Page 298 of Now and Forever

“Pleasure to meet you, Stella.” Zara composed a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She faced Callum and when their gazes connected, I even felt the spark. “Good to see you again, Callum.” Love was so apparent in her dark eyes that I somewhat felt like I was the one intruding in their little eyes-devouring-you-on-the-spot reunion.

Their moment was broken by Charles excusing himself to greet one of his old cronies—who were somewhere across the room—leaving the three of us in a compromising position.

Zara was so focused on Callum that she might’ve forgotten that I was here, too. Callum had yet to utter a damn word, but the man was like a stone, staring holes at the woman he loved.

I stood apoplectic, eyes flickering back and forth before I finally urged myself to move out of the way. “I need to go to the loo.” I excused myself, barely looking at them, and sought for a quiet place to balm my broken heart.

Relief rushed through me when I ventured into another room that was empty except for a few chairs hoisted to the side. From the looks of it, the cleaning party had yet to arrive. How appropriate that I stepped into a room that was someone’s wedding reception.

I was so consumed with forcing myself not to cry that I hadn’t heard the door open. Imagine my fright when I heard someone’s voice asking me if I was okay. “Are you all right?”

My eyes were still glued towards the once-happy celebratory party before me. “Uh huh.” In a couple of minutes or so, I will be.

The mystery person revealed himself by squatting before me, concern etched across his face. “You don’t look it, Stella.”

With a small, quivering smile, I spoke to Derek, “You saw that, huh?”

He nodded solemnly. “Yeah. Why are you with him?” His question was more of a wonder than anything. “You’re dating playboys, one after the other. What the bloody hell for? To get yourself trampled over?” He peered closer, lifting my chin. “You deserve a man that will love you, not play around with you.” He cleared his throat, looking sorry. “I admit, in the beginning I became frustrated with you. I was too focused on wanting you to give it up to me that I forgot how we were together, how you were with me.” He paused. “I didn’t realize this until I started dating again and realized how much I missed you.”

Dear goodness, I couldn’t deal with this now. Not right now. “Derek—”

“I’d give everything to have another chance with you again.”

This was sad. “I’m in love with him,” I admitted bravely. “There’s no hope for me.”

“Guessed as much. He doesn’t see it, though. I doubt he sees any woman, if at all.” Derek gathered me up and held me tight. “We all love and learn. Someday, you’ll love again.” He kissed my cheek, eyes seeking mine. “I pray to the gods that man will be me.”

Someday you’ll love again…those words held comfort. Words I could hang on to. Something to look forward to.

“Let’s get you warmed up before Mr. Playboy comes and fetches you away from me,” Derek offered, leading us towards the bar.

That was, if Callum still remembered I existed…

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