Always you

Chapter 2

Raking through the multiple dresses Marie had gotten me for the summer, I settle on a gorgeous wine red satin gown, and pair it with a pair of kitten heels before finally walking down the stairs. I'm instantly greeted with an army of organisers, and as I walk towards the backside, I'm speechless as I witness an array of breathtaking flowers, stunningly set up candle lit tables, all next to the poolside, overlooking the waterfront. Marie stands in the middle of the scene, guiding each worker carefully. I'm about to walk towards her, as I feel a hand wrap around my shoulder. "Excuse me?", calls out a voice, and I instantly recognise it as Alex. I turn around and it takes him a second to register what's going on. His face holds a blank expression as he tries to shift the gears in his mind, and once it clicks, his eyes widen, almost popping out of their sockets, and he whispers "Holy shit." An instant smile settles on my face as soon as I see him, which slowly morphs into a grin, and then a laugh, as he repeats his words and hugs me tight, lifting me off the ground. A shriek leaves me as he catches me off guard. He sets me back on my feet, holding onto my shoulders. "It can't be you".
"It is me, Alex" I respond as he replays his words a third time, and takes me into a bear hug again. He pulls away and as soon as his mouth opens to speak, he's cut off by someone speaking. A raspy voice comes up behind me, "Marie cleaned up well today." I'm able to put a face to the voice, as the person walks past me and plants himself next to Alex. My eyes immediately fall on him, as I take in all his features. Tall, built build, perfectly messy hair, good style. Who was this guy and why had I never seen him before? I'm locked onto his face as he notices me, and releases a small "oh". He shifts his head to Alex again, but his eyes remain on me for a second longer than they should've. "I didn't realise I was interrupting something."
Alex looks at the guy like he's grown horns, and reminds him "Dude, this is Sasha." I still don't get how that's supposed to help him understand, but his head swivels to me once again, and says "Wait, you're THE Sasha?" I stand dumbfounded, and the only thing able to leave my mouth is a quiet "I...guess?" A smirk spread settles on his face, as he sticks his hand out and says, "Rafe. Nice to finally meet you." His eyes completely examine my body, leaving my eyes and coming back up again. I extend my own arm and meet his, his hand completely engulfing mine as he softly grabs into and shakes, sending a jolt throughout my body. Get a grip Sasha.
"Sasha, but I suppose you already know that." He laughs quietly, and says "Oh trust me, I know," letting me hand fall down slowly. I'm forced to cut eyes off him as Alex speaks up, coming back to his senses. "Sash, what're you doing here?" His voice is almost a whisper. Breathless. It sends a smile shooting onto my face. "I thought you'd be happier than that Alex" He laughs quietly and then wraps me up in another hug. I sense a pair of eyes burning into us, but I dare not to lift my head and look, knowing exactly who it was. As soon as we part, I tell Alex of my plans for the summer. Staying in the obx, and spending all my time living out the dream id missed out on, and I knew that Alex would be happy to have me back. Of course he would be. It was Alex, after all.
We fall deeper into conversation, and in a few moments I realise that Rafe had disappeared. I try to look around for him, discreetly, but no signs of him anywhere. Alex doesn't seem to notice, and so I don't bother any further. Instead, I grab a drink and go around helping Marie with whatever she needed.