Page 74 of Diverge

Breaking our eye contact, he walks over to a few people crowded around another table and begins talking with them. That’s all I get? A nod? I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t a nod. Feeling a little annoyed, I make my way over to the bar and order myself a cocktail.

I watch him talk with the guests, and I notice the same blonde I had seen with him last week come up behind him and place her hand on his arm. I can’t help but feel a little bit jealous of her contact with him. I know I have no right to. We probably don’t know each other anymore, and it’s been years since we’ve spoken. Sighing,

I turn back around to the bartender and watch him mix my drink.

You have no right to feel upset,I think to myself.

I grab my drink from the bartender and head back to my seat. The MC asks everyone to be seated as the bride and groom will be making their entrance soon. I make a mental note to myself to try and enjoy this night for Noah. I make small conversation with the people at my table and learn that they are all Noah’s friends from college, and my heart warms knowing he had good friends to support him through schooling and his dreams of becoming a professional basketball player.

The music stops, and the MC asks everyone to stand. “Allow me to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Rizzo!”

The wide reception doors open to reveal Noah in a beautiful blue tux and Cassie in a gorgeous sparkling ball gown, both with the widest smiles on their faces as they make their way through the guests to the dance floor in the middle. The music begins again. “Breathe Again” by Sara Bareilles fills the room, and I watch as they begin to slow dance. Gazes locked on each other, oozing nothing but pure, unconditional love.

Dry ice streams across the floor, creating a perfect cloud beneath their feet, as if they were dancing on fluffy clouds.

I glance around the room and see everyone else’s eyes on the happy couple. They share a gentle kiss as Noah places his forehead on hers and whispers something to her, only for her to hear. Tears sting the back of my eyes as I watch them, beautifully wrapped in their love for each other.

I grab my drink and slowly make my way out of the reception room into the garden out front. A knot forms inside my chest, the emotions of a love lost mixing with a healing, grieving heart. I place my drink on the nearest bench and wrap my arms around myself.

My thoughts are at war with each other.

I know what I promised Finn, to move on with life and find someone to grow old with, but what if there is only one person who is meant to be that for you in your life?

Could there be another?

If so, is it possible to meet that person at the wrong time in your life?

My thoughts are interrupted when I hear someone approach from behind me. Whirling around, I watch as Nate stands there, watching me. The wind forces my hair back behind my shoulders, sending a chill down my spine. We stare at each other, both of us just drinking each other in.

Nate breaks the silence first.

“I’m sorry about Finn.” The tears I had been holding back flood through me, crashing into me like a tidal wave. I let them fall silently, although there is a raging river thrashing inside me. Pressing my lips together, I nod, words evading me.

“You look great, B.” He gives me a small smile, cocking his head to the side.

I manage to give a small smile back as I steady my breath. “So do you. I don’t think I had the chance to see you in a tux before.”

He chuckles that familiar husky chuckle, creating tingles in my fingers.

“First for everything, I guess.” He runs a hand through his hair, his eyes locking onto mine as he moves closer to me. My mouth goes dry as he reaches up and brushes a strand of hair away from my face. I close my eyes and breathe in his crisp perfume, savouring this moment, saving it in my memories.

“How are you?” he asks.

“I’m fine...” I wipe away the tears left on my cheeks. “I’m actually working in San Fran for a few months with Noah’s basketball team.”

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

“Yeah, I know. I finally ended up leaving my dreadful job and opened up my own business.”

“That’s great, B.” He smiles. “I’m happy you finally took that step. I know you weren’t happy there.”

“How are you?” I ask.

He takes a deep breath and sighs, his eyes dancing from my eyes to my mouth. “I’m a completely different person than I was before.” He sighs. “Five years it’s been.” He pauses, placing a hand on my cheek, his thumb resting on my lips. “And yet, you still stir something in me.” I’m taken back by his confession, my brows pulling together. He moves closer, our bodies almost touching. I can practically feel his body heat emanating through his tux. His eyes darken with desire as he stares into mine.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since I left Australia...”

My heart pounds inside my chest, threatening to escape.

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