Chapter 12

Melissa’s palms were sweating. She watched the clock and wiped her hands on her jeans for the millionth time. She had opted for a casual outfit of jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. She was trying to look like her old self.

She checked herself in the mirror. The jeans hugged the curve of her ass, and the shirt showed the outline of her breasts. Perfect. No man could resist her.

Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang and Melissa opened up the door to face Spencer.

When she saw him, a blush covered her cheeks. “Hi, Spence.”

Spencer could hear the nervousness lacing her voice. “Good evening, Mel.”

“Thanks for agreeing to have dinner with me tonight. I was afraid that you’d change your mind.”

“You’re welcome. I promised Lindsey I’d come and I’ve never broken my word.”

The silent addition of ‘unlike you’ was implicit in the withering look he sent her way.

“Please, come in.”

Spencer followed Melissa into the house, through the door leading to the kitchen and dining room.

“Will Lindsey and Evelyn be joining us?” he asked taking a look around.

“They wanted to stay but I thought you might prefer to yell at me without an audience.”

The annoyance that flared in his gut was familiar and it made him long to walk off, but that would kill any chance to see Lindsey again.

“I don’t think yelling at you after ten years would do any of us any good. I’m sorry your mom and Linds didn’t stay.”

“I thought the point of this meeting tonight was to rekindle our friendship. Their presence was unnecessary.”

“If you say so.” He said with a shrug. Giving in was exceedingly painful.

“Look, Spence, to this day I still don’t forgive myself for the hell I put you through and the mistakes I made. After what I did I feel like I owe you dinner at least.”

“It must be a hell of dinner if you’re trying to make up to me for what you did,” was Spencer’s short reply.

“It’s takeaway from the local restaurant. I’ve heard the food there is quite good. A waitress Mom talked with on the phone told her your favorite dish is pasta with fondue and Porcini mushrooms.”

“That’s right.”

Melissa turned on the oven and placed dinner inside to heat up.

“It’ll be ready in five minutes. Would you like some wine? I bought a bottle of Chardonnay.”

“Yes that would be fine, thank you.”

Mel poured two glasses and handed one to Spencer. Then, she motioned for Spencer to sit at the table. He pulled out her chair for her, something Brandon or any other of the actors she dated had never done unless there were cameras around.

“Thank you, you’re still a gentleman.”

“You can’t help being who you are,” Spencer said. Somehow he made it sound like an accusation. “Lindsey told me you decided to stay in Middletown for a while.”

“Yes, we want to make sure Mom is going to be okay. My father had his affairs in order but even so, dealing with his death it’s time-consuming and draining.”

Spencer sipped his wine, expressionless.

“Losing Dad was a reminder of just how quickly everything can change. We never think things like that will happen, but they can, and unfortunately, they do.”

“Your dad was a great man. He will be missed.”

“Thank you. Mom told me you kept in touch with them even after what I did to you.”

“Why wouldn’t I? I know your father was deeply disappointed when he knew about the breakup.”

Melissa took a long gulp of wine.

“You never told them what I did to you.”

Spencer moved his shoulders up and down. “What would have been the point? They were not responsible for your actions. Knowing the truth would have only hurt them.”

“Look Spence, It’s no secret I want another chance with you. I’ll do anything to prove to you I still love you. We were supposed to be together and I fucked up. Even being just friends would be better than what we have now. I want you back in my life so I’ll accept whatever you are willing to offer.” A tear slipped down her cheek.

“Mel, I don’t want to sound like an asshole. But it’s not realistic to expect us to be friends. You live in California and lead a busy life, full of activities. I love living here, and I love the quiet life,” he said in a hushed voice.

Melissa looked up at Spencer through her lashes, her eyes locked on him. “I enjoy my career. I enjoy acting. But ... sometimes I wish I would have never left you.”

“Your Hollywood dream and our relationship were not compatible. Still aren’t. If you had stayed with me, you would have always wondered what if...”

The timer on the stove went off and Melissa jumped up and hurried into the kitchen. She set the plates in front of them and took a seat across the table. They did some small talk while they ate.