Finally, after thirty minutes of trying to wake up Angela, her eyes fluttered open. She looked at the surroundings around her, and then her eyes found mine.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good. Sleepy. But good."

"You'll feel quite sleepy today. You'll also feel a lot of pain and discomfort where I did the facial procedures, so make sure to keep up with the pain medication I'll be prescribing you. I'm leaving you with a care package and recovery guide for the next thirty days. Please follow it religiously. Tomorrow, I'll need you to return so I can check my incisions and make sure there isn't a start to an infection."

"Okay," she responded groggily.

"I'll explain to your mother the aftercare process as well. She'll be helping you for the next month, correct?"

"Yes."

"Okay, good. Make sure to get lots of rest today."

"I will."

As I headed to the door, Angela breathed, "Thank you for doing this for me."

"No problem."

"And I'm sorry about—"

I raised my hand, stopping her from saying anything more. "It's all good. If anyone is sorry, it's me."

"So, how many more surgeries will I need?"

"It all depends. But we'll discuss that another time. Right now, I want you to get some rest."

After leaving Angela's room, I headed to the waiting area to speak to her mother to review the instructions I needed Angela to follow. Afterward, I sat in my office and stared at the wall for the longest time, thinking about what I should do about Saturday.

For the past week, all my friends annoyed me—Every. Fucking. Day. Trying to talk me into going to the stupid party. But I get it. This was Mr. Hanson's dying wish, and he was the most incredible social studies teacher everyone loved having.

I wouldn't mind seeing him, but there are also many others I went to school with I don't care to see.

Hudson was the pushiest of my friends, insisting I go. Every time I asked him why it was so important for me to attend something that I didn't care about? His remarks were always because. And if it weren't that, he'd say it was because I needed to get my head out of my ass. Or, he'd say, since none of us went to the other two reunions, wouldn't it be nice to see how everyone aged and changed?

He also claimed it would be good for me to get out and socialize instead of going out looking to stuff someone's pussy for the night.

The funny thing about that is, since the threesome with Trent, I haven't once gone to his club, Lucky's, or any other club looking for pussy. All I've done was work, go home, eat, watch TV and movies, and sleep.

On top of that, I thought about my life. Where I saw it ten, twenty, and thirty years from now, I thought about what it would be like to remain single. I wondered what it would be like to share my life with someone. I wondered what it would be like raising kids. And I wondered how my grandmother would react if I were to tell her I was finally seeing someone. I imagined her expression, eyes widening, smile, and voice's sound when she expressed her happiness. Everything.

I also thought about what I'd do if I continued to stay single. Would I be happy? Would I be depressed? Lonely? Thrilled? Content? Complete?

And I wondered what my parents would say to me if they were still alive. Would they be doing and saying exactly what my grandmother has been trying to push me into doing?

The answer to that I knew right away—yes.

Growing up, my mother always said she couldn't wait to see my sisters and me having kids and how badly she wanted to be a grandmother. She always claimed everyone told her there was nothing more enjoyable than seeing your kids raising children and how the love for your grandchildren is so much different and special than your love for your children.

Even though she had my sisters, my mother also couldn't wait to have a daughter-in-law.

As for my father? He was just like my mother. He'd always tell me how much I'd be in heaven raising a son to be like me, to throw a ball to, wrestle with, and more. And how it was always the highlight of his day when spending time with me. He'd also tell me that if I had a daughter, I'd really know what it was like to become someone's protector. That I'd spend every day of my life ensuring she was safe. That I'd do whatever it took to ensure no man would ever harm her, and if someone did, I'd end up in jail, not from fighting him but from killing him.

He had a lot of advice and a lot of warnings.

And all those warnings he instilled into my brain, I wouldn't be surprised if my father was in the room with me right now, smacking the shit out of me for what I've been up to with every woman I've come across since high school, scolding me for just seeing women as sex objects.

Like my mother, he couldn't wait for a daughter-in-law to love and spoil.

So, as I stare at my wall, thinking about what my parents would say and how angry and disappointed they'd be with how I've handled my life since I last saw them alive, I cringe at the thought of what I know they'd say and do to me if they were still alive today.

They'd most likely disown me.

