I should’ve turned around, gotten back into my car, and run the moment I saw him, but my legs had locked, arms limp at my sides, and my voice had abandoned me completely. I stood rooted to the pavement, pretending to focus on the scratch at the car’s rear bumper. But I was shivering inside.
Just when I was about to have the perfect life again, Nicholas appeared!
“Are you alright?” He gently asked, leaning in a little to meet my gaze.
I didn’t look up. I gave a forced smile instead; the corners of my lips twitched.
“Mmm,” I replied. That was all I could manage. I couldn’t risk saying actual words. Not with him standing that close to me. No, not the way his voice made memories unravel inside me like a frayed ribbon.
“I'm sorry for startling you. I mean, I could have been more careful.”
