I thought I'd get over her and move on.Who met the love of their life in high school?But I'd never felt something similar for another woman.
Looking back, I wasn't sure I'd handled that situation correctly.At the time, breaking up seemed like the right thing to do.But now that my military career was in the rearview mirror, I wondered about the what-ifs.What if I'd treated her with more care?What if I made more of an effort?Would we be married now with kids?
That was crazy because military relationships aren't easy with the deployments and constant moves.She never would have been able to hold a steady job, and how would she ever have started a business?I told myself that it was better that I let her go.
There might be some leftover animosity, and it certainly wouldn't hurt to apologize for the way I handled things.It might smooth our relationship enough that she'd feel more comfortable working with me.
Renovating Mistletoe Inn was my first solo project for Sterling Brothers since starting my new position, and I wanted to do a good job.My brothers wanted to pool their various specialties—electrician, plumber, and landscaping—and open a business.
Our friend Cooper had the contracting experience, so they included him.The business itself was fairly new, and they were still trying to prove themselves as reliable contractors in the area.
After meeting with Natasha, I returned to my office, typing the details into the computer.Cooper leaned a shoulder against the doorframe of the office."How'd it go this morning?"
I ran a hand through my hair, leaning back in my chair."Good.I think.I met with Natasha."
His eyes widened."You two dated in high school."
There was a time when Natasha spent a lot of time at our house, eating Sunday dinners and playing family game night.Those memories kept me warm on long nights of deployments."She was my first real girlfriend."
Cooper nodded."Maria thought you'd marry her one day.She was upset when you broke things off so early in your military career.She thought you'd made a mistake."
I did a double take."She never said anything to me about it."
Cooper stepped further into the room."She was careful not to upset you on your calls.She said you had enough to deal with."
I sighed."That's my mom, always looking out for everyone."
Cooper sat in the chair across from me."This is a big account for us.Will it be an issue for you to work with Natasha?"
"You can count on me."I wanted to prove that I was capable of doing this job.Cooper and my brothers had taken a chance on me, and I wouldn't let them down.
Cooper's brow furrowed."Of course we can count on you.You're disciplined and hardworking."
"I'm concerned about what we're going to find behind the walls at the inn.They only made cosmetic changes before opening the place for guests."
"There's no guarantee in a place like that.The electrical and plumbing might need an update."
"They own the inn and the town itself."That was something I couldn't wrap my mind around.Who bought an entire town?
"That means they're going to need a lot of help.The individual shops and restaurants might need work too," Cooper said, probably calculating how big of a project this could be.
"That's what I was thinking."
"Where does she want you to start?"
"The bathrooms.I suggested she consider new carpeting and paint too.Everything is worn and outdated."
"If we handle this right, we can prove that we're capable of large projects."
I rubbed my neck."Are you sure you want me handling this on my first job?Maybe I should start with a single-family home."
Cooper shook his head."I want you to take lead on this.Unless you think it will be messy working with your ex?"
"We broke up years ago when we were just kids."Kids that thought they were in love.But what did we know about that?I thought I'd see the world and meet other women who'd rival what I had with Natasha.But I never found that connection with anyone else.
When Natasha and I first got together, we'd never kissed anyone else, much less been in a relationship.Everything was new, bright, and shiny.
Real life was hard.It came with challenges and obstacles.We never would have survived in the real world with the demands of my job and her classes.
