Hidden Desires

8. Lingering Shadows...

Jenn's Point of View

The grocery store was bustling with holiday shoppers, everyone scrambling to grab their last-minute Thanksgiving essentials. I navigated my cart through the crowded aisles, mentally ticking off items on my list. This was mine and Leah's first Thanksgiving together as a couple, and I was determined to make it perfect. Leah's family would be joining us, and I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Hosting had always been my thing, but this felt different, more special, more meaningful.

As I reached for a can of cranberry sauce, a familiar voice broke through the ambient noise.

"Jennifer, is that you?"

I turned, my eyes widening in surprise. "Lana Parrilla? Oh my god!" I exclaimed, a broad smile spreading across my face. I hadn't seen Lana in years, not since our days in New York, before our careers had taken off. She looked as stunning as ever, with her signature dark hair and that confident, magnetic energy that had always drawn people to her.

Lana sauntered over, her smile warm and full of nostalgia. "I thought that was you. It's been ages! How have you been?"

"I'm great, really great," I replied, pulling her into a quick, tight hug. "Just getting ready for Thanksgiving. What about you? What brings you here?"

"Same here," she said with a playful glint in her eyes. "I'm hosting this year. You know me, always loved to be the hostess."

We both laughed, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia. Lana and I had shared so many memories back in the day, those early years in New York when we were both hustling and dreaming big. Seeing her now brought it all rushing back.

"So," Lana continued, leaning in a little closer, "who are you cooking for? Anyone special?"

"Actually, yes," I said, my smile growing wider. "My girlfriend, Leah, and her family. It's our first Thanksgiving together."

Lana's eyebrows arched in surprise, and then a slow, knowing smile spread across her face. "Well, well, well. I didn't know you had crossed over to the other side, Jenn. Leah must be one hell of a woman."

Her tone was light, but there was a subtle, almost teasing edge to it. I laughed, brushing it off as just Lana being Lana. "She really is. We're very happy together."

"That's wonderful," Lana replied, her voice smooth and velvety. She reached out and lightly touched my arm, her fingers lingering a bit longer than necessary. "You know, I've always admired how you go after what you want with such passion. It's one of the things I loved about you back in the day."

I felt a slight flush rise to my cheeks, a bit caught off guard by the compliment. "Thanks, Lana. You know, those were some crazy times in New York, weren't they?"

She laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, they were. We were unstoppable back then." She took a step closer, her gaze lingering on mine. "I've missed you, Jenn. It's been too long. Maybe we should catch up sometime... properly."

There was something in her tone, something flirtatious and playful, that I almost didn't catch. But I just smiled, thinking it was all part of Lana's charm. "Yeah, maybe we should," I agreed. "But right now, I've got to finish up here before Leah starts wondering where I am."

Lana's smile didn't waver, but her eyes held a flicker of something more as she said, "Of course. Well, I'll let you get back to it. But don't be a stranger, okay?"

"I won't," I promised, giving her a quick wave as we parted ways.

As I continued my shopping, I couldn't help but feel a little strange about the encounter. But I quickly pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the excitement of preparing for my first Thanksgiving with Leah. Still, a small part of me wondered if I was imagining things... or if Lana's old flirtatious tendencies had resurfaced. But I shook it off, convinced that it was just Lana being her usual, charming self.