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“Wanted to make up for our first re-encounter.” I reach for her hand and squeeze it.
“I do love that place.”
“I know, so I figured we’d switch out that sour experience for a memorable one.” I open her fingers and link mine with hers.
“Memorable, huh?”
“Yup.”
“You’re too confident about that.”
“Now that I’ve composed myself after seeing you, I am,” I nod firmly. “We have history, Lex. Good and bad, but I hope that the good outweighs the bad and allows us to begin this new chapter on a positive note.”
“Me too,” she whispers.
We arrive, and I park, walking over to open the door for her. I hold my hand out, and Lex takes it without hesitation as I help her out of the car. As soon as I give the hostess my name, we’re seated at a table. The restaurant is dim, and some tables are taken, but it isn’t full, so we have privacy.
“I know you’ll be busy while in New York, but I’d love to see you. I want to show you around and give you a glimpse of my life there.” I hold my breath, knowing this is a touchy subject for us.
“I’ll have to double-check the schedule.”
“I doubt you’ll be at the conference around the clock.” I raise my eyebrows.
“No, but I can’t tell you an exact time.” She cocks her head and leans back on her chair.
“Fair enough.” I nod and look at the menu. “Would you like some wine?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.”
“What do you like?” I look up at her. She’s scanning the menu.
“Do you like Merlot?” Her warm eyes meet mine.
“Perfect,” I nod and lift my hand to signal the waiter.
“This feels a little weird, right?” Lex giggles.
“I think it feels right. I’ve missed you, as I’ve said before. I know I have a lot to prove to you, and our living situation hasn’t changed, but I’m looking at all aspects of my life and figuring out what I want.” I confess and reach for her hand across the table.
“What does that mean?” Her voice trembles.
“I’m not sure yet, but what I’m certain about is that I regret leaving you. I let my anger push me away from my parents so I could distance myself from their control, and it ultimately broke us.” I shake my head, frowning.
Lex nods in silence, eyes looking down at the table. The waiter brings our bottle of wine, serving us each a glass. I thank him and smile.
“Let’s talk about the present.” She finally looks at me after the waiter’s left.
“Good idea,” I smirk. “Cheers.” I lift my glass. When she does the same, I tap mine to hers and take a sip. My eyes train on the slope of Lex’s neck as she tilts her head back to drink her wine. Smooth skin I dream of kissing.
“Are you enjoying having Tristan here? I hadn’t seen him in so long, but it doesn’t seem as if he’s changed much.” Lex chuckles. She’s oblivious to my daydreaming, and I clear my throat.
“I am. I think it had been about a year and a half since I saw him.”
“That long?” Her eyes widen.
“I know, it’s crazy. He’s been traveling and moving around so much that he barely comes this way. I can’t say I blame him. I rather not have to deal with our parents after picking up and leaving against their wishes.” Tristan took a huge risk knowing he wouldn’t return to my parents’ house.
“Wow. I bet you are happy to see him, then, especially for the holidays.”
