Unforgotten

Chapter 3

"I love it, sweetheart.  It's gorgeous." Aunt Pepper hugged me close, and I smiled wide.  The photo I had taken that afternoon in the park now adorned the front window of my studio, it's delicate features surrounded by lovely script – Butterfly Petal Studio.  It was grand opening day for my studio, and I smiled as I watched people mingle inside and outside the building. The day was warm, but not overly hot, and there was a gentle breeze that ruffled along my soft pink chiffon summer dress I had chosen for the occasion.  For the hundredth time I touched the pink diamond around my neck, a gift that morning from Uncle Tony and Aunt Pepper.  I had earrings to match, and I felt more beautiful than I ever had in my life. 

"You look it, too." A voice said behind me, and I froze.  It couldn't be.  I tried to appear casual as I turned around to face the man that belonged to the smooth voice.  My mystery man from the park.

"Uh. . .  Thank .  . . wait . . ." I stopped and frowned as I considered what he said.  "What did you . . ."

"It was a beautiful shot.  You captured it perfectly." He said, nodding toward my sign, smiling briefly.  He wore khaki trousers and a white shirt, not buttoned to the top, showing his strong, muscled arms.  Sunglasses still covered his eyes.  I studied him for a moment.

"I have you to thank for that."  I stuttered.  "Thank you."

"Not at all.  It is your artistry." 

"Oh, Paige, introduce us to your friend." I felt Natasha slip an arm around my waist as she came up behind me, putting a glass of champagne in my hand. 

"I . . . Uh. . . ." Stuttered, glancing at her, then back at the man in front of me, almost surprised he was still there.

"Jack.  Jack Greene."  He took his sunglasses off and extended his hand to me, and when I took it I felt a shock through my body.  I looked up, and our eyes locked.  It was like something from a dream.  They were like an ocean, so deep, and I felt as if they knew every secret in my heart.  I shook my head and looked away, suddenly realizing he hadn't let go of my hand. 

"I'm Paige Stark . . . It's ah . . . So nice to meet you."  He flashed me a grin, then turned my hand in his and put it down.  He slipped his sunglasses on and glanced at Natasha.  My eyes followed and saw that she looked shocked.

"N-Natasha Romanoff." She said, nodding at him, then turning to smile at me, she walked away and said something to Steve, who was inside.  I turned back toward Jack.

"Uh, would you please excuse me for a moment?"  I asked, then went inside.

"Everything okay?" I asked Natasha.  She looked concerned, but smiled tightly and nodded.

"Of course, Paige. It's fine.  It's your day, you should enjoy it.  Right Tony?"  My Uncle Tony had stepped up, nodding absently but was looking at Jack, who was now inside, looking at some of the images displayed around the building. 

"Yep.  All's well.  Pep?" Tony escorted Pepper over toward Jack, and I blushed when I saw them talking to him.  I was preoccupied though, when a customer approached me about purchasing one of my prints.

I had completely forgotten the strange encounter until the afternoon was winding down, and my family and friends had left, with me promising to stop by that evening for dinner. 

"Paige." I jumped at the voice behind me as I was closing the curtains in the front window, and I turned to see Jack next to me, still sipping on a glass of champagne.

"I'm sorry, you scared me!"  I said, my hand on my heart.  His sunglasses were off, sitting on his head, and he smiled at me. 

"My apologies.  I wondered if I might ask if you have plans for tomorrow evening."  I tried not to act as shocked as I was.