Game On

Remembrance

Helloooo, sorry for the cliffhanger, so let's get into it!

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Caitlin's POV

My gaze follows everyone else's at the table, I'm not sure what I expected, but when I turned, I didn't know how to feel.

"Tony," Ian's voice is low as he speaks, his eyes then gaze the woman next to him, and the still air caused the pit in my stomach to deepen.

"Jennifer." he acknowledges. Tony's smile is wide, malicious as could be, Jennifer's not far off.

"What a surprise, I didn't know you'd be visiting," Tony starts, his eyes drifting along the table.

"Karen, Marc, looking lovely as always," he winks at them, making me visibly cringe in response, and as if he can sense it, his eyes are on me.

"Caitlin, is it?" he asks, tilting his head to the side.

He thinks he's all that, doesn't he?

I nod warmly, putting on a fake face. "It is, Johnny is it?" I ask, smiling internally knowing damn well what his name is. His face falters slightly, while Jennifer's eyes shoot daggers at me.

"Tony actually," he corrects, masking his embarrassment. I put my hand on my chest apologetically, "I'm so sorry, I'm horrible with names," I tell him, giving him a sincere expression, causing his face to fall once more, unsure if it truly was or not.

"Happens to the best of us," he recovers. Jennifer then clears her throat, gaining the attention of everyone.

"It's nice to see you all," she says, "It's been so long," her fake smile says it all. I wanted to punch her, as extreme as it was. She radiated 'mean girl' energy, her dark brown hair, her clothing, all of it.

"Not long enough," Ella mumbles, causing the family to glance at her. She shrugs in response, "Am I wrong? Honestly," she says the last part on annoyance. I'd never seen Ella upset like this, her dislike obvious.

"Oh Ella, you were always short-tempered," Jennifer attempts to joke, but Ella doesn't let her get far.

"Almost as short as your faithfulness," she hits back.

"Ella, enough." Karen speaks up. The table is tense, unsure of where to go from here. Karen composes herself gracefully, turning towards Jennifer and Tony.

"It was....unique to see you both, but I'd appreciate the remainder of our dinner to be with family. I'm sure you're both starving and ready for a romantic evening," she says, not a quiver in her voice.

I can see Tony's dislike towards her, glancing at Marc as he sits with his wife in silent support.

"We understand, and you're correct, celebrating 1 year today," he says, glancing at Ian who hasn't said a word. "The times really do change, don't they," his eyes are piercing Ian's. I'm startled slightly by Ian grabbing my hand in his, displaying the gesture.

"It really does. Seems we found our perfect matches. You lose some, and win even bigger," He says, leaning back to kiss my cheek. Jennifer is fuming, I can feel it. She's jealous, maybe even envious. Tony was attractive, but nothing compared to Ian.

"That we did. Have a good rest of your evening everyone," he says, and practically forces Jennifer away from the table, her envy apparent.

The family sits in silence for a moment, recuperating from the awkward situation. I look at Ian, who's seemingly deep in thought, still holding my hand.

"So....dessert?"

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Ian had gone to our room after dinner. It was obvious that seeing Tony and Jennifer together was not on his bucket list. Ella advised I give him space, and though I craved to be near him, I agreed that space was best. He hasn't opened up to me regarding the whole 'fiancé cheating on me with my best friend' situation, and I until he was ready, all I could do is let him come to me.

Ella rounds the counter, resting her elbows on the granite top, phone in her hands.

"I can't believe those two are together. I mean, I can because they're both horrible people with ugly personalities, but you know what I mean," she huffs. I'm taken back by her strong dislike.

"Were you two close?" I ask, sitting across from her. Her expression falls slightly, as if it was the last question she'd think I'd ask.

"At one point yes. There was a time where I could see her as family. I know Marc and Karen act like they never liked her, but honestly? She fooled us all." her voice is weak as she explains. I couldn't imagine a betrayal like that.

"It all happened really fast. Ian finding out to them just being done. He dedicated his time to baseball after that, avoided our calls for weeks. Unless we physically went and visited, it's like we didn't exist. I think it's why we're all so happy right now, you've brought him back to an okay state," she finishes.

My fingers fiddled with each other, hearing about it all. Was I really the difference? Or just a filler? I didn't want to think like that, but I couldn't help it. Ella's hand lands on my anxious ones, cutting my thoughts short.

"Don't over think it. He likes you, a lot. I really haven't seen him like this, not even with Jennifer. With you he's genuine, so just give him a moment to process seeing his ex and ex-best friend together,"

I nod at Ella, admiring how gentle she could be. "I love you," I tell her, and her expression quickly turns into an emotional smile, and before I know it, her arms are wrapped around my shoulders, nearly knocking me over.

"I love you too!" she exclaims, I laugh at her reaction but hug her back. She releases me after a moment. "As long as you don't cheat on him that is," making me roll my eyes.

"I don't plan on it,"

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eheh.....hi. guess who's about to graduate esthetician school!!!!