Coming Home

Chapter 3.

--Ray's Place (Present)

I can't believe I'm face to face with the handsome man I spent my last night in the city with. I thought I'd never see him again, yet here he stands, in my hometown nearly a thousand miles away.

"Hi. I'm Adrian Preston." I feel a sting in my heart as he introduces himself.

Could he really not remember me? It's only been two days since I left, but I'm sure he has girls throw themselves at him all the time.

"Oh, hello. I'm Caroline...Carmichael." I stumble over my words, trying to get them out quickly.

I can't focus with those blue eyes staring right through me. What is happening tonight?

My thoughts are interrupted when my best friends sidles up next to us, holding onto Luke as they dance. "Look who I got to loosen up! It's about time you got out and danced with us Luke!"

Luke looks over to see my change in expression and begins to release Emma. She glares and shimmies back into his hold, pressing her body into his to hold his attention.

I give him an encouraging nod, trying to hold myself together. "Have fun! Emma's a great partner."

He smiles as Emma turns his attention back with a flirtatious giggle.

"Friends of yours?"

My attention is pulled back instantly, and I jump. "Um...well yes. That is Emma. She and I grew up together. The man she's dancing with is Luke, who just moved back to town."

Adrian shakes his head and lets out a hollow laugh. "She definitely seems to want to be the brightest flower in the room."

"She's my oldest friend, and she has every right to think so. Every man in here has attempted to take her out, or fawn over her. It's been that way for as long as I can remember."

I look over at Emma as she's dancing with the next partner. Luke seems to have excused himself and is sitting at his friends' table watching the dance floor. I can see he's watching me as I dance.

How could every man not want her? Look at her. She's gorgeous with her long dark hair, flirtatious doe eyes, and the body every man dreams of. How could he see any differently? He clearly forgot me, which proves my point.

"You just don't know her. I know you're new here, but you'll see soon enough. She's the most beautiful girl in town." I gently push away from him.

I can't do this here. If he doesn't remember, then it's probably for the best.

"Thank you for the dance Adrian. It was lovely to meet you. If you'll excuse me, I..."

Adrian wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close to him, stopping my words. "As far as I can see, I'm dancing with the most beautiful girl in town."

My cheeks begin to flush and my eyes flutter down to break his gaze.

What game is he playing? Does he know who I am or not? I don't know why he does this to me. I felt so complete with him that night. I revealed my entire self, unguarded. How could he not remember me?

My heart begins to ache remembering my last night before leaving for home. Tears spring into my eyes and threaten to fall. I abruptly stop dancing and remove myself from his warm hold. "Thank you for the dance Adrian."

Without another word, I make my way straight to the restroom. I place my hands on the sink, attempting to steady myself, but the tears begin to fall.