tan'

ldn't help but let my thoughts drift to Elona. It was impossible not to. She had grown into a stun

kled when she looked at me, those memories were etched into my soul. It had crushed my spirit, and I didn't know if I could ever make it without her. She was my one true love and that drunk

her essay and I knew that when I saw that C, she was talking about me. I have a C tattoo, and I got that when Crislynn was born. I was stunned. Elona has a crush on me and I can see the way that she looks at me. That day shifted everything and I really saw her for who she was...beau

e, a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Tristan, I know it'

. "I can't help it. I am not used to

ouldn't want you to be unhappy forever. You are s

the guilt that tugged at my heart. "I can't just move on, David.

ow and no one expects you to forget her. But y

having a conversation. A pang of jealousy twisted in my chest. It was irrational, unfounded, but I couldn't help it. I asked Crislynn who he was. Apparently, he had moved into a

know, there are plenty of beautiful, vibrant women

't reach my eyes. "Maybe, David, but no

ghter in the air, but my thoughts remained con

nd us, punctuated by bursts of laughter and clinking glasses. David and I

e had striking auburn hair that cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall of fire. H

?" she asked, her v

pected intrusion but not entirely oppos

her hand. "

offering a polit

fly, chimed in. "David over h

s. "Old friend, huh? You two look like yo

thoughts lightening for a moment. "J

intoxicating. "Well, I hope I'm not

all. In fact, Tristan here co

. We talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and laughter. She was v

arching. "You know, Tristan, it's okay to find happines

u are right. Sometimes, we just nee

in. "That's the spirit, Tristan!

in her eyes. "So, Tristan, are you

ning to shine through. Perhaps, just perhaps, ther

corners of my mind. I couldn't help but think of her youthful beauty, her vibrant laughter, and the way her eye

sultry. "What do you say we continue this

had set for myself. But a surge of desire and the longing for a connection beyond my

he barstool, her fingers lightly

tion was palpable. Maggie's hand found mine, her fingers intertwining with

I found myself leaning in to kiss her. The kiss was electric, a release of pent-up emotions and