Page 56 of Seventeen Years Ago

Steven said, “I better get going.”

He turned and started to walk towards the door. My heart was pounding.He’s leaving. I might not ever see him again.I rose from my seat and rushed to catch him before he left. “Steven,” I called out. He turned around and I jumped up into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissed him hard.

Steven held me tightly as our embrace continued. It was filled with the passion that I’ve been yearning for, and my body ached for his touch. But I felt his hold loosen and finally my feet were back on the floor.

“Don’t forget me,” I said.

He brushed a stray tear from my cheek and said, “That is impossible. I’ve carried you with me for years, and now, you’re permanently etched in my heart.”

If that was supposed to help ease the pain, it didn’t. The tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I was a strong woman, and yet, I felt myself trembling and broken. He pulled me against him as I sobbed.

“I...I...I feel the same...way,” I choked out. I bit back the words that tried to come out.I love you.It was the only answer for how I was feeling. I was in love. The tears flowed even faster.I love you, Steven.

It was a wonderful realization. I should be rejoicing and shouting it out for all to hear. Instead, I buried those three little words so deep that no one would ever know. Especially not Steven. He had a full life back in the United States. He already had a successful business, but his focus was on building it even larger. He didn't need to worry about me, fly here to visit when he can. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. Not able to love fully, but only in moments of time.

As we still held each other, Finn, Reesa and Bennett came out of her office and were caught off guard at the sight of us

“Is everything okay,” Reesa asked.

I pulled away from Steven and wiped my cheeks. “Yes. We were just saying goodbye. He’s going home,” I sniffed.

The concern left Reesa’s eyes and she nodded. Then she turned to Steven and said, “I was hoping we would have time to finish the presentation I was trying to show you a few days ago.”

“Sorry. It will have to wait,” he said.

You're coming back. You’re really coming back or just telling her that?

He never said he was returning. Maybe he planned on doing it on a video conference. Or maybe through an email. With technology, you didn’t have to do much in person any longer. I shouldn’t get my hopes up. It was difficult. He hadn’t even left yet, and I already missed him.

Reesa asked, “I can give you a little more time.”

Steven nodded and replied. “I have some things I need to take care of, but I will be in contact with you once they are.”

“That’s fine. It will give me time to finish the cleanup here in Tabiq. We were very lucky not to sustain any major damage. But there are many homes which are in desperate need of repair. My husband's brother Liam is flying in today with a crew to help. Also bringing a lot of supplies needed as well. I was just updating Bennett on the developments,” Reesa stated.

At least that eased my mind. Nothing was wrong on that side. Actually, it was all good news.I just wish it was all good news regarding Steven too.

Steven turned to Finn and said, “It’s a shame I can’t be here. I’d have liked to meet him. You never know when I decide to build a hotel in Ireland.”

“I’m sure he’ll be here for a month at least,” Finn replied.

Steven didn’t add any response, which was an indication that he might not be back here in the next thirty days. I fought back the tears that threatened to flow.I am stronger than this. I’ve been through worse. I’ll survive never seeing him again even if it doesn’t feel like it now.

“When are you heading to the airport?” Bennett asked.

“I was going to head there now,” he replied.

“I’ll give you a ride,” he said.

This was it. This was our.... end to our story. Giving him a quick hug, I said, “Goodbye, Steven.”

“Take care, Aiza. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Steven slipped from my arms and left the office with Bennett. Finn gave Reesa a quick kiss and left as well. When I turned around, Reesa was standing there, her arms opened wide. I rushed into them and cried until no more tears came.

When I raised my head, she handed me some tissues. “It’s going to be okay, Aiza. He will be back.”

“Why? He doesn’t want the project and his life is in the United States,” I replied.

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