So, what Trent did for me two weeks ago was a waste of time. It didn't work how we both thought it would. Now I've got settling down with one woman and having kids with her on my mind.

Sigh...

Fuck. I'm such a fucking mess. It isn't funny.

One minute, I despise the thought of being committed to someone for the rest of my life. And then the next minute, I think about how wonderful it would be to have someone to open my eyes to every morning—the same woman every day until we take our last breath, and not waking up to some bar slut who was out looking for dick.

Granted, I never spent the night with any of them. But lately, my mind wonders what it would be like waking up next to who I had just fucked, instead of going home right afterward like I do.

Hudson: You better show up on Saturday.

Hudson's text woke me out of my thoughts.

Fuck. What is with my friends demanding I go to this fucking party? And why is Hudson all of a sudden being so pushy with me? He's never on my ass about anything. He offers suggestions, but never is he so determined to get me to do anything.

Me: Why is it so fucking important that I go? What benefit will I have by showing up?

Hudson: Because it would be good for you.

The same fucking line he's been telling me all week.

Me: You keep telling me that. But you never tell me why that is.

Hudson: Because people change, Aaron. Kids grow up, they see the stupid things they used to do, and they'll do what it takes to become a better person. Not all of them, but most will. And wouldn't you like to see what everyone does for a living? Wouldn't you want to know how the girls we used to chase look today? Wouldn't you like to see your favorite teacher, Mr. Hanson, before he passes on?

I tried chasing a woman, and she destroyed me.

Hudson: And what about Sloane? Wouldn't you like to see her? To see the woman she's become today? Wouldn't you want to see if she's changed? I mean, we both don't know if she'll be there, but wouldn't you like to show up to see what she looks like today?

There it finally is. That's why he's being so fucking pushy. Hudson was the one who was standing beside me when I asked Sloane to be my girlfriend.

Me: No, she's the last person I want to see. I couldn't care less what she looks like today or if she's changed into a better human being. Twenty years ago, she showed her true colors when she humiliated me. Seventeen years ago, she showed just how much of a heartless bitch she was when she sent me that fucking graduation gift.

Hudson: As I said, people change. Look at us. We all changed. Look at Callum and how much he's changed. People turn their lives around all the time, Aaron. So quit being so damn bitter and grumpy. That was Callum's shitty appearance, and it doesn't look any better on you.

I was done having this conversation with Hudson and sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose, wondering what the fuck to do. How it looks today, everyone will be there. Will it look bad that the star quarterback, whom all the girls tried getting me to notice, doesn't show up for an early celebration of life for one of the most outstanding teachers anyone could ever have? Who enjoyed praising his students for everything they did? Who took the shirt off his own back countless times for his students who needed it? Including me when he gave me the news my parents were killed?

It wouldn't look at all.

Hudson: So, are we counting on seeing you Saturday night?

Me: I haven't decided. But before you get all excited for nothing, I'm telling you it will most likely be no.

Hudson: You never know. Attending this event might be the best thing you've decided to do lately. And if you do show, you could be rewarded with something amazing.

"Rewarded," I scoffed. How could I be rewarded for showing up at a party? It's not like I have any awards they want to present to me. And it's not like I've done anything for them to reward me with anything. So, that comment is irrelevant.

Frustrated my friends wouldn't leave me alone about this, I dragged my fingers through my hair and let out a heavy sigh as I typed, responding to Hudson.

Me: I'll think about it. Okay? I won't say yes. And I won't say no. Just. We'll see. Now, please leave me alone. I've got work to do.

***

Two days ago, I told Hudson I'd consider attending the party. And since telling him that, my phone's been blowing up. All my friends, including their wives, have been bugging me. And it's really getting on my nerves that they won't give up.

It's almost as if they know something I don't, and they want to make sure I'm there to be a part of whatever that may be.

Sorry, guys, I've decided not to go.

As much as I'd love to say my goodbyes to one of the most incredible human beings I've ever known, I can't go.

Instead, I'd rather sit on my couch and relax to a couple of glasses of whiskey while watching whatever looks interesting on TV.

While pouring a drink, my eyes rolled when I heard my phone go off.

Which one of you is trying to get a hold of me this time?

Rory: Isabelle and I are on our way to the hotel. Would you like us to pick you up?

What the fuck.

Really?

