Page 23 of 7 Miles High
“Hello, Natalie,” Alex says softly.
I gently pull away and give him an emotionless stare. He doesn’t have the privilege of touching me anymore.
“Alex.”
Elizabeth lifts her chin and eyebrow in a quiet message not to mess with either of us. She’s got my back. He sees it and under his breath huffs a response. He never really connected with my friends. That should have been my first clue.
“How are you? Looking good. Always liked you in blue.”
His eyes travel my body. Creepy. How did it used to seem sexy? Everything has changed.
“I’d like to talk with you in private. Would that be okay?” he says sheepishly.
“I’m really not interested, Alex. I’ve moved on,” I say perfectly calm.
Then I touch his arm in a dismissive gesture. “But I wish you well.”
There’s only his shocked look as I turn and walk away. I think his jaw dropped with my words.
That feels good. My response was on point. Not too much. Not too little.
I’m lighter. Nerves at seeing him have evaporated. This is how you feel when you’ve said exactly what you mean. Usually I’m coming up with the perfect response three hours later. For the first time in six months I realize he holds no power over me.
Now, on to more important things. Where’s Parker?
I snake through the crowd, eyes searching for his handsome face. I can hardly wait to touch him. But along the way I’m stopped by Jenna’s aunt, one of our sorority sisters, and a kid looking for his mother. Fate is throwing roadblocks in my path one after another.
Then I see him coming my way, navigating the crowd. His blue eyes focused above the faces. I think he’s looking for my blonde hair.
I’ve imagined what he’d look like in a suit, but my imagination wasn’t aiming high enough. He’s stunning. Ink-black fine fabric and fitted as if some Italian tailor sold him his finest work. Stark-white dress shirt, open collared. I may have a fashiongasm right here.
His eyes find mine and a smile lifts the corners of his mouth. I’m transported.
Walking up, he leans in. “Jenna invited me. I hope it’s a good surprise.”
I wrap my arm around his waist. “The best. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Oh shit. Tears. I feel them well. What the hell?
He takes my hand. “Come on, I passed a place we can be alone.”
We follow the brick path behind the rose trees lining the dance floor. It leads us to a gazebo entwined with vines and flowers. It’s beautifully romantic, but my eyes are too blurry to see it clearly.
Leading me inside, we’re cut off from any distractions. Against the backdrop of blossoms, he takes my hand and we sit.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m sorry.” A fat tear courses down my cheek.
“What’s this about?” he says, lifting my chin.
I pause and gather the right words.
“Cancun was magical. Parker, you’re the best time I’ve ever had.”
“I feel the same.”
Then I let it all out.
“Here, back in the real world, where we have a past, I’m afraid you might change your perception of me.”
