Chapter15
Ishrugged, unfazed. “Life had other plans. I’m an elevator engineer now.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Wow, that’s cool!!!
Ichuckled, taken aback by her genuine enthusiasm “Thanks, I don’t often hear that Most people think it sounds difficult and challenging.
Her smile faltered for a moment, and she looked at me with a hint of curiosity. “I think it’s great that you found something you’re passionate about. Not many people can say that.”
*1 wouldn’t say passionate.” I clarified, “but I do enjoy it, and the paycheck doesn’t hurt either.”
Her laughter burst forth, a melodious sound that caught me off guard. I was awestnek, realizing it was the first time I’d ever heard her laugh. The contagious joy in her voice made me smile, and I felt a spark of past feelings Thadn’t expected.
“Thank you, Keith,” Rose said, her smile filled with genuine gratitude. “This has been the most normal birthday I’ve had in a long time, even if only for
short while.”
I apologized, feeling a pang of embarrassment. “I’m sorry Taylor embarrassed you like that,
She shrugged nonchalantly, her expression intarest. “It’s okay,” she said softly, averting her
As we chatted about random things, our conversation flowed effortlessly, and for a brief moment, we forgot about the worries and complexities of life. It was the first time we’d truly talked, and it was everything I had imagined it would be all those years ap
, natural, and utterly captivating
I shared a bit about my own life, trying to put her at ease. As we talked, I noticed the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, or the way her hair fell in
softwares down her back
The conversation was stilted at first, but slowly, we began to open up. I discovered we shared a love for old movies and hiking. Rose’s shy demeanor began to fade, replaced by a quiet confidence.
As the wine flowed, our words became more effortless, our laughter more natural. I found myself drawn to this new, vulnerable side of her and I couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets lay beneath her reserved exterior.
“Hey, Rose, I’m really glad we’re talking like this,” I said, feeling a sense of ease and connection I’d never experienced with her before. “I feel I’m getting to know you for the first time, and I have to say, I’m really enjoying it.”
She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Yeah, me too. I always thought you were, arrogant, I guess.”
I laughed, surprised by her honesty. “Arrogant? Me? I had no idea I gave off that vibe.”
She shrugged. “Well, you were always so popular, and confident. I assumed you thought you were better than everyone else.”
I shook my head, feeling a twinge of regret. “Wow, I had no idea, I actually thought you were the one who was, untouchable,” I admitted.
Her eyebrows shot up. “Untouchable?”
“Yeah,” I continued, my heart racing with vulnerability. “You were always so quiet, and seemed so put together. I thought you were out of my league, that I’d never be able to reach you”
Her expression softened, and she looked at me with a newfound understanding “That’s funny. I thought the same about you.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing “Really?”
She nodded, alint of a smile on her lips. “Yeah, I had a crush on you in high school, but I thought you’d never notice me.
My mind reeled as I processed her words. “Thad a crush on you too, but I thought you were too good for me, I confessed, feeling a sense of wonder and
We both paused, looking at each other in surprise
– She broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “We were both so wrong about each other.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude and connection. “I guess we were.
“I wanted to ask you out for pruin,” I confessed, the memory is still fresh in found out I wouldn’t be able to take you to my prom ”
mind. “But Casper beat me to it. I remember feeling so down when I
Her expression softened, and she looked at me with apologetic eyes. “Sorry, I had no idea. Casper was just the closest person to having a friend, I guess. He asked, and I said yes.
[couldn’t help but wonder what could have been. “Il I had asked you, what would have been your answer?” Lasked, my voice laced with curiosity.
dacross
Her eyes sparkled, and a gentle smile spread across her face. “I would’ve said yes,” she replied honestly.
I felt a flutter in my chest as I gazed into her shining eyes. The possibility of what could have been hung in the als, and for a moment, I forgot about the years that had passed. I forgot about the choices we’d made, the paths we’d taken. All that mattered was the confection between us, the what–ifs, and the
maybes.
With a careless flourish, I waved off the past “That was in the past,”
Extending my hand in a gesture of newfound energy. The wine’s Intoxicating warmth encouraged me, and the distant melody from downstairs seemed to swell in harmony with my suggestion.