If I go, I can drive myself.

Me: No.

Rory: Don't do this, Aaron. We're all going to be there. It'll be fun!

I laughed at that remark. Who's he trying to kid?

Me: You can all have fun without me. Everyone will live if I'm not there.

Christ Almighty.

Now, someone's knocking on my door.

I grabbed my drink off the counter and headed to the door, and when I opened it and saw it was Callum and Eloise, I groaned.

"You all are fucking relentless. Don't you have somewhere to be other than my doorstep?"

Instead of responding, Callum just brushed past me and walked right into my home.

"I didn't say you could come in."

"Too bad."

"Well, why don't you come in then?" I groaned, then turned and sighed as I eyed Eloise. I stepped to the side, sipped my drink, and waved for her to enter, saying, "Come in, hot stuff."

Eloise leaned to my ear, whispering, "Please say you'll come. Otherwise, Callum will be messaging the others to meet here."

"Not you, too," I whined—the only one of the bunch who left me alone this week.

She giggled. "I'm just warning you."

"Is there something happening tonight that you're all keeping from me?" I asked, looking at Callum.

Eloise pinched her lips between her teeth, and Callum shook his head. "Not that I know of. Why?"

"Because you're all being way too pushy about me going tonight."

Callum pulled Eloise into my home and then made himself comfortable on my couch, turning off my TV and snuggling Eloise beside him.

"I was watching that."

"Not anymore. How about you get ready? We'll just sit here and wait."

"How about no?" I took a larger sip and returned to the kitchen to top off my glass. "I'm content with just hanging out here tonight."

"Aaron. Go get dressed, and let's go."

"What part of no, don't you understand?"

I headed back into the living room and sat on the other end of my sectional.

Callum's brows drew to one. "When in the world did you become so damn stubborn? You've never been this way."

"I'm not being stubborn. I just don't want to go. Besides you guys, there's only one person who'll be there I wouldn't mind seeing, and that's Hanson. But I can reach out to him another time."

Callum raised his leg, resting his foot on his knee. Then, he removed his phone from his pocket and started typing, saying, "That's fine. I'll let the guys know you want everyone to meet here."

"Jesus, Callum. Not everyone goes to these things, and I'm one of them."

"I'm not one for these either, but I'm going tonight. And so are you. Now, please get ready before the others arrive, and they drag you out."

"I have nothing to wear."

Callum's eyes rolled. "Give me a break. Did you turn into a fucking woman?"

"No."

"You've got plenty to wear. Now go change," Callum demanded.

Oh my God. Callum isn't going to let up. And the crazy look in his eye says he's serious about having the guys come over to help him drag me out.

"Christ," I hissed. "I'll fucking go. All right?"

Satisfaction hit Callum's lips when he grinned. "Good. Now hurry and get ready."

"I'll meet you there. I've got to shower, shave, and find something decent to wear that isn't dirty."

Callum's arm around Eloise tightened as he pulled her tighter to him. "We can wait."

"I'll be there, all right? There's no need for you to sit and wait or to babysit me. If I said I'll be there, I'll be there."

A mischievous look appeared in Eloise's eye, and then she said, "If I get Callum to leave, and you end up not showing up, I'll make sure you pay for it."

I lifted a brow, curious to hear what that was. "And how would you do that?"

"Since you thought it was funny to fuck with me in Hawaii, I'll return the favor by having Trent or Callum bring you to see Electra so she can peg your stubborn ass."

My eyes widened in horror.

I'm all about trying new things when it comes to sex, but being pegged isn't one of them.

"Oh shit," Callum humorously said, then laughed. "You know she'd do that in a heartbeat! It's her favorite thing to do!"

Looking at Eloise, I nicely said, "I'll be there. I promise."

Eloise looked at Callum. "I think it'll be safe for us to leave."

Callum kissed her lips, and a strange feeling quickly assaulted me. "I think so, too."

Seeing Callum kiss her made me jealous. Not because he kissed his hot fucking wife. But because he has someone to kiss whenever he wants.

I finished my drink and then dragged my fingers through my hair. "I guess I'll see you all soon."

Callum stood, offered Eloise his hand, and they headed to me when she rose to her feet. Callum gripped my shoulder, grinning. "Well, if you don't show, you don't show. Just know being pegged isn't all that bad. I know you'll enjoy it."

