Prologue
Melissa
It’s been a week since I last saw Kyle.
The phrase “distance makes the heart grow fonder” is a load of crap. Distance doesn’t do anything but remind me of how much I miss him. The whole time we’ve been apart—for yet another work trip—has been tearing me up inside. I understand that he’s busy and is constantly on the go, but this back and forth is starting to mess with me.
At least I get to see him tonight.
My family is meeting for dinner and it’s the first time we’ll all be together since the holidays. My parents and Tanner returned from their cruise last week and this is the first opportunity we’ve all had to get together. Since I’ve been with Kyle for a while now, I thought that this would be a great time to have him meet everyone. Plus, Kate will be with Tanner and Everly is bringing her new boyfriend Holden, so it would be no good for me to be sitting all by myself.
Walking through the lobby and out the front door of Lappin, Snyder, and Hamp Associates, I make my way downtown to Giordano’s. My parents don’t come to the city often, but when they do, Dad makes sure he gets his favorite pizza.
The tradition of coming here started when we were younger. Tanner had a fifth grade field trip to the Buckingham Fountain and Dad took the day off to go with him. Instead of heading back at the end of the day, they decided they wanted to stop in and get some pizza. Ever since, this has been our family spot.
Managing to find a parking spot relatively quickly in the garage down the street, I make it to the restaurant sooner than expected.
Grabbing my phone from my purse I type a quick text to Kyle. It’s been several hours since I’ve heard from him and I want to make sure he doesn’t forget.
Melissa:Just got to the restaurant. Let me know when you’re here.
Not bothering to wait for a reply I tuck my phone back into my purse before striding through the restaurant doors.
It’s not hard to find my parents seated at a table towards the back of the restaurant. Excitement at seeing them has a smile breaking out across my face and I raise my arm and wave at them like a crazy person in my own form of jazz hands. I love my parents. There was never a dull moment in the Williams household growing up with those two in charge. Dad owns a handyman repair shop while Mom stayed home to raise us three crazy kids. We didn’t have much, but there was so much love.
My smile grows larger the closer I get to the table. Someone’s already sitting with them. Did Kyle get here before I did? It would be just like him to get here before I do to schmooze the parents.
Walking straight up to Mom, I throw my arms around her and give her a hug. “Hey Momma,” I say as she squeezes me. She gives the best hugs, like you’ve never been hugged until you experience her hug. Relaxing into her arms, I sigh before begrudgingly pulling back. My eyes glance up and down at my Mom and her sun kissed skin. “You guys look good!”
My parents and brother went on a Caribbean Cruise over Christmas with my brother’s now fiancée, Kate, and her parents. Mom has always wanted to go somewhere warm for the winter and practically dragged my dad to the cruise ship. Seeing the glow on their faces makes me think they should do it more often. Dad’s bald head is more tan than normal and Mom is beaming.
A slight twinge of jealousy over that glow blossoms. The cruise sounds fun, but that tan in a Chicago winter?
Jealous.
Dad reaches around mom wrapping me a quick hug. “How ya doing kiddo?” My parents are the best. I chastise myself for not seeing them before now, but work has been hectic—my hours long.
I’m the assistant for Vance Lappin, one of the owners and the most sought after Merger and Acquisitions Lawyers in the state. Vance has been working late to meet a strict deadline so that means that I work late too.
Pulling out of Dad’s hug, my eyes glance to the table to see who has joined them. A tall, familiar man stands there, getting out of his chair to give me a hug.
Gabe.
A ridiculous squeal leaves my mouth as I throw myself into the waiting arms of my best friend, his deep familiar chuckle reaching my ears. Gabe has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Sure, he might have started out as Tanner’s friend first, but he’s mine now. He’s been my friend since the day I met him, whether he knows it or not.
Gabe’s chest rumbles with laughter as he lifts me off the ground, rocking me gently. “Hey Sunny. Long time, no see.”
He smells so good—like home. We really haven’t seen each other recently now that I think about it. We talk almost every day, but life sometimes gets in the way.
“Ugh I know.” Gabe sets me down and motions for me to sit next to him as he pulls a chair out for me.“Thanks. Work has been crazy.” Turning, I look at my best friend just enjoying being around him. “Not that I’m not happy you’re here, but why are you here?” I tease.
His green eyes twinkle down at me, his smile genuine. Gabe’s a tall guy with broad shoulders and a heart of gold. He’s worked hard to make his career in firefighting and you can tell he’s dedicated just by looking at how built he is. He keeps his face clean shaven but his light brown hair is tussled, most likely from him running his hands through it. I’m sure he’s got all the local ladies wanting a yearly calendar of my best friend in various states of undress.
He chuckles, a smile crossing his face, as he reaches for his water. “Your parents ran into me at the hardware store before leaving town. I have the night off and they practically dragged me here with them.” He leans in and whispers, “They wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
My mom scoffs and throws her hands out, “Oh stop it,” she chides. “We did no such thing. We just walked you to our car and made sure you got in.”
“Yep, that’s how it happened all right.” Dad teases. “Cindy practically kidnapped him. The poor man had no choice.”
