Chapter 2A Decade Late

I chose a high-end restaurant for our meeting.

The tea went from hot to cold, then hot again. The heavy pendulum of the grandfather clock in the corner swung its way to eight p.m.

Henry never showed.

I let out a bitter laugh.

Of course he wouldn’t. He’d changed his number ages ago. He’d never even see the message. And even if he did, after how badly things ended between us, why would he come?

The late autumn wind was sharp. I hunched my shoulders and stood by the curb, waiting for a cab.

A sleek black sedan pulled up, stopping perfectly in front of me.

A valet rushed to open the door.

A pair of red-soled leather shoes hit the pavement, followed by a pair of impossibly long legs.

My breath caught. I froze.

It was Henry.

A thousand different versions of this reunion had played out in my head.

I frantically smoothed my hair and forced a smile.

But Henry’s gaze swept over me without a flicker of recognition.

Like he was looking at a complete stranger.

The smile froze on my face.

A famous director got out next, followed by a beautiful young woman. She looped her arm through Henry’s, and they walked past me, their shoulders brushing against mine.

Even after they were several feet away, I could still hear her bright, clear voice drifting back.

"That private account definitely isn’t yours. You’d never say things like that. It’s so off-brand for you!"

"The internet is so wild. They even dug up your supposed high school crush."

Henry’s soft laugh followed. "Well, my new movie is about to be released. I guess someone decided to give me some free publicity."

I remained rooted to the spot long after their voices faded.

A sharp pain lanced through my chest.

It seemed he didn't need my apology after all.

We weren't in the same world anymore.

An old friend, and not even a simple "long time no see."