Page 3 of We're One

“Callahan,” I finally admit as my cheeks flush.

Nikki’s eyes widen as her grin grows. “The Zach Callahan?” she demands. She doesn’t wait for me to confirm. “The man you hooked up with in Seaville many moons ago?” She tosses her magazine aside as she gives me her full attention. At least my past trauma has ripped her attention away from her beloved recipe hunting.

“Yep, that’s the one.”

She’s searching her memory as she sits up a little straighter. We tell each other everything, or nearly everything, so now that she has his full name she remembers the things I’ve desperately tried to forget over the years.

“Didn’t you tell me he was a party boy, and you wanted nothing to do with him after your wild summer together in Seaville?”

“I was so young then, only eighteen, and he was like a mythical beast emerging from the waves of the ocean. He completely swept me off of my feet, and then he was gone again.” It was the Fourth of July when he came to town. We had the beach, fireworks, bonfires, lovemaking. It was the best time of my life... until he was gone. Then it was the worst because I had to figure out how to get over him. It took far longer than I care to admit to.

“It’s all coming back to me,” Nikki says as she claps. “You two took a three AM jet ski ride in the ocean, then crashed the mayor’s barbecue because you thought it was another party. He had the mayor eating out of his hand before you ran off together. That guy was smooth.”

“I know,” I exclaim. “We also decided to drape the school mascot in glitter, then ran from the security guards and ended up sleeping on the lifeguard stand until sunrise... not that we got much sleep that night.” I squeeze my legs together as I remember what it felt like to be in Zach’s arms. He’d brought my body to life that summer, and no one has ever given me even a hint of the same feeling again. “He ruined me to all other men,” I groan.

“Oh, to be young again,” Nikki says with dreamy eyes.

“We’re twenty-seven, not exactly old,” I remind her.

She laughs. “Sometimes it feels that way. Especially when it’s been forever since I’ve had a proper make-out session.”

“Well, I was just a baby back then. The entire time with Zach was a blur of alcohol, sand, and stupid decisions. I’m grateful now that he left without a goodbye.” If only I could convince myself of this.

“How did he pop back into your life nine years later?”

“That’s the million-dollar question. He scheduled a consult on my website.”

“Does he remember you? Did he seek you out? Is he regretting leaving?”

I shake my head as I sink deeper into the cushions of the couch. “I doubt it. Like you said, it was a long time ago. I think he needs a redesign on his house, and he found me. It’s purely coincidence.”

“You could turn the job down,” Nikki points out.

“I’ve considered that, but the house is huge. If I pull this off, it would be a big boost for my business. To have someone as influential as the Callahans on my website would make me legit. I can push through adolescent feelings and do this job.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or myself.

Nikki thinks on this for a minute. “Well, remember you’re a professional. Don’t let the guy get into your head and you’ll be just fine. If he really is the party boy you’re convinced he is, then you have nothing to worry about. He won’t put the pieces together and you won’t have to talk about the past at all. Our party days in Seaville are long over,” she reminds me.

I let out another laugh. “Yeah, until we head home and run into the gang and forget we’re professional adults.” I also hate that I’m utterly forgettable. No one wants to feel unseen.

“Well, when in Rome...” she says on a chuckle.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been home. We should go for a visit. If I get this job, it pays a lot, and we’ll take a trip home and really live it up,” I tell her.

“Yes. Yes. Yes. I need some sunshine. I would’ve ditched Seattle long ago if it wasn’t for you. It rains far too much here.”

“I know, but there aren’t enough jobs back home. Our goal is to become rich and famous and retire early so we can go back home,” I remind her.

“We’re a long way off from both rich and famous,” she says.

“I’ll just take the rich part. Who needs fame?”

“Well, you sort of need fame to get the big jobs,” she points out.

I let out another sigh. “I know. At least with your new career path, you can do it from anywhere. A cooking vlog only requires a kitchen.”

She bounces in her seat. “My social media videos are gaining more followers. I might actually get to do what I love full time.”

“You’re great at cooking, and you really shine in the videos. I could watch you all day long.”

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