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Chantelle sat with her arms crossed over her stomach. Watching him leave stung like a frozen lash. He held her hand. The heat from his strong fingers singed her skin, and she didn’t want to let go.
Why did she take his hand? Why did he reach for her? How her hand fit in his clasp. The world disappeared into the distance like a hazy sea. She heard the firecrackers in the background, along with the cheers of her friends and her mother’s neighbors. Still, all that mattered was him.
Feeling his touch felt so familiar, yet exhilarating. It had been too long. The last time they touched led to a night that changed everything.
Then she pulled away. It was a mistake, but why did she rub a palm over her heart. It shouldn’t have crossed her mind again, but it creeped in her mind like a snail. She said she’d never ask, but why didn’t he come after her?
Chantelle shut her eyes. It was her fault. She didn’t give him a choice that night at the hospital. The sad thoughts came and went after hearing from the doctor she had miscarried. Then Lance told her it was best to split and end their brief marriage.
Her stomach had burned.
“Get out!” She had shouted. Her eyes swelled from crying. She didn’t want to look at herself in the mirror for days. As soon as she was well, she left for college. Leaving behind Delta Heights. Leaving behind Lance.
He never called. He didn’t come after her. It never crossed her mind how he felt. He’d only lost his sister a year before. That loss was the catalyst for him finally opening up to her.
Who did he run to when she left town? Grant didn’t tell her much. He never bashed Lance to her, despite him being disappointed in their choices. Chantelle groaned. The sooner she left town, the better.
Then her cell rang, and she reached inside her pocket. Seeing it was Cameron, she answered. A pep talk from her friend was what she needed.
“Hey how are you?” Did her voice waver? Chantelle wanted to remain calm.
“What’s wrong?”
She closed her eyes for a moment. “Nothing just doing my job.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
She swallowed. “I’m being honest…”
“It’s me, Chantelle. Talk.”
“I’m… having a hard time keeping my personal feelings separate from my work,” she said.
“Oh, wow.”
“Yep.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ll do my job and come home.”
“Don’t you think you need to tell him? Will it be worth it, to be honest?”
“Not with his wedding around the corner.”
“But you’re falling for the groom…”
Her voice choked. “I can’t. We’ve been through this. We had our time, and it didn’t work.”
“I’m sorry, Chantelle.”
“I should get back before my mother sends a search party for me.”
Cameron giggled. “What’s that popping noise?”
Chantelle looked up at the colorful sky. “Fireworks. Town summer kickoff.”
“Sounds like fun.” Her friend sighed. “Try to enjoy yourself. I’m here if you need me.”
