Page 49 of Dear Rosie

TWENTY-EIGHT

ROSALYN

That spot low in my belly twists.

I should have recognized you.

It shouldn’t hurt.

It’s not like this is new news.

But hearing him admit it out loud…

“I’m really sorry, Rosie.” Nathan’s tone is nothing but sincere.

I know he means it.

And if he’s going to be truthful, then so will I. “It’s been a long time, Nathan.”

He shakes his head. “I should’ve?—”

“I saw you on TV,” I blurt out.

His mouth snaps shut.

This is all so… complicated.

I try to slow my racing heart.

I can’t believe Nathan is here. And I can’t believe this is his company’s picnic.

But I didn’t set out to deceive him the night of that party just so he’d end up feeling guilty.

He narrows his eyes. “You watched my games?”

“No.” I blush, notsure if it would be better or worse if I had. “I was always too busy.”

Nathan nods toward the table of food behind me. “Building your own business.”

Multiple jobs. Starting a new life. Running from my past.

“Something like that,” I answer.

“But you saw me on TV?” His eyes are still narrowed, like he’s trying to figure out why this is relevant.

I take a deep breath. “I was in a gas station, and there was a TV on behind the counter. Some after-game interview thing was playing, and… they said your name. That’s how I found out you played. I hadn’t known.” I meet his serious gaze. “I didn’t recognize you either. It?—”

Memories of how I felt in that moment crawl up my throat, stopping me from saying more.

It was such an awful feeling. Realizing I didn’t know my childhood friend anymore. Especially after all the letters…

I swallow down the lump of sadness building in my throat.

But that friend is here. Standing in front of you, after all this time.

Nathan takes another step forward, putting us closer than professionally acceptable.

I try to blink away the building tension in my eyes, but a traitorous tear slips from my lashes.

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