Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I don’t think, in my wildest dreams, I could have ever come up with a crazier, more unexpected scenario.
I keep glancing at the time as the day goes on. By the time five rolls around, I feel like I just might have a heart attack. Part of me is actually second-guessing whether or not I should go through with it. But when I see the rest of the office picking up their jackets and heading for the elevator, I think about just going back to my apartment or out for drinks with the girls, and I know that I have to go through with it. I have to meet up with Craig. I have to know what happened and where he’s been for the last five years.
So I grab my purse and my coat and take the elevator down with a couple girls from H.R. I don’t really know them that well, and I don’t know what they’re talking about, but that’s fine. I kind of like it that way because my mind is on Craig and whether or not I’m making the right decision.
But it’s not like I’m given much time to mull it over. As soon as the elevator doors open, I find myself staring directly at him. He’s standing with his arms crossed in the lobby, smiling like he couldn’t be more happy to see me. And I have to confess, it warms me up inside.
“Hey there, Bear Bear,” he grins. Bear Bear…the name he gave me way back when we first started dating. I don’t even remember how he came up with it, but hearing it again after all this time just triggers so many memories.
“Um, hey!” I say, giving a little wave as I walk over to him.
“Ready to go?”
“Yeah,” I lie. I am so not ready for this. My heart is racing, my palms are sweating, and I’m kind of wishing Marissa was here with me to support me. Although that would be crazy awkward.
“Great, let’s go!” Craig smiles, looking like he’s got all his feelings completely under control.
He walks beside me to the lobby doors, and this time, I let him hold them open for me so he can be a gentleman. I don’t know why I do that, but it just sort of feels like I should. It’s like many of those feelings I had for Craig back in high school have come back and are slowly draping over me like a warm blanket, not only protecting me from the cold December air but also from whatever else might be out there in the world that wants to hurt me.
Oh God, Marissa might have been right.
I follow him outside into the chill, and he leads me past the massive, sparkling Christmas tree and in the direction of the same coffee shop we went to last night. “I thought we’d go back here,” he says. “We never got a chance to finish our drinks. Heck, you never even got to try yours!”
“That’s true.” I smile.
“Don’t worry, I drank it for you. It was pretty awesome.”
“You drank it for me?!” I reply, pretending to be aghast. “That was mine!”
He smirks and shakes his head. “Actually, I let the staff have both of our drinks. I didn’t think it would be right to have them without you being there.”
A warmth starts in my chest and spreads out through my body. It’s winter, but it could practically be the start of summer with Craig by my side.
“Always the gentleman, aren’t you?” I ask. “When you’re not bailing on taking a girl to prom.”
Craig gives me a very embarrassed look, and we continue on the short walk to the coffee shop. Again, he holds the door for me, and we step inside. It’s kind of crazy, but I’m already having a lot of fun. We haven’t even ordered or sat down to talk, but I’m really enjoying myself.
“Why don’t you grab a table and I’ll order?” Craig suggests. “Whatever one you think looks coziest.”
“Okay!” I reply, reaching for my debit card. But Craig quickly shakes his head and puts his hand out to stop me.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got it. Same as yesterday, right?”
“Yeah,” I reply. “Are you sure? I can get my own drink–”
“Of course I’m sure.” He smiles. “Be right back.”
What is even happening right now? I’m tingling all over, taking deep breaths as I find a comfortable couch in the corner surrounded by nice Christmas lights. I take a seat and watch as Craig orders for us and makes his way over to the spot I’ve chosen.
He towers over every other man in the shop. I guess I’d forgotten just how tall he was back in high school. Either that or he’s grown even more since then and I just wasn’t paying enough attention last night, but he must be at least six-two. I do my best not to stare, but I simply cannot take my eyes off him as he walks over to me.