It's like it never happened...
I've always thought about what it would be like if I went back with Tyler. If I wore that ring I hid somewhere in my drawers. I really have to look for that thing.
None of that matters anymore though. All my doubts. The fact that I lost my ring. All I have is him.
He calls me in the afternoons like we used to. I find myself laughing more often and Anna notices. I tell her about Tyler and she does an excited jump. I swear. Sometimes I think she secretly hangs out with Gail when I'm not around.
I told Gail as well and she nearly choked on whatever she was drinking at the moment. Then she did a squeal that I had to move the phone away from my ear.
"I knew it! I knew it! You two are star crossed lovers!"
"Alright alright," I said with a chuckle. "Let's not get too excited."
"Mm. Mm! We are celebrating when I get back, you hear me?"
"Hear hear," I said with a laugh.
There are days when he visits me at my job. He often brings food with him, so I tell him to visit me when it's my lunch. When he doesn't come, he tends to send flowers to let me know that he's still thinking of me.
There was a day when Fabio gently knocked on my door as I brainstormed a few ideas for an upcoming event.
"Ms. Tessa?"
"Yes, Fabio?" I said without looking up from my notebook.
"These came in for you." I looked up and saw a beautiful vase with my favorite flowers. He even remembered the design of my office and the gift went so well with the decor.
As usual, his gift put a smile on my face. I gestured at a counter by the wall and asked Fabio to put them there. I quietly continued with my work but I could hear Fabio carefully move towards my desk.
"Ms. Tessa?"
"Fabio. You don't have to call me that. We are literally the same age. It's not right." I gave him a playful smile and he only gave me his half smile.
"Of course. I'm sorry, Tessa. May I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Are you seeing someone?"
I looked up and saw those burning eyes from the night I met him. They sent shivers down my spine but not the way Tyler does to me. At that moment, I wish Tyler was there to put his strong arm around my waist like he would whenever a guy would bother me.
But I kept my professionalism as I furrowed my brows at him and softly said, "Why do you ask?"
"Because of the flowers."
"They can be from a family member. Does it matter if I'm seeing someone?"
"It was just a question, Tessa."
"And I just answered it for you. Could you please call Anna in? We're going to start discussing decoration for the upcoming event." I gave him a firm look and he returned it with a firm nod.
It's been pretty awkward since then. I still catch him watching me from afar but luckily, Anna stays by my side most of the time.
Today, I've been quite busy. I quickly had a chat with Tyler before I gave my decoration ideas to the floor meeting. But as I step out, I let out a tired sigh. This event is going to be big. We are going all out this time. Gail will be here to help as a hostess along with the supervisor of this event. Meaning...Fabio will finally be far away from me.
I look at my phone and smile as I see Tyler's number. "Hello?"
"Good evening, beautiful. How was your day?"
"Very tiring. This next event will be huge. But how was yours?"
"I was going to go to your house in a bit to give you news, but I'll let you rest up."
"That's fine. Come on over. I'm excited to hear what you have to say."
"Okay then. Have you eaten? Chinese food tonight?"
"Do you know how many calories you get in just a spoonful of chow mein?"
"Who cares!" I laugh along with him and he gently says, "What would you like to eat tonight, sweetheart? Dinner is on me."
"I don't know. How does Subway sound like?"
"Sounds good! What sandwich would you like?"
"The vegetarian sandwich with the flatbread." I can hear Tyler laugh and I know this is because of my new dietary habits. He still doesn't believe I'm a vegetarian.
"Alright then. I'll be there in a little. Prep up two glasses of wine, honey."
"Say no more."
He arrives right when I'm done setting up our drinks. It's no big dinner but our hearts are big enough as I wrap my arms around his shoulders. With one hand, he returns my embrace and says, "How are you, sweetheart?"
I give him a kiss and playfully take the Subway bag from him. "Hungry."
"You know, I think you're hungrier because you turned into a vegan—"
"Vegetarian."
"You need that meat in your system! So I got you a side of beef just in case I convince you." Tyler takes out a small container and I laugh.
We decide to eat on the couch as I put on my favorite baking show on Netflix. I watch with much concentration and I sense Tyler watching me with a quiet smile.
I do a small giggle at a comment that a baker did and look back at Tyler's shining eyes. "What is it?"
"Thank you. For giving me a second chance to see your beautiful smile every day. I promise I won't let go this time. I'll never leave..." He finds my hand and gives it a tender squeeze.
My heart dances at his words and I forget about my show. I forget about my food. I forget about the next big event. All I have is him.
My heart brings back the amazing flutters I get whenever I kiss him as I taste his lips. I love him. How could I forget that?
Tyler turns and I put my sandwich on the side. But it falls and spills some lettuce on the floor. I pull away from his electrifying kiss. "Awh man! Hold on." I quickly pick it up and look for the broom.
Tyler stands to get the small pieces of lettuce left and says, "No need for a broom, honey. I got it."
"You sure?" I say as I come back from the garage. I inspect the wooden floor but he blocks my view as he stands in front of me. My eyes slowly go up to his and a warm shiver goes down my spine. Just like that night, I want all of him...
My heart starts to pound as he wraps his strong arms around my waist. I'm left breathless as his breath finds my neck and I wrap my arms around his neck.
His eyes land on my lips and then on my chest. There's a small glint to his want and it brings a smile to my lips.
But he's afraid. I don't understand why. So I burn my eyes in his and say, "Penny for your thoughts?"
"I..." He almost seems shy as he says, "I want you, Tessa, but...I'm not sure if we can."
"Why not?" I say with a scoff. "Who's stopping you?"
He hesitates before saying, "God..."
I stop the angry flip in my stomach. I clear my throat and gently say, "What will God say? We are still married."
"But we've been separated for a long time. It's like we—"
"The past is in the past. I wouldn't be here with you if I let the past haunt me still." I let a smirk start on my lips as I softly say, "What are you waiting for?"
Not another word and his lips crash into mine. My every sense ignites and it sends the world twirling. The television is still on but the only thing I hear is our breaths and our footsteps trying to go to my room.
At last, I feel him. Every single part of him turns one with me all over again. And just like that, my heart begins to sing to his melody. Our bodies move to every strong stroke and every beat of the love we've shoved away so deep.
Then the world is quiet as I lay on his chest. The rhythm of his heart is all I hear as my heart combines with his. Tyler gives my head a soft kiss and his words are enough to convince me to risk it all for him. To let my walls down. To try again. Just as he did for me.
"Who needs music when I have you? I love you more, Tessa. Music doesn't make sense without you."