The Aftermath

Chapter 4

As the designated time approached, memories flooded my mind with a force that nearly brought me to tears. Seven years had passed, yet it felt like the blink of an eye. This place had been an intentional avoidance for me all these years. There was no real reason to return – my school friends had dispersed, as had Trina's parents. But here I was, facing this place again, bracing myself for the inevitable waves of emotion. I told myself I just needed to endure this evening. Afterwards, I could return to the life I'd grown accustomed to, where I felt secure.

Yet, if I were honest with myself, I hadn't felt as alive and vibrant as I did with Alex in a long time. He had this uncanny ability to be close to me, even though we'd known each other for such a short span. The notion crossed my mind that maybe, just maybe, we had some sort of connection from a past life or were deeply entangled in some romantic cosmic storyline. But, alas, that was all a concoction of my imagination. I needed to rein in these feelings, redirect my focus.

The castle was a picture out of a fairy tale. It loomed gracefully against the sea, a breathtaking sight that tugged at my heartstrings. This place, this moment, was about endurance. About facing my past and the shadows it cast. Yet, paradoxically, I hadn't felt as alive as when I was with Alex, a reminder that life often doesn't stick to our plans or expectations.

Dublin's lights sparkled in the distance, giving the castle a mystical aura. It was perfect for moonlit walks and romantic rendezvous. The castle's illumination poured a cascade of brightness that bathed the area in a surreal glow. The sight was almost overwhelming, and nostalgia rolled over me in waves, mingling with my emotions.

The quiet of the night was pierced by the sound of a car's approach. Alex had arrived. His footsteps approached, and his voice sliced through the silence.

"Hello, Jennie! You look absolutely stunning."

"Alex," I replied, my voice revealing a mix of surprise and slight unease.

He chuckled. "It's me, indeed. Or were you waiting for someone else?"

His smile emerged from the shadows, illuminated by the castle's lights, and my heart skipped a beat.

"No, no, of course, I'm waiting for you. I just... didn't anticipate you arriving early too," I stammered, feeling a touch of embarrassment at his compliment. My emotions were tangled, the tone of our conversation unfamiliar. Here, there were no traces of Charlie or Sara, not even Bingo or my apartment. It was just us and the night, a reality so distinct from my usual world.

"Shell we, Miss Riley?" He beamed, offering his arm with a flourish.

"Alex, I think it's important to set a boundary right away – let's keep business and feelings separate. I want everything to proceed professionally," I found myself saying, even though part of me was already weaving fantasies. I often had a tendency to build castles in the air, creating elaborate scenarios in my mind.

"Of course, Jenn. Who do you take me for?" He replied with a playful grin.

We entered the restaurant, and the ambiance felt like pages from a romantic novel. Alex was the very picture of gallantry, as if he had stepped out of a love story. In that moment, it felt like we were co-authoring our own tale, though I had no clue about its genre. I had to repeatedly remind myself that Alex was strictly a business partner, a fact that I struggled to reconcile with the enchantment of the evening. But that didn't mean I couldn't savor the moment.

A whirlwind of thoughts spun through my head, only to dissipate and be replaced by more. Anxiety gripped me at times, though Alex appeared oblivious. I pondered if I should have even come, but I couldn't let my fanciful worries halt the course of events. I couldn't let little Jennie, the hesitant, frightened part of myself, control the situation. No, that chapter was written last night. Tonight, I was dining with my business partner, and tomorrow, I'd be launching a new project. Everything was going to be alright.