Gia's Garden

Homecoming Doesn't Always Start At Home

"This bar is literally the only place to meet quality people after work," Miranda announced as she made it back to our table with our vodka tonics. She sipped hers before saying, "and the amount of industry giants I just saw on my way back could warrant paparazzi. If they cared to be in San Francisco."

I couldn't help but agree. It was seven o'clock but the bar was full. There were influencers, local celebrities and us regular folk filling the atmosphere with tired pickup lines and garbled pitches.

There had been seven of us dispersed. Miranda and I were seated with Katherine and Fernando. They talked amongst themselves, shading everyone else in the bar with their shifty eyes and raucous laughter. Miranda was the only reason I had clicked with them.

Miranda was a mousy and messy woman but so sweet that it kind of canceled out. She led the health and wellness section. "Over there, that's Yolanda, from, she's entertainment, but in the wrong line of work if you ask me. The girl should be the entertainment." It was clear she was tipsy.

Her little body probably couldn't handle the three rounds of shots the group had done as soon as we arrived. A bad idea, but it was Friday. Why not!

It'd take me another two to put me there.

"I knew a girl like her back at The Titan," my previous job that I had no problem name dropping. I contributed largely to their success.

The San Fran Speaker was my destiny though, or at least, that's what I had grown up thinking. It had been a popular magazine in its heyday, but now it had evolved into a reputable, bipartisan, gossip, and trend website.

I was brought in to cover love. It was my expertise.

Gianna's Garden. Where there was always new seeds to sow.

"Behind you," Miranda mouthed and her large brown eyes squinted.

"Gia," Wesley said with a smooth tone. He reached his arms around me before I could think about it or take him in completely. But I knew that voice. No one could forget it.

He smelled of Chanel. I couldn't put my finger on the name as we released each other. Just like the man who'd worn it originally, it was forgettable.

"You're still a tree." I could only compliment his height for some reason. Everything else was foreign to me. The beard he donned, the large framed glasses, and even the suit. I'd been privy to this Wesley, through publications, but never in person.

"And you," he did the charming thing, looking me over and letting the air thicken between us before speaking, "just as gorgeous as six years ago." The attraction in his voice was so sweet that he had to lick his lips.

"And you're still looker," I nudged his shoulder and we both leaned into it but it was a cleared throat that alerted us we weren't alone.

Miranda, KJ (as I had now decided I would call her), and Fernando were staring at the two of us causing my cheeks to get hot.

"Everyone, this is Wesley. Wes, this is Miranda, Katherine, and Fernando from my job at the Speaker." During my introductions, he was reaching out to shake theirs hands. Everybody acquiesced, curious about my tall, dark stranger.

"I would prefer one of those hugs you just gave her," Fernando flirted, Wes and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You're that Wesley Rutherford." KJ wore a smile as if she'd hit the jackpot. "CrisCros is worth four billion dollars and you're just casually sitting in a downtown bar." It was as if she had a secret and didn't want to share it with the other reporters in the room. "If you don't mind," KJ was no longer off the clock. She had pulled out a ridiculously small notepad to which each of us nearly doubled over from laughing at.

But unlike us, she was fiercely dedicated. KJ was covering tech and the ever-booming Silicon Valley. To be more precise, San Fran's own, Myrtle Canyon. "I'd love to ask you a couple of questions. Informally of course." The baby pad stayed in full view, she had no shame.

"I'm not really here to talk business, I just wanted to come over and greet an old friend." He gave us a genuine smile. "Is there anyway we could step out and talk?" He looked towards the door.

I didn't even have to think about it. Fresh air and nostalgia? I was game. Even if our history was torrid.

Wesley pulled three hundreds from his pocket and set them on the table.

"Drinks on me guys." He wore a charming smile. "It was nice to meet you all," before he looked directly at KJ after shaking their hands again. "I'll call Monday morning and give you a quick piece about our next roll out."

Wes took my hand and intertwined our fingers. He led me out of the bar, never dropping my hand even as we walked a bit away from the noisy patio.

San Francisco felt good tonight but the worry in my stomach started to take over. I could stare at the lights in the city all night, but Wes had other plans.

"You're back."

"I only got in town a week ago." I wasn't planning on explaining my five year absence and sudden reemergence.

Wesley sighed, he didn't have the luxury of being upset. He knew why I'd left, even if he avoided it. He knew. "You're working at the Speaker now though," he tapped my arm causing me to look up. "That's a nice gig."

"Romance and lifestyle, they call it," I smirked. "I was able to bring G's Garden so, that's nice." I had no idea why I mentioned it. "How's everything been with you? Are you still with Beth?"

He was surprised I'd bring her up, "Yeah," he looked away from me and into the street. I wanted to jump in traffic too.

"It's been what... six years?" I did a deep exhale and Wesley laughed. "I'd think you guys would be-"

"Engaged again? Had children? Married?" He finished all of the variations.

"Tired of each other." We both laughed. "But in all seriousness, you need to put a ring on that girls finger," the words were just pouring out of me. "Can't just string someone along for twenty years." I wanted to vomit.

Our history meant some things were off limits but in our six years, my subconscious seemed to malfunction. Seemed to want to purge itself of the memory and receive some salvation in them making it and going the distance.

"And are you seeing anyone?" Wes asked me, his eyes were hopeful. I don't know which situation he preferred but the truth was I hadn't been in a relationship in years.

"No, multiple someones if you will," he raised his eyebrow, "For the sake of research. Love and dating is my language, even if I'm not fluent in it." The air became stale between us and I wanted to speak before he did.

"You ran away from me six years ago.. And suddenly I see you in O'Shea's, looking...." He said, "You're a cruel person." His laugh was the same. Full and charming.

"I'm not sure what you expect."

"We're different people, G." His voice was softer, his eyes more focused on me. But I wasn't sure what to say or what he wanted. I couldn't give him much. I'd never been able to.

"I was hoping to get to know you again. We were friends before all of that and time has only reminded me that you're more than—"

"Ruining your engagement?" I said, a little confused. He was so lost in my resurgence that the thought of penance didn't even seem actual. "You might can get over it but I wrote a whole article and marketed myself after it. Beth will never forgive me." He nodded at this.

"She can surprise you." We both didn't believe the words after they left his lips.

We left that night on the street. Wes choosing to grab an Uber and my number and I had to say my goodbyes to my coworkers. It was quick goodbye, formal. The hug might've lasted too long.