Reminisce With Me

Chapter 10: What A View

"I am so sorry," I rushed, looking down at the little person I had pushed down.

His head was bowed as he sat on the floor. Finally, when we glared up at me, my heart momentarily stopped beating.

"Nick?" I whispered, covering my mouth in shock. He looked just like the pictures that Amelia had placed in the album. Just like the faint memories I would remember.

Nick looked confused, my reaction catching him off guard. He helped himself up, glancing down as he brushed his suit. When he brought his gaze back up, his eyes were forgiving. I didn't understand the change of heart. "It's okay," he mumbled, throwing a second look at me before walking away.

I wanted to ask him if he remembered me, but knew that would be a pointless conversation. Seventeen-year-old me did not exist yet and my foolishness would be my ticket to the nuthouse.

"Excuse me?" a voice called out from the side. "I don't think we have met."

Micah now stood in front of me, blocking my view of Nick. I stepped back, a natural reflex, which just made Micah smile from ear to ear.

"Hi," I greeted him. "Aubrey Shore."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. I'm Micah Holt."

Speaking to Micah felt like stabbing Aiden, Collin, Helen and Bridget in the back. Speaking to Micah as they watched was twisting the knife.

"Everyone, may I have your attention. The award ceremony will begin shortly, please take a seat," the speakers blared and people began dispersing from their groups and headed towards their tables.

"Well Aubrey, I look forward to having a longer conversation with you," Micah said before planting a kiss on my cheek. "You should take a seat."

I could hear Helen laughing and I turned back to take a seat at the table, still in complete shock.

"I think this confirmed whether Micah was checking you out earlier," Bridgett said, smirking.

"What was that even about. Is he European or something?" I couldn't help but complain.

"No, that was Micah for you," Collin said, matter of factually. "He thinks it's polite."

"No, it's weird," I muttered under my breath as the lights dimmed.

"I thought Ms. Shore liked it when people were polite," Aiden said and I glared at him, not helping it.

"Maybe you can get some tips from Micah," I said back, my voice louder than I intended it to be.

"Thank you everyone for joining the Annual Black Onyx Gala," a man spoke on stage, holding onto a microphone. He wore a grey suit and had salt and pepper hair that fell right below his ears. Even from where I sat, I noticed how blue his eyes were. "Before we get started, I would like to personally welcome the families that have come to New York for this year's assignment."

"Ryder?" I asked Helen, seeing the similar facial structure between him and Micah.

She nodded. "That's the boss."

Ryder paced back and forth, the confidence mesmerizing. "This Gala is to recognize our hard work and dedication to the firm." Everyone clapped, brewing up a storm. "The Government is pleased with our performance and we are still ranked as one of the top criminal firms in New York. I would like to thank everyone for their devotion because without you, the Government would see no value in us. We will continue to be protected by them as we successfully fulfill our tasks."

When Amelia had explained what Black Onyx was, I felt sick. But, hearing the words from Ryder felt a million times worse. I suddenly felt warm and tapped my heels together, attempting to keep it together.