Maybe forever

How long have they known?

*Amelia*

"Well hello Ami, I see you still haven't learned to look where you are going". Cory says, looking down at me with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

I look up at him, my eyes meeting his. Those eyes, nearly impossible to escape, shift colors like a chameleon depending on the light and his mood. Right now, they're a rich chocolate brown, laced with hints of green that flicker like fireflies. I can’t help but feel a rush of warmth as I take him in.

A sigh escapes me; I hadn’t entertained the possibility of seeing him again… or maybe I had just pushed that thought far away. “And I see you still do a fairly good impression of a wall,” I tease, trying to mask the flutter in my chest.

He grins, that familiar, mischievous grin, and pulls me into a hug. “It is so good to see you again, Ami. You look great! But that shouldn’t happen to be my T-shirt, should it?”

“Thank you! Is it?” I respond, feigning innocence while my heart races. “I just happened to find it in my closet.” I can feel heat creeping into my cheeks, and I can only hope he doesn’t notice.

He releases me, turning to greet Jasper. I get introduced to the two men from the studio: an older gentleman with an air of authority and a younger guy around my age, both of them seem kind enough.

We settle into the conference room, sinking into soft chairs as we dive into discussions about the song and the possibility of me appearing on the show as myself. I’m trying to act nonchalant, but my heart thuds in my chest, and I feel light-headed. I knew I could run into Cory; I just hadn’t expected it to feel so raw, so literal.

It’s a challenge to follow the conversation as nerves twist in my stomach, but thankfully, Jasper takes the lead, doing most of the talking. My focus drifts toward Cory, who sits back, relaxed, with those long legs stretched out in front of him. He looks even better than I remember… How is that even possible? His hair is a bit shorter on top, and he sports a rugged stubble that suits him perfectly. He also seems to have bulged up a bit.

Had he known I was coming? He didn’t seem surprised to see me. How does he feel about working with me now, six months later?

Suddenly, our eyes lock, almost as if I’ve spoken his name out loud. An apologetic smile crosses his face, and it sends a jolt through me.

“Well, Ami, it was actually Cory here who told us to contact you when we needed a singer,” the older man, who I assume is the producer, says.

I shoot a glare at Jasper. How long has he known that Cory was involved? “Oh, but thank you very much then,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“No problem. When I saw the song, I knew it was perfect for your voice,” Cory replies, biting his lip like he’s been caught doing something naughty.

So, he’s the one who got me this opportunity, just like he had orchestrated my discovery back then. But why?

The meeting wraps up, and we set an appointment to go through the song with the composer tomorrow. We say our goodbyes, but just before I reach the car, I hear Cory call my name.

“What is it, Cory?” I look at Jasper for backup, but he’s already sliding into the car, leaving me to face Cory alone.

He breathes deeply, running a hand through his hair… a habit I recognize all too well, signaling his nerves. “Ami, I was thinking... maybe we could meet up and talk about the song and some other things?”

“Cory, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. I’m really tired from the flight. I just want to relax.” I don’t want him to think anything could happen between us.

Cory looks like he’s about to argue, but Jasper interrupts. “I’m going out to dinner with some music producers who might want to promote you over here. Maybe Cory could come by the apartment? Then you can talk, and you don’t have to go out.”

“No problem. It’ll be much easier to talk when we’re alone. How about 7 PM?” Cory shoots me one of those looks that say ‘no is not an option.’

I sigh, feeling backed into a corner. “Okay, 7 o’clock, but only to talk about the song. Understood?”

He nods, a spark of triumph lighting his eyes, and I give him the address before turning to get into the car.

“And don’t you dare think I don’t have a bone to pick with you when we get back to the apartment,” I glare at Jasper, who just smiles back sweetly, like he’s the cat that got the cream.