Her last words cause me to choke on my drink.
As I cough, Connie pats my back. “Come on now, don’t deny it.”
I won’t. It’s true. Idostill love Cody. I never really stopped. I tried—I tried really hard—but love like that doesn’t go away. It may lie dormant, but all it takes is one memory, or the man you love returning, for it all to come back to the surface.
“But what if he’s moved on?” I ask.
Connie laughs. “He’s been hung up on you for the last thirteen years. I highly doubt he’s moved on in the past week.”
I take another sip, but then suddenly I’m not feeling so good. As much as I want Cody the thought of calling him and clearing the air has me feeling nauseous. “I need to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
I get up and make my way to the back, finding the restroom. Fortunately, we’re early enough there isn’t a crowd in here. I close myself in a stall.
I know Connie. Once she gets an idea in her head, especially if she thinks it’s a good one, she won’t let it go. When I return to our table, she’ll insist on figuring out this big thing she wants me to do. Am I ready? No. But will I ever feel ready?
I want a life with Cody. That much I know. And if I don’t pursue it, I’ll always regret it.
A couple of women enter the restroom, laughing. Finished with my business, I flush, then exit the stall and wash my hands. As I approach our table, Connie is grinning.
I arch a brow as I sit down. “You look guilty. What did you do?”
She laughs. “What do you mean? You were gone a long time. What did you do?”
My hand goes to my chest, and I give her my best appalled voice. “You never ask that of a lady returning from the bathroom.”
“Ladies. Good to see you.”
I turn to see Rover grinning down at us. Why the hell is he here? I glance at Connie. She’s avoiding my gaze.
“Hello, Lucy. This must be your friend Connie.” He smiles at her. “I’m Rover, it’s lovely to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He holds out his hand.
Connie blushes. She never blushes. But even I can admit Rover is a very good-looking man. And with his leather jacket and boots, he is definitely Connie’s type.
She takes his hand. “Nice to meet you, too. I’d like to know what it is you’ve heard.”
No, I want to know why he’s here. “Rover, what are you doing here?”
The odds of Rover showing up at a college bar seem low. Unless he’s into college girls. But the way he’s staring at Connie, I don’t think that’s it.
Then I hear another familiar voice.
“Good to see you, Luce.”
His voice sends chills down my arms, and my stomach flutters. I turn slowly, bracing myself. But it does no good. The man looks good in a fitted Henley and snug blue jeans. Hell, he’d look good in anything.
“Hey, Rover, why don’t you buy me a drink at the bar?” Connie suggests.
“Good idea.”
They both leave, and then I’m alone with Cody.
“Mind if I sit down?” he motions to the chair Connie vacated.
“Go ahead,” I squeak out.
He sits at the tiny table, and suddenly, he feels too close. I can’t think straight when he’s this close.
“How have you been?” he asks.
