Amber Lynn

The Delicate Heart

Amber took a deep breath in the mirror. Her eyes looked a bit too puffy, and she couldn't hide her pallor anymore. Maybe Jessie and Hunter were right. She'd been overworking herself. 

She realized it was a habit she picked up on since she left Terrance. As if subconsciously keeping herself too busy to think about much else besides the work that needed to be done. Naturally it was a great thing for her business, but for her? Things were different now. She wasn't alone anymore. She had Jessica and Hunter and an entire team working together to keep the business running. She had no need for white nights and highly caffeinated days. 

Amber told herself time and time again to take a break and breathe. Hell, Jess even took her out clubbing some nights and went as far as to set her up on blind dates... Who even does that anymore? Her friend was worried for her. She said maybe she needed to meet new people and realize how many options she has if only she gave it a chance. And they were nice guys. Very nice guys. But none of them was Terrance. Like a sadist hell-bent on hurting her own feelings, she'd sit there and compare every single guy to him, and in her mind they didn't measure up. They were kinder, softer, more open and readily vulnerable. They were probably better for her, but how could she force her mind to stop drawing biased comparisons? She gave up eventually, and accepted the fact that she wasn't over him yet.

Now as she forked the last of the delicious lasagna, feeling his gaze on her, she realized she was still hung up on him. And she was terrified about that fact. Could she really throw caution to the wind and do as Jessica said... follow her heart? Her heart clearly had a favourite, and her mind was in two factions warring viciously over the merit of the man sitting in front of her.

"Well, I'm glad you found my lasagna enjoyable." Mara came back and stood with a proud smile as she saw the empty plates were the only thing left in the wake of the healthy servings she brought them. 

Amber smiled gratefully. "Thank you so much. It was easily the best lasagna I've had in awhile."

The older woman beamed and turned meaningful eyes towards Terrance. He ignored it and tried to pay, but Mara took great offense at the gesture and absolutely refused. In the end he complied but Amber was certain he would repay her in a roundabout way. He was just that kind of man. She smiled wistfully as Mara sent them away with a bag of freshly baked cookies and a promise to see them soon. Amber liked the woman. She was glad Mara had found Terrance and was a positive influence in his life. God knows what could have been if they never crossed paths.

She chanced a glance at Terrance as they walked side by side in the central garden. It was much darker when they had come out of Mara's restaurant, and the air became colder. Terrance was very silent since they left. She could feel he was in a pensive mood. She was too, and it didn't feel right to interrupt the silence yet. They walked on, quietly, until her eyes caught on a sign across the street. She stopped unconsciously, and Terrance turned to check on her when he noticed. He follozed her gaze until his eyes settled on the bright club sign.

"Do you remember..." Amber started, feeling silly suddenly and letting the question fall unfinished. He probably doesn't recall a single thing about that day. Why would he?

"I remember it all." He said wistfully. She turned to him with surprise in her eyes. "I could never forget that day no matter what."

She exhaled slowly, "I didn't know you were a professor, much less a professor at my college."

Terrance smiled, "I never considered the fact you might be a student." He brushed the hair that the wind had blown aside, letting his hand linger at her cheek. His eyes had softened as he looked at her. "You were very bewitching that all thought had completely fled my mind."