Alex was driving Amanda home as promised.
"Why don't you want to come visit?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
"There's nothing to visit," she replied.
"Your family?"
"I always buy three tickets for them to come visit me anytime they want," Amanda said.
"And the rest?"
"Have you ever heard me talk about my family?"
"No."
"Exactly."
"But..." Alex was cut short.
"Can we drop this topic? It's very uncomfortable," Amanda said, looking out the window.
Silence filled the car for a few minutes.
"I see you and Aiden are still good friends," Amanda said.
"Surprisingly, yeah."
"Why are you going into training so early?"
"Working on being the best."
"Nice. Turn left there."
"Okay."
They fell into a comfortable silence as Alex drove, Amanda looking out the window.
"You can stop here," she said, and he pulled to a stop.
She climbed out.
"Thanks," she thanked him before closing the door.
She made her way to her apartment, only to find Maddie waiting for her at the reception.
Maddie's jaw dropped upon seeing her friend wearing big men's clothes.
"Why are you here?" Amanda asked.
"I want to know all about this mystery guy," Maddie replied.
Before Amanda could say something, a voice came from behind them.
"Amy!" he exclaimed in shock.
"Let's go to my apartment, then I'll tell you the details," Amanda said in defeat, knowing her friends wouldn't let it go.
"Let me order some food," Nate said with excitement.
"Nate, what brought you here?" Amanda asked.
"I'm here to see my friend," Nate replied.
"Yeah, I don't believe that," Amanda said.
They made their way to the elevator and got in, heading to the fifth floor.
"Okay, I'm here to know about this guy," Nate said.
"Why don't you guys tell me what's so shocking about me spending the night at a guy's place?" Amanda asked in boredom.
"Because you resent guys," Maddie replied.
Nate nodded in agreement.
"And I still do," Amanda said while unlocking the door and entering.
"But you said something about an old friend," Maddie said.
"Back in high school, I had a group of friends I returned home with, and he's one of them," Amanda explained.
They all headed to the living room and sat down.
"What happened last night?" Nate asked.
"Your friend here ditched me yesterday for a footballer in the rain," Amanda said sternly.
"I'm so sorry," Maddie apologized with a sheepish smile.
"And he turned out to be a jerk."
"Karma, baby," Amanda said.
"Come on, Ammie, fill us in about this guy," Nate said, sounding curious.
"There's nothing to tell; he's just an old friend."
"The way you say it, I'm convinced there's more to that," Nate said.
"And you're not so good at lying," Maddie added.
"He's the guy I fell in love with in high school," Amanda said.
It didn't take them long to connect the dots.
"The guy from the book?" they asked to confirm.
"Yeah," Amanda replied, nodding.
They all fell silent, with Maddie and Nate processing the new information.
When the doorbell rang, Nate stood up.
"Good, our order is here."
He came back holding a huge box of pizza and a 2L soda.
"The delivery guy is hot," Nate said.
"Did you get his number?" Maddie asked.
"He's straight," Nate said.
"Oops, sorry," Amanda said.
"It's okay. How do you feel about your reunion?" Nate asked.
"There's nothing to feel; it's all in the past," Amanda replied.
Maddie and Nate gave her a pointed look, as if to say, "Stop lying."
"Okay, fine. I feel kinda happy to see him again, though I'm a little sad because of the past."
"Oh, sweetie," Nate said.
Maddie and Nate sat beside Amanda and hugged her.
"You guys are going to make me cry."
"Okay, now let's eat; I'm starving," Maddie said.
They laughed and started eating.
Alex reached the stadium, which was empty except for Aiden, his friend.
"You're late," Aiden said, looking at his friend.
"I had a few things to take care of."
"I didn't know we had business here besides football."
"She's here."
"Who's here?" Alex asked with confusion.
"Amanda."
"Whoa, what?!" Aiden exclaimed,in shock.
"Yeah."
"Wait, where did you see her?" Aiden asked, passing the ball.
"She was here yesterday to watch the match."
"No wonder you gave it your all yesterday."
"What do you mean?"
"You played your best."
"I always play give it my best."
"Yeah yeah. You still love her don't you?"
"No."he said kicking the ball really hard.
"Bro chill out I was just asking." He said raising his hands in surrender.
"Ask me stupid questions again I will make sure it lands in your face."he said in annoyance. Though he wouldn't say it the truth was he still love her he was just denial.
YOU ARE READING
Rekindling Embers
Romance*Description:* Amanda and Alex reunite after eight years, rekindling old flames and unresolved feelings. When a rainstorm forces Amanda to spend the night at Alex's apartment, they navigate their complicated past, witty banter, and lingering emotion...
