Page 4 of Meet Again

2

Lex

Irockonthe old swing set, the wood creaking with my slow movements. My house was owned by a family for many years, so their children had swings, and I love sitting out here when I need to think. It reminds me of childhood, of simpler times. Careful not to spill my coffee, I take a sip. The gray sky casts shadows over the mountains in the distance, dulling the reds and oranges that are predominant in fall.

It’s my favorite time of year.

″Hey.”

I turn my head to the left and find Hope walking my way through the side of the yard.

″Hi.”

″I figured you were out here when you didn’t answer the door.” She takes a seat on the empty swing beside me. “How are you?” She gives me a meaningful look.

″I’m good. Did you have fun last night?” Despite my issues with Hudson, I want my friends’ wedding to be amazing, and that begins with all the events before the big day.

″I did. Are you okay? I’m sorry I just dropped Hudson on you like that. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up, but not warning you ahead of time was inconsiderate.” Her lips press into a thin line.

I stop swinging, pressing my feet into the ground. “You don’t need to apologize. I knew he’d have to be a part of it, considering he’s Toby’s best friend, but I guess a part of me was hoping they’d drifted apart and William would’ve taken the best man role,” I say of another one of Toby’s friends. I know that’s not the case. Hudson and Toby have been best friends most of their lives.

″You know Hudson and Toby have an epic bromance. I don’t think anyone would get between that.”

“Even me…” I frown. “I mean, not that I’d want to. I don’t want to be the cause for anyone to stop being friends, even you. I was okay until now, not needing to face Hudson,” I spit out, trying to explain. I knew Hope and Toby would see him, even traveled to New York, where he now lives. I’m not going to interfere in anyone’s friendship, but I’d rather not be thrown into the mix.

″I know you wouldn’t, but you’re my best friend.” She squeezes the hand wrapped around the swing chain.

I turn on a smile and move past the topic. “It’s only a few months, and then I won’t see him again. Now, tell me about your ideas for the bachelorette party.”

Hope furrows her eyebrows but doesn’t push. “We want to go to Winford, like I told you. We’ll have time to do girl things, so have no fear. The resorts have spas, so I think it’d be fun to pamper ourselves one day, then we’ll all have dinner together.”

As Hope tells me her ideas, I’m grateful she has a clear vision of what she wants. It’ll make my planning easier and will hopefully limit my one-on-one time with Hudson. It’ll be the best for all parties involved.

Nothing prepared me to face Hudson again. I knew it was only a matter of time, but I naïvely thought I could avoid him until the day of Hope’s wedding. If some people don′t meet their spouses until their wedding day, then surely I could wait to have a reunion with the man who broke my heart. Unfortunately, luck isn′t on my side.

A pang constricts my chest. Once upon a time, I would’ve been ecstatic about the opportunity to plan this with him. That was before my heartbreak.

″Anyway, tell me about Sarah’s performance.” Hope changes direction.

A wide smile fills my face, pride swelling inside of me. “I’m so excited for her. It’s not Broadway, but it’ll be a great addition to her resume and for college applications. She has the potential to make it big.”

″You did, too.” I roll my eyes are her comment. As if being a dance teacher is the worst choice.

″I never wanted that.” I tilt my head, arching an eyebrow. “I love teaching and sharing my passion for dance, and that’s okay,” I defend.

After hearing so many people tell me I’m missing an opportunity by teaching instead of pursuing higher training and becoming a star, it gets old. Why can’t people understand I don’t need to be in the spotlight? I love what I do.

″I know, but I sometimes wonder if it’s what you truly wanted or what you thought you were good enough for.”

My eyebrows pull down as I stare at my best friend. Her words surprise me.

″Don’t look at me like that. It’s a question.”

″I love teaching. It’s what I’m passionate about. If I were fighting for a chance on stage amongst other amazing dancers, I’d miss the opportunity to share my love for dancing. It’d suck the fun out of it, and that’s not because I don’t think I’m good enough. Living the dance lifestyle is different… I don’t think I’d love it as much.” I sigh in exasperation.

Why can’t people accept that running my own dance studio fulfills me?

″I know, sorry. Why don’t we go have lunch? I need to run some errands and would love the company.” She smiles her pearly whites, dimples showing.

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