Discovering My Past

Chapter 3- Make That Two

Isabella's POV

I sit here drumming my fingers nervously on the chair in front of me as my plane touches down in Atlanta. I haven't been back here in 10 years. So much has changed. I actually grew up in the outskirts of the city but of course my dad and many other parents worked in the city.

After dealing with the ins and outs of the airport, I take a taxi to the hotel I am staying at for the next few weeks. Luckily because I have no life and never go anywhere to take vacation, I had a ton of paid leave through work I could use so that's what I did. I think mom was right. Spending time to get away and wrap my head around everything is just what I need.

It's late when I finally get settled in and I decide to go to sleep early since I have an appointment first thing in the morning at James' lawyers office.

I arrive right on time at the lawyers office the next day. I wait in the waiting area until the receptionist tells me to follow her. We walk past several offices until we come to the end of the hallway. She leads me into a conference room with a large table in the center. She tells me they will be right with me as she turns to leave. I make myself comfortable while I wait. I look at the city view out the window in admiration. It's really a great view from this office building. I stare out at it for quite sometime until a voice interrupts me.

"Like what you see?" I hear the voice ask.

I turn around in what feels like slow motion and nothing could have prepared me for the sight I was about to see.

"Bella Hanson. It's been a really long time." He says.

"Jake Riley?!" I say in shock.

I have to say time has been very, very good to Jake Riley. How do men age so well? He looks even better than he did in high school. Still well built but even more muscular, and he still has the best smile. I am completely speechless.

"You look exactly the same." He says with a smile.

I can't help but blush. Then I remember how much of a flirt he was and that he broke my heart by choosing my best friend over me.

"Yeah well, I am not the same naive girl anymore. So can we get down to business Mr.Riley?" I ask trying to remain professional.

"Ummm...sure." He says.

"So...you understand that we have to do a DNA test?" He asks and I shake my head yes that I understand.

"Ok, once we do that it will take a few days to get the results back. Then we have to go to your father's home..." He says but I interrupt.

"He's NOT my father." I say firmly.

"Ok I am sorry, I am just trying to tell you what the process is. Wasn't trying to offend you." He says.

"Ok. What do we do at Mr. Winslow's?" I ask.

"We will go through his personal things, then go through his financial accounts, and wrap everything up." He says.

"Alright. Bring on the DNA test. Let's get this over with." I tell him.

"Ok, I will be right back." He says.

He comes back in with another person that does the DNA test and then leaves.

"We will call you with the results in a few days. In the meantime, enjoy your visit back home." He says with a smile.

"Thanks, Mr..." I start but he interrupts.

"Please. Just call me Jake. We grew up together and are the same age. We were friends not that long ago. You make me feel old." He says with a chuckle.