Page 7 of Finally, Our Forever

Maci Kate

Oh, my God. Oh My God. OH, MY GOD! My breathing is a little choppy, and my heart is racing. I place my hand over my heart and rub a little, trying to get it to slow down. Damn, Reece Atwood! This man was the obsession of my teenage heart.

We grew up together, constantly in each other’s lives because our parents are best friends. They have been since I was born and he was four. I was like the nerdy little sister that followed him around like a lost puppy. He never made me feel unwanted, and always tried including me when he was around his friends. He stood up for me if his friends ever made fun of me or tried to get rid of me.

As we grew up, we stayed friends, but he became super hot—thus becoming the standard by which I judged all other boys. Nothing ever happened between us, although I wanted it to. I knew he was too old for me. We flirted harmlessly and continued to be friends, but nothing ever moved beyond that.

When he went off to college, I still crushed on him. However, he was way out of my league and never around anymore, except during holidays and a few times over the summers. Things were different when I did see him. Our once close friendship had changed to one of indifference, and it seemed he would purposely ignore me when I was around. It hurt, but I got over it. I told myself it didn’t matter, since I was going off to college soon, anyway.

He graduated college the summer I graduated high school. Our families had a barbecue to celebrate. He and I started talking, and things seemed easier than they had been in the past few years. We talked and laughed all day, so I soaked up all my courage and asked him what I had been dying to know for years.

“Reece, what happened between us?”

He looks at me, like he is confused. “Not sure what you’re talking about, Maci.”

I continue, brave now that he is talking to me again. “I don’t know. I mean, did I do something to upset you? For the past couple of years, you’ve treated me like, I don’t know, like you couldn’t care less if I was around. We used to be so close.”

He stares at me for a few beats, and then his demeanor changes, and he shut down again.

“You’re my parents’ best friends’ daughter, Maci. How did you expect me to treat you?”

Well, that wasn’t what I expected to come from him. My throat closes with tears, and it becomes painful to speak, “I—I just…We were friends, and then you…Never mind. I’m just being a silly girl.”

“You were always a silly girl, Maci. Have fun. I’ve got a date tonight.”

He wiggled his eyebrows and walked away from me, showing me that whatever we had when we were younger meant nothing to him. As my eyes filled with unshed tears, I watched him get into his old pickup truck and back out without even looking at me, taking my young heart with him.

After that, I gave up on Reece and any feelings I ever had for the asshole. He reduced me to nothing in a matter of minutes that afternoon. I knew I was something. I was someone, and even if he thought nothing of me, I knew someone would someday.

I shake my head at the memories of our past. I’m not that person anymore. I’m not that shy and reserved girl who allowed people to beat her down and treat her like shit. I’m worthy of love. And who the hell does he think he is, calling me ‘baby’ like he has a right to? I’m not looking to be treated like shit by one man, let alone two. Even if he has changed, I’m not ready to be with someone. Not after David’s crap this morning.

I walk into the kitchen, shaking my head, still confused at what all that was about. Why now?

“What’s up, Maci Kate?” Asks Reece’s mom, Anna. “You look all shook up over there in that head of yours.”

“It’s nothing, Ms. Anna. Just a weird day so far. How have you and Mr. Paul been?”

I’ve always loved Reece’s mom and dad. They have been like my aunt and uncle for so long, and they treat Bennett as if he were their own grandson. It’s fun watching them try to one-up my parents when we’re all together to see who Bennett loves more.

“Oh, you know how it is—working and playing, More playing than work, these days. We’re happy, though, so it’s good. Where’s my baby boy? I need some of that lovin’ only he can give.” I laugh, knowing exactly the kind of lovin’ she’s talking about. Bennett’s hugs and kisses are the best things ever.

“He was throwing a ball around the house, so I kicked him outside.”

I laugh, picturing him hitting Reece in the back with it. Reece deserved it, the douche.

“Actually, he hit Reece with the ball.”

Her eyes go wide with mischief. “And how did that son of mine react?”

“Oh, he laughed it off. I didn’t even realize it was him there for a minute. I haven’t seen him in years. He looks so different now.” I watch as her eyes go sad for a moment.

“Yeah, he’s different than he used to be. I guess war does that to a person. He’s getting better. He likes his job; it keeps him busy and out of trouble.”

I didn’t even think about what he has gone through; I’ve been so caught up in my life and all that’s going on there. God, what kinds of things did he see over there? How has that affected his life now? Is he okay? Does he have PTSD? Did it bother him when Bennett hit him with that ball?

“Well, he looks good.” Shit, why did I say that? My cheeks heat up with what I’m sure is a nice pink blush. “I mean, you know, healthy and all.”

Ms. Anna smiles at me, puts her arm around my shoulders and pulls me to her side. “Yeah, Maci girl, he looks healthy.” She rolls her eyes. “How have you been doing? You’re over that asshole, right?” I nod. “Good, because I’ve been thinking. It’s time for you to start getting yourself out there again. You should join one of those sites online. Like Tinder or something.”

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