Brent’s POV
The drive to the café stretched on longer than it should have, every mile bringing with it memories I couldn’t shake. Seeing Stacey again had stirred something in me—a twinge of guilt, maybe. She’d changed so much since the last time we were close. Gone was the girl who seemed to let life toss her around; in her place stood someone sharper, tougher, someone who had learned to fight for herself.
She was a great girl.
But she wasn’t Betty.
Every memory of that summer I’d spent with Betty came flooding back, rushing through me like a tide I couldn’t control. I could still hear her laughter, bright and carefree, filling the air like music. I could still taste the sweetness of her lips after our first kiss, the way her touch made my world stand still. And I could still feel the way her body had melted into mine, every moment with her seared into my mind like a brand.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. About how much I wanted to hold her again, kiss her, remind her of what we had. Of what I still felt every time I thought about her.
The café finally came into view, and my heart quickened as I pulled into the parking lot. The small building was bustling with activity, the warm glow of the lights spilling out into the dusky evening. I parked and cut the engine, taking a moment to steady myself before getting out.
Through the window, I spotted her immediately.
Betty.
She was sitting by the window, her hair catching the light as she leaned slightly forward. Even from here, I could see the soft curve of her smile as she talked to someone. My heart clenched at the sight, a mixture of relief and longing washing over me.
But then my gaze shifted, and the relief turned to something colder.
She wasn’t alone.
Marcus was there, sitting across from her. And as I watched, he leaned forward, his arms wrapping around her in a hug.
My chest tightened, the air seeming to leave my lungs all at once.
She was hugging Marcus.
I sat frozen, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. A flood of emotions crashed over me—anger, betrayal, confusion—all swirling into a storm I couldn’t contain.
This wasn’t what I’d expected. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the window, from the two of them so close, their connection undeniable. Every memory of Betty, every moment we’d shared, now felt like it was slipping through my fingers.
The café was just a few steps away, but it felt like miles. And with each passing second, the distance between us seemed to grow.