It was a beautiful autumn season at the wedding day of Danni's friends. She got up from her table to refill her glass of champagne, and as she walked past the head table, she saw Scott sitting there. They exchanged polite smiles, but didn't talk much. Danni had seen Scott before, but had never really talked to him. She knew he was an actor, but chose to keep quiet about it, because she wanted to get to know the real person behind the fame. Over the weeks, they started to enjoy each other's company, and seem to still seeing each other at weddings. Scott never knew that Danni was a writer in the movie industry, and Danni never told him. She enjoyed the anonymity of being able to observe him without him knowing who she really was. One day, while in their hiding place, Danni opened up to Scott about how she was feeling. She told him that she had developed feelings for him over the passed months and wanted to explore a relationship with him. Scott was hesitant at first, because of his past heartbreak, and wasn't sure if he was ready for another relationship. But with Danni's persistence and patience, they started seeing each other and fell in love. They had a whirlwind romance filled with laughter, passion, and adventure. Danni was happy, and she felt like she had finally found her soulmate. She loved him so much that she decided to write a book about their love story. It became a bestseller and the spotlight was on them. But then something happened that she never saw coming. Scott was disappointed about the book, and his father was filled with anger towards her. Scott felt like his privacy had been invaded, and he became distant from Danni. She tried to reach out to him, but he wouldn't respond. She felt like she had lost him forever. But doon reconciled but it was too late. Years went by, and they were both at a mutual friend's wedding again, with their own partners. They locked eyes from across the room and smiled with the idea of their past. They didn't exchange words, but they both knew that they were happy in their own lives. Danni looked over to her companion and felt thankful for everything she had. She still loved Scott, but she knew that they were just characters in each other's stories now. She realized that sometimes, life doesn't go as planned, and the person you thought was your happily ever after, wasn't meant to be. But she was grateful for the memories they shared, and for the love that had filled her heart for a time. As the night went on, Danni realized that sometimes, the best love stories don't have endings that make sense. And sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that you hold in your heart forever.
"Hi, Danni. How are you doing? Mind if I join you?" Scott unexpectedly engaged in conversation and took a seat beside me. "I'm alright. Sure, go ahead. It's no problem," I replied, uneasy, keeping my eyes away from him, and anyone who might witness our interaction.
"I never thought we'd cross paths again. Another wedding, huh? And you're a bridesmaid once again?" Scott expressed his innocent surprise. "Yep, that's right. And you, how have you been?" I fibbed, trying to alleviate the discomfort I felt.
"I've been okay. I've been busy with a major project at work," Scott responded, his gaze still fixed on me.
"Well, that's good to hear," I uttered, trying my best to avoid making an obvious mistake. "Um, about the last time... I'm sorry if it was startling, and it might've given you a great disappointment." Scott eventually acknowledged, causing me to blush in shock.
Did he just bring up what happened between us last time? I abruptly pivoted, ensuring no one overheard his words. It's mortifying to think that he broached the subject, especially since I know firsthand how difficult it is to forget what occurred between us. What in the world!
This is not the outcome I wanted or even envisioned. Reflecting on what transpired, especially considering the promises I made to David, it will be challenging for me to move on from this.
"Oh, about that? Let's not dwell on it. It's not that important, right?" I asserted, unsure of what to say in response.
"I don't know. But you know, after that I've realized that I wanted to speak with you more often. I hope you don't find it odd that I enjoyed someone like you to talk to. You're like a breath of fresh air, Danni," Scott let out, maintaining a smile directed at me.
"Don't tease me like that; I might develop feelings for you. It's just a prank, isn't it?" I rationalized.
"Oh, I don't think we'll be able to make it there just yet? But honestly, I'm hoping we can keep in touch and spend time together sometimes. Maybe explore new places together or simply relax and have a few beers," Scott suggested. "Sure. As long as you're sure about it," I reacted, feeling a fluttering sensation in my stomach. "Great! So, can I ask you something?" Scott reclined in his seat and looked at me intently, with a slight hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Hmm? What is it?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Can I have your phone number?" Scott reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and handed it to me, waiting for me to type in my digits.
While we're talking to each other, I realized he's quite different from the others; he's not afraid to express his fascinations or opinions. And that he's a straightforward person, and I've come to appreciate his unreserved nature as we've embarked on nightly escapades wherever our feet take us. Something is just so exhilarating about exploring at night, especially with the stunning backdrop of California.
As I stared at him while we were sitting by the beach, I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that the person I had once fantasized about was now right beside me. It was surreal to think that I had ended up with the man I had fallen in love with in the music video of my favorite song. Remembering his line: "nothing lasts forever." but I do hope this wasn't just one of my wildest dreams.
"I understand that you have a hectic schedule, so I appreciate you choosing to be here whenever I need someone, no matter where I want to go," Scott expressed as the silence of the evening and the waves of the sea enveloped us.
Curiosity piqued within me, and I couldn't help but raise a question, "But why? I'm sure you have a girlfriend waiting for you. Out of all your friends, why me?"