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Finn had picked me up in his dad's truck, grinning like a kid with a new toy. I made fun of him because he was trying to grow out a beard, and it was still thin and wiry. He was still cute though, over six feet and coming into his own.
We danced and laughed and hung out for the first half of the night.
Then he kissed Kylie Farmer at the end of the night and broke my heart.
He didn't know; it wasn't his fault.
But it still hurt.
Those memories are heavy on my mind, along with thoughts of Steven, as I pull into the parking lot. I wish I could turn off all the ugly thoughts, but it's too hard up here in Fern Hollow, especially since I'm not working. It'll be easier when I go back to Seattle, back to work...
I start at the sound of someone knocking on my window.
Finn.
Always showing up in the most inconvenient places.
I smile up at him though, unlocking the door to let him open it for me. He's not dressed yet, wearing a t-shirt and jeans, and his smile goes a little hazy when I get out, the sequins under the chiffon reflecting in glimmering light on his face.
He looks like someone's cast a spell on him.
Then he winces.
"Oh my God!" I say, laughing. "Uh...did I just blind you with sequins? I'm so sorry--"
"It's fine," he laughs with me. "Let's just say I was uh...dazzled by your beauty."
My heart flutters at his words, and I can feel myself blushing despite myself. We've been friends for so long, but I can't help the way I feel about him. Even after all these years, he still makes me feel like a giddy schoolgirl.
"So...you ready for this?" he asks, looking at me with a smile that reaches his eyes.
I nod, trying to shake off the memories that have been haunting me all day. "Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go celebrate Sam and Ryan."
Finn nods, and we walk towards the venue together. The air is thick with the smell of flowers and the sound of laughter, and I can feel myself relaxing a little bit. Maybe tonight won't be so bad after all.
Just for tonight, I can pretend my life turned out different.
And Steven is still out there...he just has yet to come home.
Chapter six
Finn
I'mafraidtoaskher what happened to her date. I could have sworn Tasha mentioned she said she was bringing a plus one, and here Jenny is, alone and looking like a million bucks.
Can I ask this in a way that doesn't sound like I'm trying to swoop in?
Shit--am I trying to swoop in on somebody else's girl?
"Uh..." I mumble, ruffling my hair. "Is Steven still on his way or...?"
She casts here eyes down at the ground, where she's lifted her dress to walk carefully forward. Her feet peek out from under the hem; she's wearing pink chucks.
Fuck, she's cute.
How did I never notice before?
"He got an offer to stay another month at his internship, so that's what he's doing," she says. "It's a great opportunity."
