Nova came over to the house to spend some time with Michael. The two sat in a comfortable silence while lying on the bed together. Michael couldn't help but let his mind wander. Nova noticed too gently running her fingers up and down his chest. His arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"Are you okay?" Nova asked sweetly.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Why did you ask?" Michael responded.
"You can't hide your facial expression, Michael. I can tell when you're thinking about something."
"You know me so well."
"Of course I do." She sat up leaning against the headboard. "What's going on baby?"
"It's nothing bad it's just work has been pretty hectic for me. I'm used to it but it's still a lot." He breathed out.
"Awww I know sweetie but it'll be over soon then you can rest."
"Yeah," He wasn't being fully honest right now. He did feel bad but if he said what he was thinking things would go left.
"I can make you some treats if you want. That always makes you feel better."
"I would like that."
"Too bad I don't have any ingredients here." She scooted towards the edge of the bed. "I'll go home and make you a chocolate lava cake." She put her shoes on and stood up. "Please make sure Randy doesn't eat the whole cake like last time. I still can't believe he did that."
"I'll do my best to hide it but Randy has a sixth sense for dessert." Michael laughed. "I'll walk you out." The two made their way down the staircase that was attached to Michael's bedroom. They made their way to Nova's car.
"I'll call you when I get home." Nova wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."
"I'll be waiting." Michael wrapped his arms around her waist kissing her on the lips. "Be safe please love you too."
"I will and don't send Bill to follow me I'll be fine."
"No promises"
"See you later" She giggled getting into her car and pulling out of the driveway.
He sighed going back inside where he found Tito in the living room on the couch.
"What's wrong Mike?" Tito asked.
"What?" Michael looked at him. "Nothing"
"It doesn't sound like it's nothing." Tito put his hand up. "Come step into my office, little brother." Michael came over and sat on the couch. "Are you and Nova having problems?"
"No why would you think that?"
"Because you got the look."
"What look?" Michael's face twisted in confusion.
"The look that you're thinking about a woman. I assumed it would be Nova but now I'm not sure." Tito looked at him. "Is this about another woman?"
Michael paused for a moment before he answered. He knew telling Tito the truth had a better outcome than telling Nova. "Yeah, it's about me seeing River at the charity ball."
"Mmm," Tito nodded knowing what was going through Michael's head now. "Brought back old memories?"
"She's been on my mind since that night. That's not a good thing." He didn't know what to do.
"I can tell that Nova doesn't know about this."
"When I mentioned I saw River she almost flipped out on me." He didn't want to feel that wrath. He cared about her and didn't want to do anything to hurt her.
"Mike don't panic man this is normal." Tito tapped his shoulder in reassurance. "Just because you think about someone else doesn't mean you're going to act on those thoughts. It also doesn't mean that you're not happy with Nova."
"Yeah," That made him feel slightly better about the situation. "It still feels...wrong to me. I'm with Nova I shouldn't be thinking about any other woman but her."
"You're not wrong like I said it's normal. When you have the thoughts acknowledge it's there but don't let it linger for too long. The only time it's wrong is when you act on those thoughts. Tito explained. "You and River have history together. It's been a long time since you've seen each other. Don't worry about it too much."
Tito could give good advice when you need it. If he said it's normal then Michael would have to believe him. "Okay, I won't focus too much on it. Should I tell Nova?"
"Noooo" Tito emphasized. "You said she was upset that you saw River. I'm only saying no because you don't want to start unnecessary problems in your relationship. You don't want to make her feel insecure. Only tell her if the thoughts start to become a problem for you. Got it?"
"Understood" Michael nodded. "Thanks"
"You know I got you, bro. Don't keep yourself up all night with this."
"I'll try not to." Micheal stood up to make his way back to his room. He thought about what his older brother said. Maybe taking a trip down memory lane wasn't the worst thing. He opened his closet picking up a box that was inside. He carried the box sitting it on his bed as he sat down. Opening it a smile instantly came upon his face.
The box contains some old photos of him and River. When the two broke up he didn't have the heart to get rid of the photos. It was much easier to put them in a box and hide it in the closet.
"I haven't seen these photos in forever." Michael looked through the photos. "Look how happy we were back then." When the two went their separate ways Michael was heartbroken. It wasn't what he wanted but he understood why it needed to happen. There were no hard feelings of course. He was proud of everything that River had accomplished in her career thus far. It was her dream to become a pro on Dancing With the Stars and now she has. He knew that she would do it.
Something else caught his eye as well. What he saw made his heart slightly race. "Her necklace," Michael said. Placing the necklace gently in his hands. The pendant sparkled from the lights of the bedroom.
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He gave her this necklace for her birthday. This was his way of telling her that he would always love her and be there for her. When it was over she gave the necklace back to him. "I remember when she told me she would never take this off." As he shook his head he placed everything back in the box. Like Tito said he acknowledged the thoughts and now it's time to move past them. He's with Nova and he's very happy with her.
The problem was that these thoughts about River weren't going away anytime soon.
