Whatever she went through didn’t show on her face, she hid it well.
My eyes flung over to my dad, who was watching with an expressionless face. He didn’t do that often, but maybe he was as shocked as I was.
WhenEommareleased her and walked to grab luggage out of the car, the girl’s eyes shifted towards the roof where Dad and I were sitting.
The girl smiled wide and enthusiastically waved at us. Dad chuckled and waved back, but I stared like an idiot.
We looked at each other for eight full seconds.
“Gross,huh?” Dad teased as he snuck back inside through the window.
My cheeks grew hot. Maybe notthatgross.
A shiver went up my spine at the speed of cold wind flying through the air. When I turned around one last time to glance at the girl, all I saw was Eda staring up at the spot previously occupied by Dad.
FIVE
ADELAIDE
Moonshine wasn’twhat I expected.
Despite the modern, sleek aesthetic, it was warm and comforting.
Large windows bracketed the outer walls, and the sun hid in every corner of the place. Green vines hung around each shiny chandelier, giving the place a much-needed natural vibe. I’d known for a while how popular Moonshine was, but I never knew it was likethis.
Daniel Hayes—Christian’s father—-kept the restaurant under wraps when he was in charge. Only VIP personnel were welcomed through private invites. That changed when Osama—or well, Christian—became CEO.
Osama’s shoulder-length hair remained uncut. His brown clean-shaven face, structured features, the scar right below his right eye, and his gaze changed. The fun, carefree eyes were taken over by a secret—something dark and mysterious. Despite his demeanour and his easy laughter, it was there. Lingering.
Hopefully my plan didn’t sound as disoriented as I felt.
The goal was for him to agree on working with Starlight as temporary partners, where we’d provide them with spices from all over the world. If that worked out, Starlight would fund Moonshine’s own brand of spices that’d be distributed worldwide for everyone to get a taste of the famous restaurant.
Umaima and Hasan gave me the go-ahead, but that didn’t stop solicitude from approaching the soon-to-be-cracked caterpillar eggs in my stomach.
Listening well and giving me his attention, Osama remained respectful. He tapped his finger on the mahogany table. Babbling further wasn’t going to help my situation since I knew why he didn’t respond to Starlight’s plan.
He had to discuss it withhimfirst.
Nervousness descended in the pit of my stomach, brushing against the flutters of anxiety. “You can discuss it with whoever you need to and email me when you have a decision.”
I pushed my chair back with a writhing smile.
“It’s a good thing the one in charge is here.”
His voice brushed up against me and smelled too much like the past, annihilating my sense of being. A plunder of emotions and the expression on Osama’s face chilled my bones. Laser focusing on the random pot of plants lined against the bar—that desperately needed to be watered—brought much comfort to the treacherous havoc erupting in my heart.
I’ll never be ready to see him, but now is really not the right time.
Seven years since I last saw him. Seven years since the breakup that tore me apart.
I always thought we’d meet in passing. On the streets, I’d be moving fast because I was busy. My hair would be down in waves or curls, instead of its original straight. He’d see me and trip over his feet like the sight of me stumped him. I’d simply smile, wiggle my fingers in a quick hello, then be on my way. Sure, for a moment my heart would hammer no screw in particular, but I wouldn’t care. I’d simply walk awayunaffected.
My imagination oversaw thatthiswas my first love.
Everyone knew first loves were immortal.
What did he look like? Was he still the small, lanky boy I knew? Or was he different? He smelled different.Good. Incredible.
