Amy sat at the restaurant sipping from her "berry bliss",a combination of strawberry, blueberry and raspberry and staring out the window. Her best friend Sophie walked in, spotting Amy and making her way over.
"Hey, girl!" Sophie said as they hugged. "What's going on?, how are you doing?"Sophia asked, sliding into the booth across from Amy.
"I'm ok Sophie, You couldn't stop blabbing over the phone last night about your promotion and I felt it was something we should celebrate and plus we haven't really hung out in a while and I also have something I'd like to share with you " Amy's eyes glistened.
"Yh, I'm so happy about the promotion,it was least expected,thanks for being so thoughtful " Sophie said smiling.
"You're welcome " Amy said raising her hand signaling the waiter to come over.
"Welcome to Sandy's,what can I get you?" The waiter asked smiling.
Looking at the menu, they ordered some chicken wings and fried calamari.
"Coming right up" he said
He took their orders and went away.
They kept talking as their food came.
"Enough about me Amy,you said you had something to tell me" Sophie said picking up her own glass of berry bliss.
Amy smiled, took a deep breath and launched into the story of her whirlwind romance with Jace. She shared every detail, from their intense connection to their passionate nights together.
Sophie listened intently, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wow, Amy, it sounds like you've really fallen for him!"
Amy nodded, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "I have, Sophie. I feel like I've never connected with someone like this before."
Sophie smiled, reaching out to take Amy's hand. "I'm so happy for you, Amy. You deserve all the love in the world."
As they chatted, Amy felt a sense of relief wash over her. Sharing her feelings with Sophie had always been a source of comfort, and today was no exception.
Sophie's eyes sparkled with curiosity." Amy! What is it about him that makes you feel that way?"
Amy thought for a moment before responding. "I think it's because he's been through something similar to me. He lost his sibling, just like I did. It's like we have this unspoken understanding of each other, its just natural what we both share."
Sophie nodded sympathetically. "That makes sense. Sometimes, it's easier to connect with someone who's been through a similar experience."
Amy nodded vigorously. "Exactly! And it's not just that. He's also incredibly kind and supportive. He listens to me when I need someone to talk to, and he's always there to offer a shoulder to cry on."
Sophie smiled warmly. "That sounds wonderful, Amy. You deserve someone like that in your life." She paused. "How long have you known him?"
"For about 6 months" Amy replied.
After their table was cleared, Sophie leaned in closer, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Amy, can I ask you something?" Amy nodded, curious. "Of course, what is it?"
Sophie hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I'm really happy for how you feel about Jace, I mean it's been years you opened up since after well "you know who", do you think you're ready to open yourself up to someone new? You've been through a lot, and I just want to make sure you're not rushing into anything."
Amy paused for a moment . "Honestly, Sophie, I don't know. But what I do know is that I feel a connection with Jace that I've never felt with anyone before. And I'm willing to take the risk to see where things go with him that's why we're dating "
Sophie nodded, a small smile on her face. "I trust your judgment, Amy. But I have to remind you of Derek"
Amy's eyes dropped, and she felt a pang of guilt. She had tried to put her past relationship with Derek behind her, but the memories still lingered. "What about Derek, Sophie?"
Sophie's voice was gentle but firm. "You were really into him, Amy. You thought he was the one, and you gave him your heart. But he hurt you, Amy. He hurt you badly."
Amy nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I know, Sophie.I was blind to his flaws, and I paid the price."
Sophie's grip on Amy's hand tightened. "I don't want to see you go through that again, Amy. I don't want to see you get hurt by Jace. You deserve so much better than that."
Amy felt a surge of defensiveness, but she knew Sophie was coming from a good place. "Sophie, I know you're just trying to protect me. But Jace is different. He's kind and caring, and he really listens to me."
Sophie's expression softened, but her eyes still held a hint of concern. "I hope you're right, Amy. I really do. But please, just be careful. Don't rush into anything"
Amy nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I will, Sophie. I promise."
As they parted ways, Amy couldn't shake off the feeling that Sophie's words had left her with. Was she just setting herself up for another heartbreak?, Could Jace finally be the one?"
These and many more questions ran through her mind as she drove home.
...
As Amy walked through the front door of her apartment after a stressful day of work at Fictional escapes bookstore,she was greeted by the dim light of the neatly arranged living room. She sighed as she walked to the wall and flipped on the light switch. She was still thinking about Sophie's word from yesterday when they met and she so badly wanted her to be wrong about Jace. But as she made her way towards the kitchen, she heard a faint noise coming from within. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if someone had broken into her apartment. She slowly picked a glass vase from the table nearest to her and cautiously approached the kitchen, her senses on high alert. She was practically prepared for the worse.
As she turned the corner, she was surprised to see Jace standing at the stove, a spatula in hand while backing her. He was wearing a white apron, and his hair was slightly messy, as if he had been cooking for a while.
"What the heck Jace?,you scared the crap out of me" She said as she dropped the vase.