My brows furrowed in annoyance. "Whatever."

He squeezed my shoulder again, then patted my back. "I'm serious. Being pegged isn't the end of the world. In fact, it feels fucking amazing."

"Fuck you, Callum. Just because you like it doesn't mean I will."

He laughed. "See you soon."

***

Two hours later, I was searching for a parking spot at the hotel, and when I couldn't find one, I decided to have valet deal with my sports car. It's probably safer with them, anyway.

I was only looking to save a few bucks since I was being forced to attend something that didn't interest me.

But whatever.

I'm here. Now, everyone can go on with their lives.

My stomach twisted in knots when I heard music blaring as I neared the banquet hall. If this were a wedding, I'd be somewhat happier attending, knowing there'd be single women roaming the room.

But anxious to look for women to take to bed tonight? Here? No thanks. I already know these women, and I'm not interested in any of them.

After checking in, I stood by the door of the packed banquet hall, looking for my annoying friends, until I spotted Amanda and Greyson's tall ass shooting the shit with someone I couldn't make out from this far away.

While heading toward him, I kept a lookout for the others, hoping nobody I didn't want to converse with would stop me.

Finally, I spotted the rest of the clan on the other side of the room, near the bar, smiling and laughing as they talked with whoever they were and headed over to them.

I walked up behind Jace and Tallulah and leaned forward between them. "I thought you guys weren't coming."

Jace quickly turned around, smiling as he pulled me to him. "You came!" He excitedly said. "We had bets going you wouldn't make it."

"Who won?"

"Nobody. You showed up," he teased.

I looked at my asshole friend Callum and said, "I told you I'd be here."

So, what next?

Alcohol.

I need plenty of alcohol to get me through this night.

So, the bar it is. "Excuse me. I'll be right back. I'm feeling a bit parched," I said, cupping my neck. "Would anyone like anything?" I asked, eyeing each of my friends.

Eloise and Tallulah handed me their empty glasses, wanting water. And Callum waved his near-empty glass at me. "I'll have another one of these."

"Johnnie?"

"The only one they have."

"Anyone else?"

Since nobody else said anything, I left to head to the bar. But I didn't get very far. A woman who looked familiar stepped in front of me. "Aaron, is that you? Are you Aaron Rhodes?"

She wasn't a knockout, but she was pretty and one I'd have no issues banging. But, apparently, she's an old classmate of mine. She recognized me.

I should fuck with this short, blonde-haired, blue-eyed broad and tell her no, you've got the wrong guy. But that wasn't what left my lips. I smiled, saying, "The one and only."

Her pretty little, black-painted lips curved upward. "I knew it!" She looked me up and down. "Wow, you look great! How are you?" she excitedly said, emphasizing you and making my skin crawl when she rubbed her hand up and down my arm.

"Never been better," I said, eying the bar. I lifted the empty glasses and said, "Well, I need to refill these for the ladies and get a drink myself."

"I'll follow you. I was on my way there until I saw you."

Great.

"So, what have you been up to?"

"Work. Work. Work," I answered, annoyed.

I set the empty glasses on the bar top and did what I could to ignore this woman, acting like we were the best of friends.

"So, are you married?"

She's bold. I don't even know who she is, and she's asking if I'm married. Who is this chic?

I diverted my eyes away from the bartender and to the blonde hussy. "Are you hitting on me?"

She smiled and shrugged. "Maybe. So. Are you?"

I leaned my side against the bar and studied her. She dresses nicely. She's taking good care of her appearance; her nails are painted black like her lips, and her eyes are lined with black eyeliner.

Who do I remember that was into the goth look?

Hmm. I still have no idea who this woman is.

"You don't remember me, do you?"

I pushed away from the bar, shaking my head. "Sorry. I don't."

"Chloe Hannigan."

Oh, fuck no.

"Oh. Hi. You look very different," I said instead of telling her what I really wanted to say. I scanned the room, looking for her. If Chloe's here, then the other one must be here. Curious if she was, I asked. "So, where's your partner in crime?"

"My partner in crime? Who's that?"

"Where's your friend?" I enlightened a little more, a sour taste in my mouth just thinking about saying her name.

