Jordy’s grip on the steering wheel tightened and I wondered if he was thinking the same thing. He kept a slow andsteady pace, navigating the roads competently. He was clearly experienced with winter driving.
“You must be excited about the wedding.”
He glanced my way, then back to road. “I’m happy for Emily. She and Austin made a good couple. Wait—how do you know I’m here for a wedding?”
“I assumed. I’m attending tomorrow and your group in the coffee shop seemed like a wedding party.”
“You’re attending my sister’s wedding?” The shock in his voice was unmistakeable.
“Yes, along with my parents. Austin is my ex-boyfriend, actually. We grew up together and our parents are still close.”
“Wow, you’re the ex, huh? My sister mentioned it to me. At first she was threatened by it until Austin explained it wasn’t really a great love affair or anything?—“
He abruptly cut off his sentence when he realized he’d probably said more than he should. He ran his hand through his hair, sending the curls into disarray. Somehow it made him even more attractive.
“We were teenagers. It was intense while it lasted but high school relationships aren’t meant to last.” I brushed off the hurt that Austin hadn’t been nearly as affected by our connection than I’d been.
“Relationships are mysterious no matter the age. At least, I’ve never figured them out.”
“Same. Never even been tempted to try.”
Silence descended as we each realized we were more similar than we expected. We drove for a while with the only sound the crunch of snow under the tires.
Jordy broke the silence. “Is it weird to attend the wedding under the circumstances?”
“Not really. I don’t have feelings for him anymore or anything. I’m not actually sure why I agreed to come. I’m sure he only invited me to be polite because my parents are invited.”
“You don’t keep in touch?”
“Not really. Just in the social media kind of way.”
“Yet here you are. Something must have drawn you.”
WhywasI here? I did want to see Austin again and figure out why that relationship seemed to break me for any others. Was he really that special? Or had I built him up in my mind over the years?
“I’m curious.” It was the simplest version of explanation I could offer.
“I can understand that. I hope you get your questions answered.”
His complete acceptance and support of my answer shocked me. I’d have expected he’d have more questions or challenge my reasoning. Instead he simply validated it and moved on.
We made small talk for the rest of the drive, both seeming to keep an eye on the rapidly intensifying snow. We finally pulled into a long drive, the car sliding as the tires attempted to find traction on the slick surface.
Jordy’s brow furrowed with worry as we slowly made our way to the front door. The snow was falling more rapidly now and was sticking to the ground in earnest. “We should be quick. I don’t like the look of this weather.”
“Agreed.” I shivered in the bitter wind as he entered the code on keypad and pushed opened the door.
We stomped the snow off our boots before entering, leaving our boots by the front door but keeping our coats on. Jordy flicked on the lights.
“You can stay here and I’ll run up and get the jewelry.”
I nodded my agreement and he bounded up the stairs. I couldn’t help taking a moment to appreciate his long muscular legs as he took the steps two at a time.
I wandered into the living room and perused the framed photos on the wall. I knew intellectually that we were in Austin and Emily’s home, but the reality hit me like a punch to the gut when I spotted their engagement photos on the wall.
Stepping closer, I studied the pictures, searching for a clue about grown up Austin but his smiling expression didn’t offer any insight. Running my gaze over the other photos, I spotted his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. The wall captured a lifetime of memories, hinting at many more to come.
The display was everything I thought I didn’t want yet I recognized an unfamiliar emotion—longing. There was a part of me, buried deeply, that wanted meaningful connection.
