Chapter 16

I walk anxiously into the coffee shop and look around for Shana. It’s been a few weeks since I saw her at the football game and her call to meet came out of the blue. She didn’t specify what she wanted to talk about and I didn’t care. Because, seriously, who would decline a meeting with Shana Willis?

She gives me a small wave from a back booth. Her smile is so bright it’s contagious. When I get to the table, she bounces up and throws one arm around me.

“Hi there,” she practically sings. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“Always,” I answer.

“You look nervous,” she observes, sitting down.

“I can’t help it.”

“Isn’t it time you start to get comfortable with me?”

“It’s not really that, but a part of me can’t believe I know you. Three months ago, I’d get drunk and pretend to interview Quinn, doing my best imitation of you. Now, we’re having coffee. It’s surreal.”

“Stop!” She tosses her hands up. “There’s nothing special about me. I can’t take that shit.”

“Okay, I’ll try to behave.”

A waitress comes over and takes our order, clearly recognizing Shana. When she delivers our drinks, her hands are shaking. I raise an eyebrow to Shana, who hides her grin.

“I have to admit, there are several reasons I asked you to meet me.”

“Okay.”

“Henry said you approached him about your classes next semester. He thought I may be able to help you with your schedule.”

“Really?”

“Well, there’s obviously not much we can do about the required courses, but maybe I can help answer any questions.”

“Thanks.”

“Also, we have a week to make any changes and additions to the submission for the University Paper. I thought I’d have the team over to my apartment this Sunday. Henry’s agreed to join us. We don’t have much to cover since it’s basically perfect, so it’ll just be a last minute run through.”

My face falls as my stomach drops with disappointment. She notices, and her smile fades.

“I’m supposed to visit Norfolk this weekend. Bryce has been there for almost a month, and I haven’t been yet. There’s a big party on Saturday. I’m not scheduled to come home until early Monday morning.”

Her eyes fill with understanding then turn soft. “We’ll do it another time.”

“No, don’t cancel because of me. If you need me, I’ll call.”

She nods in understanding. “Tell me what else has been happening.”

“For me, things are great… busy but great.”

“Have you set a wedding date?”

“No, we haven’t really mentioned it.”

She freezes, mid sip of her coffee, and looks at me strangely. Her face is full of questions, but she stays quiet.

“It hasn’t come up in a while,” I say defensively. “We’ve both been busy, and his schedule is erratic. Between cheer, classes, homework, and the feature article, we haven’t really talked about it.”

She stays quiet, but there’s disappointment written all over her.

“Why does it seem like you disapprove?”

“I’m sorry,” she says softly. “It’s none of my business.”

“What’s none of your business?”

“I’m thinking like a lovesick puppy. I’d have thought you’d be looking at china patterns and honeymoon destinations.”

I was wrong earlier. She’s not disappointed; she’s sad.

“I forget that I’ve lived a lifetime beyond yours. If I had a ring on my finger and a man who loved me as much as Bryce loves you, we’d be in front of the Justice of the Peace the day after he proposed.” Her voice is hollow, and for the first time ever, I notice sorrow in her eyes.

“You’ve hardly lived a lifetime, Shana. You’re only thirty-four,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

She tips her lips up in a pathetic attempt at a grin.

“Is this about Professor Grant?” I ask cautiously.

She looks around, scanning the area. Satisfied no one is within hearing distance, she exhales loudly. “I fucked up, Devon… really, truly fucked up. Jesus, what was I thinking?”

“Is this about your decision to follow your career?”

“Yes, I was an idiot.”

“Why?” I question softly, reaching for her hand.

“I could have had it all, everything I ever dreamed of, but I was too ambitious and arrogant. Leaving Henry was the worst decision ever. I didn’t know it at the time, but these last two months here with him proved I’m a fool.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“He’s still perfect for me. He knew in Brazil I was coming to Virginia, and that my network rented me a corporate apartment, but his mind was more focused on the Summer Expo, so we didn’t really talk about it. When I moved in, the first thing I did was invite him to dinner. That night, I let it all out. There was no reason to keep dancing around what happened all those years ago.”

“Oh my God. What happened?”

“In true Henry fashion, he was understanding, supportive, and one hundred percent forgiving—no hard feelings, no regrets. He held no animosity or anger. We decided to never discuss it again. Gradually, we’ve built this incredible relationship. The last eight weeks have been more than I could ever wish for.”

“Maybe I’m missing something, but this all sounds like really great news. It was obvious at the game a few weeks ago that you have chemistry. No one could miss the way he looked at you, or the way he held you close when you walked away.”

“That’s what kills me. This could have been the last nine years—us together, living the life we should have had. Guilt eats me inside. He’s trying to help me get over it, but I’ve cried more in the last month than I have in my life… and that’s saying a lot.

“He wouldn’t have a son with another woman, a beautiful little boy who fills him with happiness and purpose, but each time I see him, he reminds me of my mistake.”

“Shana, there’s no way for me strip away the hurt, but you’re overlooking a few things. You’re an inspiration to women all over the world at an extremely young age. Journalism aside, you’ve accomplished major achievements that stand out. People trust and respect you. That is why they allow you into their homes and businesses to do your stories. You may be sad, but nothing you have done is a mistake. You’re back now, fighting for the love of your life. He’s forgiven you and opened the door for a future together. You have to stop looking back.”

Her eyes gloss over with unshed tears, and she visibly swallows, holding them in. The hand under mine flips and squeezes as her face clears of sadness.

“You’re a spunky little thing, aren’t you? Can’t believe I unloaded on you like that.”

“Anytime. But I’m glad to know it worked out with Professor Grant. Quinn and I had a complete plan when school started. Good thing we didn’t have to meddle. That could have gotten embarrassing.”

“Dynamic duo, huh? Trying to sprinkle love on everyone?”

“Something like that.”

“You do know that you can never, ever take another one of Henry’s classes now, right? You know too much.”

I smile and nod. “Good thing I already had him for my courses then.”

“Enough heavy stuff. Let’s talk about your next and final semester.” She smiles widely, her mood changing completely.

We go over my class options, and she openly gives me her opinion on the courses.

I make a mental note. This weekend, Bryce and I are going to discuss our wedding. It’s time.