I spent the next couple of weeks freaking out. I had this fear that Ben and I would be out with Drake, and Aidan would just appear out of nowhere with his new mission. Thankfully I hadn’t seen him at all, but I couldn’t help but worry it would come at the worst possible time.


Ben was oblivious to what was going on, as usual. I’d been trembling no matter what I did or where I was, and I was always looking behind me. To anyone else I probably looked like a criminal looking out for the law, but Ben didn’t seem to notice. Or if he did, he didn’t care.


Despite the fear of reliving our history, sometimes I’d find myself thinking about our reunion. I wondered if he’d still see the girl he fell in love with, and if I was still as beautiful to him as I was back then. Would he be overcome with sadness? Would my face bring everything flooding back?


Playing with the idea of things wasn’t good for me, however. My stupid little fantasies wouldn’t change the fact that I had hurt him so terribly. Instead of running away, I should have been there to help him through it all, just as he had been there for me. I should have listened to his plea. Maybe right now we’d have come to terms with the loss, and be alright. Or better, at least. My leaving just further complicated things.

“Oh shut up, Aimee!” I cried aloud, rolling my eyes. “Put your head somewhere else, bloody hell.”


I had to stop with this nonsense! No matter how much I wished things had been differently, how much I wanted to hold him and feel his touch, I couldn’t see him. I couldn’t allow myself to look in his eyes, or let him look in mine. She would be there, smiling and laughing… and those sounds would never leave the depths of my heart. We were done. Despite the love I still felt. Despite what he thought he still felt. I couldn’t do it. Picking things up where we left off wouldn’t help anyone.


Today the house was uncomfortably silent. Ben had taken Drake to an appointment and I was left behind to catch up on some much needed rest. Oh, Ben had no idea just how much I needed it. My head had been a complete mess since I talked to my mother.


She herself had thrown me for a loop. My entrance into womanhood was a very nasty, bumpy one. Most mothers would be delighted that there little girl was now a woman, and shower her with love. I however, got a warning. Keep my legs closed and away from Aidan unless there were a lot of adults around. She had been a monster to me up until the time I left, and even after I had married. Her new behavior was absolutely baffling! Suddenly she felt the need to help me? If she really wanted to fix things she could go in search of a certain person, but I suspect she had no intentions of the matter.

“Aimeeee!” I growled, baring my teeth. “Go to your happy place! Bunnies! Butterflies! Cheeseburgers!”

You know what I need? A night out! Yeah, I should call Nina and reconnect! We could go clubbing, and I could wear something that doesn’t show my stretch marks! Now that sounds fucking awesome. Enough of this wigging out, I need to relax and have some fun!

Leaping off the couch, I bounded around the room and picked up the phone. After dialing the number I waited excitedly for Nina to answer.

“Hello?” she asked, attempting to throw her voice over the loud music in the background.


“Nina!” I cried with a laugh. “What do you say to a night out on the town?”

Continue to 1.17