Chapter 5: Memories and Misunderstandings

I tried to escape, but a classmate decked out in jewelry blocked my way, her perfume so strong it made my eyes water. She smiled, loud and theatrical: “Well, look at you—still putting on an act. Ashamed you haven’t made it big yet?”

Her face was familiar but I couldn’t place her. She saw my hesitation and smiled wider. “Eric Grant, you really don’t remember me?”

I shook my head. “Sorry, I’ve met too many people over the years. And you are?”

A chubby guy burst out laughing. “Eric, you’re hilarious! This is Jessica Quinn, the class beauty. You chased her for three years, remember?”

Her name rattled around in my brain, tugging at some old embarrassment I’d worked hard to forget. Yeah, we’d had our moments—competing over grades, trading SAT tips. But it was never romance, not really.

Jessica raised her voice, making sure everyone heard. “Eric, I know you must feel awkward seeing me and Brian together, but after all these years, you should really let it go. Besides, I’m already engaged.” She flashed her ring, the diamond catching every light in the room.

I almost laughed—what did her engagement have to do with me? Still, she pushed on: “My fiancé is Brian Sanders. His father’s Robert Sanders, CEO of Sanderson Holdings.”

Of course—Brian would flaunt that connection. I checked my watch: 7:43. Time to leave.