She looked stunning; there was no other word for it. Even with her coat on, I couldn’t help but notice her curves. She had always been curvy, but I swear, they were more pronounced now.
Even her smile seemed bigger, more radiant.
But as I was talking to her, I remembered her note, and the anger welled up in me. She knew what I was thinking—that was why she couldn’t look at me. Too ashamed that she toyed with my heart, only to run off in the end without a genuine explanation. Just a simple “I will miss you.”
That was it. That was the note. Not even an “I love you,” which was devastating because I loved her. And a part of me hated that Istillloved her. Seeing her today in that cute green hat, all I wanted was to pull her into my arms and kiss her.
I didn’t even care if Eric came down and saw us. My heart beat for Lola.
But the more I spoke to her—even when I confessed I had been looking for her—the more uncomfortable she appeared. As if I was the last person she ever wanted to see.
She even said she hadn’t expected to see me at The Blue Spot. Which wasn’t surprising since The Blue Spot didn’t exist when we had last been together.
She was a city girl. She only ever drove through small towns and occasionally stopped if she needed to use a restroom. I wondered if she lived nearby.
“What happened to you? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost,” Hamish said, strolling up to me. I hadn’t moved from behind the plant, staring at where Lola had vanished just moments ago.
“Sort of.”
Hamish’s brows shot up. “Really?” He glanced around. “You know, when I had to stay in the sealed-off part of The Blue Spot that hadn’t been updated, I swear there was a ghost.”
I sighed and moved out from behind the plant. “No, I didn’t see an actual ghost. Just someone from my past; someone I have been dreaming of running into.”
His grin widened. “Is she hot?”
I jerked my head back as we made our way out of The Blue Spot toward the valet. Hamish gave the valet the ticket and then looked at me expectantly.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “What makes you think it was a woman?”
“Someone you have been dreaming of seeing...? Come on. What guy have you longed to see?”
“My father.” I clenched my teeth as I let out the breath I was holding.
Hamish’s black car pulled up, and we got in after he tipped the valet. “Sorry, I know how you feel about your dad.”
Hamish understood I didn’t like my dad, just like he had issues with his parents. Whereas he dealt with his feelings by spending lavishly because he could, I dealt with things differently. More like how Eric dealt with things... with fists.
Unlike Eric, I was much more reserved with my anger. Since the only person I took issue with was my dad, and he was nowhere to be found, I never got a chance to punch him. But if he showed up, I’d most likely be arrested and wouldn’t even care because it would be so worth it.
“You don’t know everything,” I grumbled as I stared out the window.
Hamish groaned. “What has gotten into you? You’re the cool, collected, and somewhat cowardly friend. But for the past two days—ever since I mentioned Eric—you’ve been nothing but a grump.”
“I haven’t been getting much sleep.” I shrugged.
“That’s not it. Jenner, I’m your friend; you can talk to me. I know I’m usually the one with the drama, but this friendship goes both ways. Now it’s my turn to be there for you.”
I contemplated telling him. Hamish gave me a comforting smile, which was nice. Until I grew uneasy because he wouldn’t look back at the road. I pointed just in time for him to narrowly miss a car coming from the other direction.
“I’m only telling you this because I know you won’t let it go.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Hamish smiled smugly. “I knew if I pestered you enough, you’d give in. It worked with Jami.”
Jami was his wife.
“Speaking of women that men fell for, I lost my heart to Lola a while ago... long before she disappeared.”
“I knew it had to do with Eric’s sister.” Hamish fist-pumped the air.