Page 106 of The Girl I Once Loved

As we perused the delectable array of gourmet dishes on offer, I marveled at the culinary brilliance that lay before me. Morsels of culinary artistry adorned sleek silver platters, each dish meticulously crafted with precision and care. Dainty hors d'oeuvres teased the palate, while an array of culinary delights spanned the length of a long, decadent buffet table. It was a feast that would surpass even the grandest of feasts, a testament to the Monroes' desire to pamper their guests.

When we finally reach our destination, Noah orders us our drinks, and with each sip of champagne, the bubbles of joy tickle my taste buds, adding yet another layer of delight to this extravagant affair. I watch the bartenders hard at work making sure expensive bubbly flows as if from a never-ending fountain, promising to keep the festivities alive all night long.

In this moment, I realize that this grand celebration is not just a wedding reception; it’s a testament to Derrick and Daisy’s love for one another, a momentous display of affection and gratitude. The Monroes spared no expense in creating a dreamlike experience for their son’s guests, and as I join in the merry celebration, I can't help but feel immensely grateful to them for giving my sister such a magnificent experience.

But just as those happy feelings for the Monroes take root in my heart, a familiar laugh grabs my attention from the other side of the bar. Stacy Monroe looks every bit the sophisticated socialite in her designer dress as she continues to talk animatedly with some of her family’s guests.

“Want to go back to the dance floor?” Noah asks after he sees what has caught my attention.

“In a minute. Hold this for me, will you?” I singsong, handing him my champagne flute.

“Sky—” he starts to say, probably thinking I’m going to start a cat fight or something, but my reasons are quite the opposite.

“Stacy,” I greet once I reach her.

“Skylar. Hi,” she greets sheepishly.

“Do you mind if we talk for a minute?”

Her panicked green eyes scan the tent full of guests as if looking for a knight in shining armor to help her, but I quickly assure her there is no need for such a thing.

“I promise to be quick.”

“Okay, then,” she replies hesitantly.

We walk just far enough for her friends not to hear our conversation but not too far that we’re completely alone together.

“If this is about that night at Daisy’s bachelorette party, then I have to say I was quite drunk and don’t remember most of it,” she quickly tries to defend.

“I really hope that’s not the case, since it was that talk that changed my mind about you,” I explain with a sincere smile.

“Oh?” she mutters suspiciously.

“Hmm. You see, I’m a firm believer that people never truly change. That they are who they are deep at their core. It’s up to each individual to make up their minds to accept—or not accept—that person. Having said that, I do think you’re trying to be better. Not for me, of course, since who I am bears no real importance in the grand scheme of things in your life, but because something inside you is forcing you to. Maybe it’s because life has been hard on you too, or maybe it's motherhood that has softened you. Whatever the reason, I just want to tell you that I see that you’re trying.”

“Thank you,” she stammers, unbelieving that all that came out of my mouth.

“Now, I know we’ll never be friends,” I add, going to the crux of it. “Too much has passed between us for that to happen. We could never truly trust each other enough to be friends, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friendly. After today, with my sister marrying your brother, we are connected and hopefully will remain so, as I’d like nothing more than to see Daisy happy with Derrick for years to come.”

“I agree. In fact, I couldn’t put it better myself.” Stacy smiles a genuine grin that makes her look ten years younger.

“So we’re agreed? We’ll be friendly from here on out?” I hold out my hand for her to shake.

Stacy eagerly shakes my hand as I watch years of guilt lift off her shoulders. But when she doesn’t let go and pulls me close, my hackles rise, even if only a little.

“Make him happy, Skylar. He’s known sadness for far too long. You both have.”

She then pulls away and gives me, yet again, one of her genuine smiles before slipping back to where her friends remain at the bar.

That shit is going to take some getting used to.

“Everything okay?” Noah asks, now next to me, making me aware that he was close by just in case I needed him.

“Everything is just fine,” I reassure him. “I mean, it was to be expected, me running into one of your girlfriends here. Thatcher’s Bay isn’t that big. I’m surprised I haven’t bumped into more,” I joke, trying to ease his concern.

“Not sure why you’re so surprised. I only ever had two girlfriends in my life, and I only ever fell in love with one,” he retorts, nudging his knuckle on the tip of my nose so I understand that I’m theonehe’s referring to.

My forehead wrinkles in confusion with his statement.

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