Page 5 of Fighting for You

Chapter 6

Meghan

With death comes new life. For me, the new life wasn’t necessarily any better than death. For the most part, I was shut off from the rest of the world. Other than my friends, I didn’t really associate with anyone. Sure, guys asked me out when I went out with my friends and a couple of people at work had tried to set me up on blind dates, but I could never find a reason to date. For some reason, it felt like I was cheating on Wade. I know it sounds silly because he is gone, but still, my heart may never get over losing him.

On the night of the Gala, I walked into the large ballroom at a lavish hotel in downtown Sunnyvale. My silver gown seemed to glitter against the lights flashing all around me. In my purse, I had my trusty recorder ready to go for any interviews. Stacy was at my side, a wide grin plastered across her face as she took in all of our hard work. I knew she complained about the amount of work we were given, but I was happy to do it.

A band played ahead of us and couples were out on the dance floor, swaying to the music. A bar was to our right and I felt an urge to get a much needed alcoholic beverage.

“Hey, let’s get a drink. We earned it,” I say, winking at Stacy.

“I couldn’t agree more,” she says.

We walk through the crowds, saying hello to a few of the guests we recognize from other events and some of our co-workers. Once we slide up to the bar, we wait for the bartender to notice us.

“What can I get you ladies?” the man asks, his blue eyes sparkling.

“Your sweetest red wine,” I say.

“Vodka tonic,” Stacy says, her mouth wide open as she practically drools over the bartender.

I laugh at her and for the first time all week, I realize I am smiling. I go to stop myself, but before I can, I feel an arm bump into me.

Turning, I lock eyes with the man who I had seen at the office the week before. He is dashing in a black suit and red tie.

“I’m so sorry,” he apologies, as I notice his drink has spilled on the floor around us. Thankfully, it didn’t hit my new pumps.

“It’s ok,” I say.

“Hey, don’t I know you?” he asks me, recognition clouding his features.

“Not really. I work at MLA Publishing and you came in the other day,” I say.

I don’t want him to know that I haven’t been able to forget about him or that thoughts of him bring old, haunted memories to the surface. Even now, I feel guilty for talking to him.

Nodding, I can tell that he remembers now. “Yes, how could I forget?” he asks.

“Your wine,” the bartender interrupts us, and I am instantly relieved for the distraction. Taking my wine, I quickly take a sip.

Stacy watches us with amusement before announcing, “So, where are the rest of the hot SEALS you had with you?”

I roll my eyes and can feel a blush heating my cheeks. Stacy doesn’t have a filer.

Thankfully, the man chuckles as he takes a sip of his own drink. It smells like bourbon, which is one of my favorite dark liquors.

“They are here, somewhere,” he chuckles. To be honest, I am not big on parties and fancy events like this,” he adds, his eyes staring at me.

I can feel the intensity of his stare as I try to look away, but it’s no use.

“Oh, so you are probably uncomfortable being on a magazine cover, too,” I ask, feeling my cheeks blush.

“A little. But, the story idea sounds nice and it would mean a lot to Lance, so I don’t mind too much,” he finishes.

“That’s nice,” I reply, unsure of what to say. I am terrible with small talk.

“What’s your name?” Stacy asks him, clearly ignoring how uncomfortable I am.

“I’m Ryder Rollings,” he says, extending his hand for us to shake.

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