Page 66 of Bound By Crimson
She tapped out a message:
“Lunch soon? I’d love to catch up.”
The reply came almost instantly.
“Name the time and place. I can’t wait.”
---
The café was upscale but cozy—small marble tables, floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the pale June sunlight.
Lyric arrived first, nerves knotting in her stomach.
She wore soft grey slacks and a pale blue blouse, simple but elegant. No diamonds. No designer logos. She wanted to feel like herself again.
When Rowan arrived, she looked both polished and slightly out of place in the high-society setting.
Blonde hair swept into a low chignon. A simple navy dress.
Her smile was hesitant but hopeful.
They embraced briefly.
For a moment, it was easy to imagine they were just two friends meeting for coffee—no history, no heartbreak.
Once seated, Rowan reached for her water glass but paused.
“I never stopped regretting what happened... with Eric.”
Lyric took a slow breath.
“I know.”
She met Rowan’s eyes, steady.
“I think deep down, I always knew it wasn’t really your fault.”
Rowan blinked, surprised.
“Eric told me you said things behind my back,” Rowan said quietly. “He made me think you didn’t really like me. And when my parents were splitting up, he was the only one who listened. I was just so... lost.”
“I remember,” Lyric said softly. “I just didn’t realize how bad it was for you. When I saw you two together, I thought...”
“I tried to push him away,” Rowan whispered. “That night—you walked in—I was trying to stop it. But when you cut me off, I had no one else. I fell into him because I felt like I’d already lost you.”
Lyric’s throat tightened. She reached across the table, covering Rowan’s hand with her own.
“You were just a kid. We both were. Eric knew what he was doing. He pitted us against each other. I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner.”
Rowan’s eyes shimmered with tears.
“I tried to reach out. I just never wanted to give up. I always hoped you’d answer one day. I’ve missed you so much.”
“You didn’t lose me. Not forever.” Lyric smiled softly. “I forgive you. And... I forgive myself too. I should have asked questions. I should have fought for us.”
The weight that had hovered between them for years seemed to melt into the soft clink of silverware and the quiet hum of conversation around them.
“But enough about the past,” Lyric said gently. “How’s everything going with you? You looked so professional with the glam team when we met again. You’re really making it.”
