Is this one of my drunken dreams? Last time I was in a movie with Jason Momoa doing a hot make-out scene. Today seems as legit as that dream.
Eli Parker has been a recurring character in my dreams and nightmares for too long.
The boy who was my first everything.
My first crush.
My first kiss.
My first time.
My first love.
And my first heartbreak.
He is also one of the people who have left me behind in my short life. As I look at Eli in all his glory, one thing is clear. He isn’t that boy anymore. And I’m not the same girl I was seven years ago. Today should be interesting.
* * *
There’s an awkward silence between us after the introductions. The only thing I can hear is our breathing and my racing thoughts. My mind is going a mile a minute. Synapses all firing at once.
Eli runs his hand through his wet hair. That same wet hair I can’t stop thinking about.
I clear my throat to buy more time. “I go by my middle name Rose now. Maggie was someone else, and she’s been gone for years, too,” I snap at him and turn away hastily.
I can’t be here.
I have to get out.
Coming here today was a mistake.
It’s time for me to leave.
Andrew can fire me. I don’t even care anymore. There must be something else I can do to save money for my tuition next school year. My head keeps telling me to get as far away from Eli as possible. Leaving this building should be my first step. I need all the space I can get.
Unfortunately, booking a last-minute flight to Pluto isn’t a possibility.
I count to ten to calm my nerves. Just like my first therapist taught me years ago after my mother left. As if I’m going to be able to feel zen anytime soon. Fat chance of that happening. I feel like I’ll faint if I don’t get out of here now.
As I speed walk to the elevator, I don’t focus on anything else than leaving. When I push the elevator button, I feel his firm touch on my shoulder. I had no idea he was that close. Startling in surprise, I stumble back and accidentally lean against him. He’s changed his cologne since I last saw him. But traces of his unique smell have remained. He always smelled fresh, like summer rain.
I really shouldn’t be here thinking about his smell. He doesn’t have any right to touch me. Not anymore.We’re no longer friends.We’re nothing.
“Don’t touch me,” I grunt, trying to balance myself.
“Mag— Rose, please look at me,” he pleads, softening his tone before continuing. “There’s a lot we need to discuss. I’m as shocked as you are.”
At least he looks sincere as he says that.
“Oh please. I had no idea it’s you I’m supposed to interview for my article. I wouldn’t be here if I did.”
My voice raises towards the end. Eli winces and holds a hand against his chest. “Can we please talk for a moment? Just one moment. Nothing less, nothing more.” He pleads with his eyes.
“Like we have nothing to talk about,” I hiss in response and stare at the opening elevator doors instead of him. It would be easy just to leave. But something keeps me here.
As if he senses my hesitation, Eli steps between me and the elevator doors, and tells me something I wasn’t expecting. “I often wondered what could have happened in the past. Don’t you? It’s like we have this second chance in our hands. Let’s not waste it.”
When I look up at him again, I see all the emotions in his glistening eyes: longing, hope, sadness, and a bit of anger.
