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“It’s nice to meet you,” he says, shaking her hand.

“You too,” she replies, her gaze watching his hand on me.

I slip out from under his fingertips to sit back down.

She still looks as flawless as ever. She is wearing white heels that make her already tall physique look intense.

I brush my hair back behind my ears, nervously.

We never used to have a hard time talking, but seeing her again makes everything seem so raw. She looks just like Graham.

“So, what’s new?” I ask her.

“Same old things!” Mabel exclaims as she sits across from us.

She has always embodied happiness. I really can’t think of a time she’s shown any other emotion.

“Alexander and I have been keeping busy with real estate. People are always buying and selling in New York,” she remarks.

I nod my head and smile.

“So, Sean was it?” She cocks her head toward Sean and subtly checks him out. “You are a fine looking man.”

And there it is. I throw my hands over my eyes. I can’t watch this.

“You aren’t so bad yourself,” Sean says in his charming manner.

He would find a way to find light in this scenario.

She blushes, waving her hand in the air. “Aren’t you a sweetheart. So how do you two know each other?” Mabel asks, her pearly white teeth sparkling.

“We’ve been friends since high school,” Sean answers.

I quickly pick up my water glass and start drinking, trying to avoid having to speak.

“Friends?” Mabel asks doubtfully as she crosses her legs, her eyes suspicious.

She’s always been able to see right through me.

I can sense Sean staring at me. He’s waiting for me to say something.

“Yes—friends,” I say, placing my glass back down. “When I moved away, we lost contact. Then we ran into each other and we became friends again. It was like time never passed.”

“You guys look good together,” Mabel says, biting her lip.

I’d be embarrassed, but I know that it’s true. Sean and I have always meshed well together.

“I’m glad you’re back for a visit,” she begins again. “It’s been a shame not having you here, Billie. You were always a bright light in my day.”

“You were for me too.” I smile sincerely. Avoiding her wasn’t because of who she was, but her connection to Graham. To get rid of him, I had to sever ties with her. That’s just how life goes.

“Isn’t she just such a wonderful light in your life?” she asks Sean.

“Yes, she is,” he replies skillfully.

He’s good at pretending things aren’t as embarrassing as they are.

“That’s already one thing we have in common. This is a great start to our night, don’t you think? Sean, tell me more about you,” she presses.