Page 20 of Rekindled

“Maybe you have, but not me,” Spencer said, shaking his head. “I’ve often thought about that day in the school hall. I should have told everyone right then and there, how much you meant to me; that you were the smartest, prettiest, kindest person I have ever known.

“I’m sure we both have long lists of regrets when it comes to that time in our life. I should have stood up for myself, not only to Tiffany and her friends, but to you when you made me keep our relationship a secret.”

“That was wrong of me. I was scared, and I acted out of fear the whole time we were together. It was a mistake not to tell everyone that I was deeply, madly in love with you. I’m truly sorry for everything.”

Molly smiled at Spencer as she reached out and patted his hand. “Thank you for saying that; however, we can’t dwell on the mistakes we made.”

“Just like I don’t want to give Rick another thought now that we’re finished.”

“That’s probably a good idea. He seemed horrid from the one time I met him.”

“I can’t believe I was blind to how he really was. I don’t know what I was thinking being with that guy.” Shaking her head, she added, “I must be attracted to jerks.”

“Ouch,” Spencer stated, flinching from the statement. “I guess you’re right to lump me in with him—well, at least when we dated. I hope you’re starting to see though, I’m not like I was back when we were in high school. I’ve changed.”

Molly tapped her fingers on the edge of her glass as she looked at him. Finally, after several moments, she said, “I’m beginning to believe it’s possible.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

The server arrived at their table with a notepad and pen in her hands. “Are you both ready to order?”

“I’ll take the turkey on rye, along with a half order of your Harvest Salad,” Spencer stated, handing her his menu.

“That was quick,” Molly stated. “You didn’t even open the menu.”

Spencer glanced over at Molly and grinned. “I don’t have to. I get the same thing every time.”

“Then I guess that’s what I’m getting too. Can’t argue with that recommendation.” She handed the menu over to the server, as she added, “I’d also like a glass of iced tea with lemon, please.”

“And I’ll stick with water,” Spencer said.

After the server left them alone, Molly asked, “So, we’ve completely exhausted discussing my dating status. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“I know you’re not dating Sarah, but is there someone else?”

Spencer wondered how he should answer her. He decided to be as bluntly honest as he could. “I’ve never been able to sustain a relationship past a few dates.”

“Why is that? Too busy with work?”

He shook his head. “No, whenever I started dating someone, you would come to mind. I would measure them against you, and I would decide it wouldn’t work. No one ever compared to you.”

Molly’s eyes grew round with surprise. “Wow, I can’t believe you just admitted that.”

“In ten years, I haven’t been able to get over you. I figure, I should make it clear how I feel,” he said as he reached out and took her hand. “I still care about you, Molly. I’ve never stopped. I was just too stupid and scared to do anything about it back when we were young.”

Instantly, a memory came floating back of when he had reacted out of fear.

Spencer couldn’t keep himself from showing Molly affection as they stood outside the library next to his Camaro. He knew it was risky, being in such a public place, but she was so cute with her hair braided and her overalls on.

He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips. The feel of her mouth under his own was wonderful. He couldn’t get enough.

“I have to go,” Molly stated with reluctance.

“Do you have to leave?”

“Believe me, I don’t want to, but my parents are expecting me.”

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