Page 7 of Falling For Us Again

Her eyes narrow at the underlying implication of my words, but she doesn't question it. “Thanks.” She looks around. “The town’s changed.”

“Of course it has. It’s been ten years, Jenna, but well, who's counting?” A tone of irritation slips into my voice.

“Clearly you are. You've been waiting for me?” She mocks.

I chuckle without looking at her. “Why would I do that?”

Maggie brings her a cup of espresso, raising her eyebrows at me, but I give her a tight smile.

Jenna sips on her espresso carefully; her pink tongue slips over her lips and my stomach tightens.

She tucks her blonde hair behind her ears. “I see you're still holding on to the past. Maybe that's why you never moved out of town. Stuck in the same place, doing the same thing and resenting others for moving on to better things.”

“I’m not the one who's back in a town I claimed that I was never coming back to.”

Her hands tighten on the cup. It’s a sore subject, but she started it. There's something about Jenna that makes me lose control; she knows me so well and knows how to press my buttons.

“I'm only here to sell off my parent's property and to finally put closure to this town and the misery it put me through. You know better than to use this town against me, but I can't say I'm surprised.”

I scoff bitterly. “I'm not the one that left without so much as an explanation. You left me hanging for 10 years, Jenna. Forgive me if I’m not exactly excited to see you.”

“I don't need you excited to see me, and I didn’t leave anything hanging. We were done. There’s nothing left between us.”

“If there’s nothing left between us, then why are you fidgeting? Why are you so angry?”

A mirthless laughter rolls out of her. “Angry? More like annoyed by your never-ending questions.”

“Alright then.” I stand up. “I’ll get your plants.”

I walk away to get her plants, but I can sense her eyes throwing daggers at my back. Maggie shuffles by to serve her order.

It’s been a decade since I’ve last seen her, and I’m surprised how seeing her now raises a mess of emotions in me. My hurt from her abrupt departure had turned to resentment and anger. Maybe it’s better that way. Like she said, there’s nothing left between us.

Jenna is already standing up to leave when I return with her plants. I wanted to offer to help her carry them to her car, but instead I hand them over to her without a word. Our fingers brush as she receives it, and an electric charge passes through me. I brush her hand with my thumb subconsciously like I used to and she snatches her hand away from mine as if burned.

“See you around, Jenna,” I say in a low voice. She doesn’t say a word as she heads out.

I should’ve known I’d have a miserable day when I saw her in my dream this morning.

Chapter 3

SOME STEAM

Dylan

The next afternoon I find myself taking a detour instead of driving back to the cafe. My hands seem to have a mind of their own, steering me in the direction of Jenna’s house. I don't even know why I'm doing this to myself when seeing her only makes me irritated.

I wonder how she’s coping with being back in town, knowing the sad memories this place must resurrect for her. I pull over to the side of the road as her house comes into view. Memories flood back—the afternoons I spent waiting for her right here, the laughter that once filled the air, our whispered confessions.

Now, all that's left is the bitterness that we both feel towards each other.

I take a deep breath and step out of the car. My footsteps crunch on the gravel as I approach the rickety gate which groansin protest as I push it open. The yard is even wilder up close, the grass brushing against my legs.

I’m annoyed that my immediate thought is to offer to help with the lawn.

Reaching the porch, I hesitate. The door, faded and weather-beaten, stands before me. I raise my hand to knock, then stop myself.

Why am I even doing this? Nothing good is going to come from this. Why am I standing outside her house right now?

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