Page 23 of Tryst

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Whatever the situation was, I wanted it to end before Jade came home. “Elena, what are you doing?” I ask when we get a moment alone.

“Whatever do you mean?” she says. About as innocent as her daughter when I'm in heaven, and I'd give Jade about anything she wanted. I stare at Elena waiting for my answer. “You're ready to settle down. I can tell. Tandy is a great woman, so is Callie.”

“Elena…” I groan.

“Listen, you were a bit distracted during the first meeting with Tandy, but you have a lot in common. You look awesome together,” she says. I shake my head, and she smiles touching my arm. “Now, Callie, you were always good together, and you have history. I bet the good can outweigh the not-so-good.”

“No.”

“I could be matron of honor and your best woman if things work. It could be so perfect. Jade could be bridesmaid, and she'd be beautiful. You could finally make me an aunt with your adorable cute kids. Jade is still too young to even think about having any children for me to spoil.”

“Elena, stop.” The future she painted is killing me because the only person I can imagine next to me is her beautiful daughter.

“I only want to see you happy. You look like you could use a little more of that this evening. Think about it? I know Callie would be willing to give it another go. She's changed, more mature.” She pats my arm leaving me on the terrace to look at two successful, attractive women through the door. They should be what I want at this stage of my life. To settle down. Start a family. Get married, buy a house, and all that. Saturday morning games and school meetings.

Jade’s at the beginning of her life. All doors are open to her, to explore and find out who she is. There are so many unanswered questions in her life and ahead of her to figure out. At her age, most things are temporary—like relationships that start off hot and heavy, then fizzle out. The reality of how hard a committed long-distance relationship could be, will sink in, and she'll be back to her normal life with college guys, parties, and temptations.

I'm scared to put temptation in the way, too. I don't want to put either of us in a position to hurt each other with the pitfalls of a long-distance relationship. Some things a couple can't come back from.

Sitting on the back terrace, I look up at the sky. The sliding door behind me squeaks, and Callie stands next to me, leaning on the railing.

“Tired of Elena’s matchmaking?”

I smile at her. She looks the same as when we were together with her blunt haircut. She's an artist, eclectic as the gallery she owns. She's a free spirit at heart; I believe that's what drew me to her when we were together. “She's our number one fan.”

“I know.” She smiles nudging my shoulder with hers. “Would it be so bad if we tried to give us another chance? I have fond memories of our time.”

“Those times were good. But turning my engagement down, then finding out you cheated, wasn't.”

“I've always been sorry for that.”

“I know.” Didn't make it hurt any less.

“I was young and stupid. I wasn't sure what I wanted. Things change.”

“They do.” I stand facing her.

“You said you forgave me a long time ago. I'm different. What if we gave it another go?”

“I don't think so, Callie. Some things you just can't come back from.”

“Okay. But kiss me first.”

“Callie—no.”

“Why not? To see if the sparks are still there. You're not with anyone are you?” she says, and I shake my head. “Neither am I. Come on, one last time. We can call it the final closure if there's nothing, and Elena can stop.” She moves in close.

I sigh blowing out all the air in my lungs. I look at the woman I was once ready to spend my life with. Holding my face in her hands, she pulls my head down. I close my eyes as her tongue brushes against the seams of my lips, coaxing it to open. Our tongues meet, sliding over each other repeatedly, and there's nothing. No spark, no twinge of excitement. Nothing for this woman I once loved.

There's a noise, I look over at the door, but I don't see anything. Callie draws my attention back to her. “Well?” she says.

“Nothing, sorry. I didn't feel anything.”

“You don't need to be sorry for that.” She looks up at me through her lashes. “I’m going to say goodnight to my sister.”

“I'll walk you out after I say good night to everyone. It's time for me to leave as well.”

I get home and think about Jade. How much I want her to be with me. How the kiss with Callie reminded me how much I feel for Jade every time we kiss. How young she still is, but how many ways she's different from Callie.