With a delighted squeal she flung my suitcase toward her car parked out front, where wildflowers bowed in the breeze. I’d traveled light—one large duffel and a small backpack—and Sabrina clucked. “Are you sure that’s all? I feel so excessive with my two stuffed trunks.” She shook her head in mock dismay. “You’re so efficient, Amelia.”
If only she knew how empty I felt beneath my poise. I fluttered my eyelids and offered half a smile. “I’ve got everything I need.” The lie felt heavy on my tongue.
She laughed, slid behind the wheel, and cranked up the stereo. Melodic country tunes poured through the speakers as I eased into the passenger seat, keys jangling in Sabrina’s hand.
The engine roared to life, and we tore off, the car lurching forward like a roller-coaster plunging into adventure I wasn’t sure I wanted.
When we finally pulled into Sabrina and Shane’s sunlit suburban cul-de-sac, my heart pounded. I sat frozen, gripping the door handle. Sabrina glanced over. “You coming?” Her tone was all cheer.
I managed a shaky nod. “Just… nerves.” My fingers drummed a staccato on the vinyl seat.
“Relax, Amelia. Deep breaths. And hey, Shane’s brother’s there, too. He’s kind of… cute.” She winked, genuine excitement sparkling in her eyes.
I forced a nonchalant shrug. “Great. Can’t wait.”
She bounded from the car, her dress swirling, and I followed with my baggage. Inside, their front hall glowed with gentlelamplight. Hardwood floors gleamed beneath an ornate console table, and fresh lilac blooms perfumed the air.
My own home sprang to mind. Bare walls, forgotten postcards, shadows pooling in the corners. My heart sank at the contrast.
“In here, Amelia!” Sabrina called from the living room, voice buoyant. I squinted against the midday glare filtering through tall windows. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light, painting the room in gold.
Sabrina leaned against Shane’s broad shoulder, their laughter blending like cherished music.
Opposite them sat a solitary man in a leather armchair, his posture stiff, eyes wide as he stared at me.
In that instant, my world constricted. My pulse thundered in my ears, breath turned to ice in my lungs, and the back of my neck prickled with remembered dread.
There, framed by soft sunlight, was Caiden Baxter. Tall and familiar, every memory of him rushing back like a tidal wave.
My heart stumbled and faltered.
My voice died in my throat. I stood paralyzed, the past colliding violently with the present, unable to tear my gaze away from the one face I never wanted to see again.
THE PRESENT
AMELIA
The walls tilted and the floor seemed to ripple beneath my feet; a wave of nausea rose in my throat. Every breath felt as if I were underwater, and yet I couldn’t tear my gaze from him.
He sat there in the half-light, like a dark statue come to life.
His jaw more defined, cheekbones sharper, shoulders broader than I remembered. His brown eyes, cold and haunted, bore into me with the same taunting intensity that had stalked my dreams for years.
I was rooted to the spot, drawn to him by some terrible fascination, as though I peered into a car crash through shattered glass, unable to look away.
Panicked, I forced out a whisper, “I can’t do this.” My legs trembled, and I bolted for the door, my footsteps echoing on the hardwood.
I scanned the driveway. No car, no escape.
My heart hammered; my ribs felt tight as cords.
I sank against Sabrina’s sleek black sedan, palms flat against its cool, metallic finish. My chest heaved as I fought for calm. “Honey, are you okay?” Sabrina’s voice floated through the open window, soft with concern. I closed my eyes, picturing myself dissolving into the pavement.
Please go away, I thought, but guilt wove through me like barbed wire. She’d invited me on this trip, insisted it would be fun,paid for everything. While I was on the brink of collapse because of a man I never wanted to see again.
“I… I felt sick,” I managed, my voice a croak. Images of Caiden Baxter, my high school tormentor, swirled in my mind. How could I explain that seeing him was like reopening an old wound? Words failed me.
Sabrina’s brow furrowed. “C’mon inside. I’ll get you water, maybe something for your stomach.” She reached for my arm, gentle but insistent.
