Page 11 of The Marriage Pact
Kaitlyn was touched. She remembered every piece she made. They were all individual. All special. The bowl was one she was particularly proud of. It had taken a lot of work to get right, and she’d used the same technique — a water-based brush stroke — on the vase. It was flattering to think he’d thought of her.
“That’s very kind,” she said, smiling at him as he smiled back at her.
“I see it every day in my apartment. It always makes me think of you.”
Again, Kaitlyn was taken aback. She thought he hadn’t given her a second thought since they’d parted ways. But the fact that he had, and the fact that she had, too, was reason enough to think their meeting again might prove to be more than she’d feared, more than she might even have hoped.
CHAPTER 4
ALEX
Alex felt foolish for having worried about his encounter with Kaitlyn. It felt as though no time had passed at all. The awkward first words were behind them, and the conversation was flowing freely. It felt just like being back in high school. Kaitlyn was just as pretty now as she’d been then, but more mature, of course. Alex liked that. In her pretty peach-colored dress that complemented her red curls, she exuded a kind of confidence, one he found attractive, and he could only admire her for the way she’d pursued her artistic dreams.
“I didn’t tell you it was me buying the pieces. I got someone else to do it. But I chose them. It was a hard choice. Everything you make… it’s beautiful,” he said.
Kaitlyn blushed. “You should’ve said something. I’d have been pleased to hear from you.”
A wave of guilt came over Alex as he thought of the unanswered letters and postcards. He could feel the blush rising in his cheeks. “I’m sorry. I should’ve written to you. Or called you. I could make excuses, but…” he began, stumbling over his words.
Therewasno excuse. He simply hadn’t replied. As for the reason, he wasn’t entirely sure. Harvard had been a difficult time for him. He’d suffered from impostor syndrome, and that had made him work far harder than he needed to. Setting up his first business, studying for his degree — it had taken its toll, and it was his relationships, his friendships that had suffered.
“You won’t get anywhere without making sacrifices” was something one of his professors used to say.
Alex had taken it to heart. He’d worked harder, longer, and with more sacrifices than anyone. The result: he’d been a millionaire by twenty-one and made his first billion at twenty-five. But as for finding happiness…
“It doesn’t matter. We went our separate ways. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. It just happened that way,” Kaitlyn replied.
Alex was grateful to her. She had every right to be angry with him. He’d often thought about what might’ve been. Sean and Rachel were the example of that. That could’ve been him and Kaitlyn.
It still could be.
It was a foolish thought, of course. He really knew nothing about her anymore. For all he knew, Kaitlyn might well have someone already, someone back in San Francisco, another artist. San Francisco was full of people like that.
“I know, but you used to send me things, and I meant to reply, but then something else happened. It wasn’t easy. I was trying to prove myself, and…” he began, but Kaitlyn interrupted him.
“I thought you weren’t making excuses,” she said.
Alex blushed. “I’m sorry. I wish I could change things. But here we are. Perhaps we can start over.”
He hoped he didn’t sound desperate. He wasn’t really sure what he was asking — another chance at romance? It was too soon for that, though three glasses of champagne and the table wine were making it easier to envisage. But seeing Kaitlyn again was a reminder to Alex that there’d never been anyone else. He’d tried to feel the same way about other women, but the spark had never been there. It was strange.
“How long are you back in town for?” she asked, as though not wanting to make any definite commitment.
“Just a week. Usually, my mom and I meet in Florida. That’s why I don’t get back here very often. Ever, in fact,” he replied.
The empty plates from the first course had been cleared away, and now the main course arrived — a saddle of lamb, with feta and pomegranates and couscous to accompany it.
“You got your meat,” Kaitlyn said, glancing toward where Rachel was being presented with a stuffed eggplant.
Alex smiled. Kaitlyn still had that same sense of humor as always. It was observational and witty. He’d always been attracted to her sharpness. Whatever she’d turned her hand to, she’d succeeded, and Alex knew she’d be successful in the future, too, wherever life led her.
“Thank goodness. I’d have had to stop at the drive-thru on the way home if not.”
Kaitlyn made a face. “You were always obsessed with the drive-thru. I hope you’re eating better now. I suppose you’ll tell me you’re too busy to eat,” she said as she sliced into her lamb.
Alex didn’t like to admit she was right. The kitchen in his apartment had cost close to a hundred thousand dollars to fit, but Alex couldn’t remember the last time he’d done anything more than make coffee in it and warm some croissants from the nearest bakery. If it wasn’t a business lunch, it was a client dinner or a breakfast meeting. Food wasn’t something he ever gave much thought to, though he dined in the best restaurants in the city.
“Well… I do eat,” he replied.
