I just want to try,” she said. I studied her face, seeing the regret there. “I still have the same number,” I said finally.
Jess smiled. “Thank you,” she said softly. We sat there for a while, not saying much.
Then Jess nudged me, pointing toward the field. “He’s not looking for me,” she said. I sighed and climbed down the bleachers, my steps slow and uncertain.
When I reached Brian, my mind raced, and I almost forgot how to speak. Before I could say anything, he started. “Amelia,” he said, his voice steady.
“First, I want to make one thing clear. Jess isn’t my girlfriend. I haven’t seen her since high school.”
I nodded.
“I know,” I said, my voice quieter than intended. Brian glanced at me, then down at the ground. “The locket you put in the capsule—is it the one I gave you?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. “It’s funny. Back then, I thought when we dug it up, we’d already be married.
I imagined it being this sweet moment.” I paused, my chest tightening. “But…”
“I was an idiot,” Brian said, cutting me off. “I didn’t give you a chance to explain.
I let myself believe something that wasn’t true.”
“We were kids,” I said, trying to sound indifferent, though the hurt still lingered. “But we’re not kids now,” he said, his tone softening. “Amelia, I’ve thought about you for years.
I told myself it didn’t matter anymore, but seeing you today, I realized I was wrong. I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time.”
“It doesn’t matter, Brian,” I said quickly. “I live in New York now.”
“So do I,” he said, a small smile forming.
“And I’d like to take you on a date.”
I hesitated. “I don’t know—”
“Just one date,” he said, looking at me earnestly. I sighed, then smiled a little.
“Fine. But only if you win me a new locket. This one’s turned black,” I said, holding it up.
Brian laughed, his face lighting up. “It’s a deal.”
🤷🏻♂️