"Hey, beautiful," he said as he turned,his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I hope you don't mind, but I let myself in. I wanted to surprise you with a snack."
Amy's initial fear gave way to surprise and delight as she took in the scene before her. The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked pancakes, and Jake had even gone to the trouble of making heart-shaped ones.
"You're a sneaky one, Jace Prescott" Amy said, trying to sound stern but unable to hide the smile spreading across her face. "But I have to admit, I'm impressed. Heart-shaped pancakes? You're a real romantic."
Jace chuckled and moved towards her with flour smeared on some parts of his face. "I can do anything to make my girlfriend happy" he said, his eyes locked on hers.
Amy felt a flutter in her chest as she met Jake's gaze. She couldn't help but be charmed by his sweet words and thoughtful gesture.
"Yeah, would appreciate that more if you didn't look like a total dork with all that flour on your face." She teased smiling. Jace laughed.
"Didn't mean for that to happen but you know what,it wouldn't look bad on you either" Jace said as he smeared his cheeks on Amy's. She shouted playfully as she pushed him away.
Jace laughed as he moved towards her. "Sorry about that honey" He said trying to wipe it off.
Their eyes met again and the world stopped moving for both of them once again. Jace leaned forward and met Amy's lips in a slow and passionate kiss. Amy's hand flew to his soft hair as she dug into them. His hands hugging her waist without any room for escape.
Their lips swam in unfiltered passion as he swiftly swept Amy off her feet and onto the nearby counter.He spread and stood in between her legs with a tiny melodious moan escaping from Amy.
They stopped for a second to catch some air and just as they were about to delve into a blissful activity. Jace's phone rang cutting them short.
"Shit!!" He groaned in frustration and pulled back, reluctantly taking the phone from his pocket.
Amy couldn't help but laugh at the timing. "I guess the universe doesn't want us to desecrate the kitchen" she said, smiling up at Jace.
Jace rolled his eyes good-naturedly."What the fuck, Becca!!" He said as he answered the call and walked out of the kitchen to the living room.
Amy hopped down from the counter and began to place the pancakes in a plate trying to distract herself from the disappointment of the interrupted moment.
.....
Jace's face fell as he listened to his sister Rebecca's voice on the phone. "What do you mean you're getting married?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the dread creeping up his spine.
"Well,you literally stopped talking to almost everyone when you left home so I doubt there's a way you could have known" Rebecca, Jace's second sister said. "Nick proposed" She added. Jace sighed.
Rebecca's voice was cheerful, but Jake could detect a hint of concern beneath the surface. "I know you've been avoiding Mom and Dad, Jace, but this is a big deal for me.The whole family's going to be there, and it would mean a lot to Mom if you came."
Jace's gut twisted with anxiety and anger. He hadn't spoken to his father in months, not since their last blowout argument. The thought of facing him again, especially in a crowded and emotional setting like a wedding, made Jace's stomach turn.
"Becca, I don't know if I can do that," Jace said, trying to keep his tone neutral. But Rebecca knew him too well, and she could hear the underlying tension in his voice.
"Jace, please,it's my wedding we're talking about, don't let what happened between you and dad dissuade you from carrying out your brotherly responsibilities towards me," Rebecca said, her voice softening. "Just for Mom's sake,if not for me. She's really been missing you, and this could be a chance for you to reconnect with her. And with the rest of us, too."
Jace hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew his mother had been caught in the middle of his feud with his father, and he didn't want to hurt her any more than he already had.
But the thought of facing his father again was still a daunting one. Jace's mind flashed back to their last argument, the angry words and bitter recriminations that had left them both feeling raw and hurt.
"Becca, I don't know if I can do this," Jace said again, feeling a sense of desperation creeping in. "I don't know if I can face Dad again after what he did"
Rebecca's voice was calm and soothing. "Jace, you don't have to face him alone. We'll all be there to support you. And who knows, maybe this can be a chance for you and Dad to start healing and moving forward, dad is even better now,he regrets what he did."
Jace took a deep breath, feeling a sense of trepidation. He knew Rebecca was right - he couldn't avoid his family forever and this was his little sister's wedding,he shouldn't let her down.But the thought of facing his father again still filled him with anxiety.
"Okay, fine," Jace said finally, sighing. "I'll come to the wedding. But just for you and Mom, and just for a few hours. I'm not promising anything more than that, I'll board the next flight back to New York after the family dinner"
Rebecca's voice brightened. "That's all I can ask for, Jace. Thank you. And hey, the wedding is this saturday, which means I'll be expecting you on Friday"
"This Saturday?,why didn't you tell me earlier?" Jace asked.
"You've not been reachable J, and hey, while I've still got you on the phone... Mom has been wondering when you'd bring someone home especially now that I'm getting married,like she keeps saying you ain't getting any younger" Rebecca said.
Jace's mind immediately went to Amy, and he felt a spark of excitement. He had been wanting to show her his roots, and this could be the perfect opportunity.
"Yeah, actually," Jace said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I think mom's in luck"