazzling smile – the kind of expensive-looking smile that Simon Cowell would be proud of.‘My manager took me aside in the summer and told me that I’d done a great jobwith my project. I could either commit to phase two which meant another three years in Dubai or I could return to the UK for good. Kelly and I were over so I had nobody to factor into any decision-making. I went home that evening and got your photo out. It struck me that, for years, I’d been talking to your photo when I really should’ve been talking to you in person. I picked up the phone, but then I had this lightbulb moment. I realised I didn’t just want to speak to you; I wanted to be with you. Reading between the lines on your emails, I didn’t think you were happy with Jason, which meant me being abroad was the biggest barrier to us trying again. I’d just been handed the opportunity to remove that barrier so I gave my boss my decision the next day and hoped you still felt the same way about me. Unfortunately, I had to do four agonising months in Dubai to hand over the reins, but I came to find you as soon as I got back.’
I watched Andy visibly relax now that he’d confessed all. In the romantic movie of our lives, I’d cry and tell him I’d loved him all these years too and we’d both live happily ever after, but something was holding me back. I suddenly felt quite overwhelmed by the huge amount of unexpected information he’d shared. A beep from my mobile made me jump.
?? From Clare
Where the hell are you? We’re meant to be meeting the boys at 7. Get your arse home NOW!
‘I’m sorry Andy, I’ve got to go.’ I stood up. ‘Clare’s here. We’re meeting friends. I’m late.’
He stood up too and held my coat for me. ‘I understand. I wouldn’t dream of asking if I can join you as I’m sure you don’t want me disrupting things…’
He was clearly angling for an invite but there was just no way. Imagine that conversation: ‘Andy, meet Stevie who I met online when stalking men called Steven because, when I was eighteen, a clairvoyant told me that the man of my dreams would be called that. Stevie could have been my boyfriend because he’s got the right name, but when we kissed there was no chemistry so we’re justgreat mates. And meet Nick who currentlyismy boyfriend and who I strongly believe could be The One although I resisted him for ages because he isn’t called Steven. Guys, meet Andy. Andy was the first love of my life who has now just told me I’m the only woman he’s ever loved and he wants me back. And, guess what, his middle name’s Steven. I’m sure you’re all going to be the best of friends. Can I get anyone a drink?’ I shuddered.
‘So, I’ll just finish this and head off then?’
I nodded. ‘Sorry. If I’d known you were coming… will you go back tonight?’
‘I booked myself into The Ramparts Hotel for a week.’
‘A week? It’s Christmas. I’d have thought you’d be spending it with your parents.’
‘Spending time with you right now is more important. I know it may have been impulsive turning up but I want you to know I didn’t expect an immediate answer which is why I’ve booked a week. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to spend a lot more time with you and see if there’s any chance of picking up where we left off all those years ago.’
‘I’m sorry, Andy. You’re probably not getting the reaction you were hoping for. Surprised would be an understatement.’
‘I understand.’ His dark eyes twinkled and my stomach did another flip. It was the way his eyes danced with excitement and passion that first attracted me to him.
‘I’ll stay for as long as it takes for you to realise I’m the only one for you,’ he said. ‘Always have been. Always will be.’ He reached forward and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear while I held my breath.
Oh. My. God! This couldn’t be happening. After all these years. How long had I waited for him to say those words? How many times had I replayed that fantasy in my head? And every single time it had ended with a kiss. And a fair bit more. But now that it was finally happening, was it more of a case of be careful what you wish for? Something wasn’t right. I couldn’t deal with it right now. I had an irate Clare at home and my new boyfriend to meet.
‘I’m sorry, Andy. I have to go…’
28
‘The arrogant little shit.’
‘Eloquent as always, Clare.’ I pulled my scarf tighter around my neck as we headed back into town later that evening, brollies doing battle against the wind and rain that had whipped up since meeting Andy. I hoped a storm wasn’t on its way.
‘Well, he is,’ she said. ‘I really liked him while he was at university, but I think that guy is long gone. I think his high-flying career and huge pay packet have gone to his head and he reckons he can get whatever he wants at the click of his fingers. Plus that line about you knowing he’s always been and always will be The One? I think you may need a paramedic to get his head out of his arse.’
‘I liked it. It felt romantic at the time. You really think he’s arrogant?’