"Which one?" she asked innocently. But if I knew any better, she's fucking with me by her high pitch tone.

"What can I get for you, sir?"

Saved by the bartender.

"I need these refilled with water. And then I need a glass of Johnnie and a glass of Crown Royal... make those last two doubles, please."

"So, you never said if you're married, and you never answered me about which friend of mine you were inquiring about."

"I'm married to my job," I answered cockily. Then I added, "Before you ask another question, I'll just fill you in. I have no wife. No girlfriend. And no kids. Just the way I like it. As for your friend? I was talking about Sloane," I said bitterly.

She laughed. The same laugh she had when we were kids. "Sloane? Hell no. We haven't been friends since we graduated high school."

That's surprising. They were joined at the hip after Sloane humiliated me. "Wow. Shocking."

"I know, right? After we graduated, she lost it. And I mean, really lost it," she said, wide-eyed. "Then, after losing it and telling us all off, she moved back to California."

She did? Wow! That's shocking.

Sloane always told me she hated it there and was ecstatic when her dad told her they were moving out of California.

"I'm surprised. Sloane hated it there." Now I'm curious about what happened that Sloane would end their friendship and move back to a place she despised.

"She didn't fit here, anyway."

I paid the bartender, collected the drinks, and looked at Chloe, saying, "Well, I've got to bring these back to my friends."

"It was nice seeing you again. Maybe we can get a dance in later."

That would be a big fat, no thanks.

"Have a good night."

I hurried back to my friends, handed Eloise and Tallulah their waters, and then, as I handed Callum his drink, I asked, "Did you know Sloane moved back to California?"

"I heard. But I also heard she no longer lives there." Callum cocked a curious brow. "So, who was that tiny blonde you were talking to?"

Eyeing the blonde while lifting my drink to my lips, I muttered, "Someone I wished hadn't recognized me. Chloe fucking Hannigan."

"Sloane's best friend?"

"Apparently, ex, best friend. She claimed Sloane lost it after graduation and then moved back to California."

Now, I know I don't have to worry about running into Sloane if she had moved back to her home state. She'd have no reason to come to this if she broke her friendships with all of her friends here.

She sure as hell wouldn't come here to see me. Sloane ended our friendship long before she ended it with them.

"What happened?" Rory asked, eyeing me strangely.

Confused by his question, my brows furrowed as I asked, "What do you mean?"

"You suddenly looked relaxed."

I flashed him a relieved smile. "Because I am."

"Why is that? Is there someone here you were hoping to see?" Rory pushed, humor written all over his lips.

"No. Everyone I came to see is standing right here with me. The only other person I need to find before I leave is Mr. Hanson."

Rory and Hudson looked at each other and grinned devilishly at one another before turning their gaze on me.

Hudson's hand raised, and then his pointer finger flung out, and he twirled his hand around. "I think there's someone who'd like to talk to you. Turn around."

"Is he behind me?"

Rory, still smiling, slowly shook his head.

"Aaron?" a woman behind me said, tapping my shoulder.

The woman's voice instantly had me freezing stiff. The insides of my stomach twisted and knotted. And I think my eyes bulged from my eye sockets.

I recognize the voice.

I may not have heard it in years, but I'd recognize what I used to believe was a sweet, appealing, modulated voice from anywhere.

"Turn around, Aaron," Hudson urged.

Swallowing hard, nervous to see if the woman behind me was who I thought it was, I turned around.

I guess now I know why Hudson was so damn fucking pushy this week about me coming here tonight. As well as my other friends.

And now I stand stiff, repeatedly blinking, and suddenly unable to speak because of the woman from my past. The one who destroyed me and shattered my heart—my entire world—is standing before me, looking nervous. Or possibly scared or worried.

And she looks nothing like she did when I last saw her.

She's still gorgeous as ever, but she's significantly damaged.

Everything I planned on saying to Sloane if I ever had the chance to do so just went out the window. Because what I wanted to say, I no longer can.

Sloane's more broken than anything she's ever said and done to me. At least, that's how it appears to me.

Now, because of who and what I'm seeing, I have no idea what I should say to her other than playing dumb. And that's exactly what I did. Instead of smiling at her, pulling her in for a hug, and showing her no emotions, I asked, "Do I know you?"

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!!