6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Meghan

W ith death comes new life. For me, the new life wasn't necessarily any better than death. For the most part, I was shut off from the rest of the world. Other than my friends, I didn't really associate with anyone. Sure, guys asked me out when I went out with my friends and a couple of people at work had tried to set me up on blind dates, but I could never find a reason to date. For some reason, it felt like I was cheating on Wade. I know it sounds silly because he is gone, but still, my heart may never get over losing him.

On the night of the Gala, I walked into the large ballroom at a lavish hotel in downtown Sunnyvale. My silver gown seemed to glitter against the lights flashing all around me. In my purse, I had my trusty recorder ready to go for any interviews. Stacy was at my side, a wide grin plastered across her face as she took in all of our hard work. I knew she complained about the amount of work we were given, but I was happy to do it.

A band played ahead of us and couples were out on the dance floor, swaying to the music. A bar was to our right and I felt an urge to get a much needed alcoholic beverage.

"Hey, let's get a drink. We earned it," I say, winking at Stacy.

"I couldn't agree more," she says.

We walk through the crowds, saying hello to a few of the guests we recognize from other events and some of our co-workers. Once we slide up to the bar, we wait for the bartender to notice us.

"What can I get you ladies?" the man asks, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Your sweetest red wine," I say.

"Vodka tonic," Stacy says, her mouth wide open as she practically drools over the bartender.

I laugh at her and for the first time all week, I realize I am smiling. I go to stop myself, but before I can, I feel an arm bump into me.

Turning, I lock eyes with the man who I had seen at the office the week before. He is dashing in a black suit and red tie.

"I'm so sorry," he apologies, as I notice his drink has spilled on the floor around us. Thankfully, it didn't hit my new pumps.

"It's ok," I say.

"Hey, don't I know you?" he asks me, recognition clouding his features.

"Not really. I work at MLA Publishing and you came in the other day," I say.

I don't want him to know that I haven't been able to forget about him or that thoughts of him bring old, haunted memories to the surface. Even now, I feel guilty for talking to him.

Nodding, I can tell that he remembers now. "Yes, how could I forget?" he asks.

"Your wine," the bartender interrupts us, and I am instantly relieved for the distraction. Taking my wine, I quickly take a sip.

Stacy watches us with amusement before announcing, "So, where are the rest of the hot SEALS you had with you?"

I roll my eyes and can feel a blush heating my cheeks. Stacy doesn't have a filer.

Thankfully, the man chuckles as he takes a sip of his own drink. It smells like bourbon, which is one of my favorite dark liquors.

"They are here, somewhere," he chuckles. To be honest, I am not big on parties and fancy events like this," he adds, his eyes staring at me.

I can feel the intensity of his stare as I try to look away, but it's no use.

"Oh, so you are probably uncomfortable being on a magazine cover, too," I ask, feeling my cheeks blush.

"A little. But, the story idea sounds nice and it would mean a lot to Lance, so I don't mind too much," he finishes.

"That's nice," I reply, unsure of what to say. I am terrible with small talk.

"What's your name?" Stacy asks him, clearly ignoring how uncomfortable I am.

"I'm Ryder Rollings," he says, extending his hand for us to shake.

When I place my hand in his, a spark of electricity shoots through me and my eyes instantly lock with his again. The moment was beyond surreal and I know he felt it, too.

"I am Stacy and this is Meghan," Stacy introduces us, and all I want to do is get out of there fast.

"Meghan, it is a pleasure to meet you," Ryder says, his deep voice causing heat to warm my entire body.

"Would you like to…" before he can finish, I cut him off.

"I'm sorry, I have to go," I say, picking up my dress and running toward the entrance.

The tears are already starting to pour down my cheeks and I need to get out of there before anyone else sees what a disaster I am.

Stacy is shouting for me to stop, but I can't. I continue to run until I am outside on the busy streets of the city. The loud traffic and chatter of people walking all around me seem to drown out my own thoughts.

Suddenly, I feel a hand grab my arm and spin me around.

"Meg," Stacy begins, but she stops when she sees my distraught face.

Pulling me in for a hug, she allows me to sob all over her crimson red dress.

"I'm so sorry," I whimper.

"What happened?" she asks, still holding me close.

I take a moment to collect myself and pull out of her embrace. "Honestly, I have no idea. Ryder Made me think of Wade and it was just too much," I admit.

Stacy nods in understanding. "Meg, I know how difficult it was for you to lose Wade and I especially know how hard this week is going to be. But, Wade wouldn't want you to stop living. He would want you to move on. From everything you told me about him, he would have wanted more for you," she says.

I know that what she is saying is true, but it doesn't make it any more difficult to accept. I don't know how it is possible, but somehow, Ryder just made me feel things I hadn't felt in years. And the worst part was, I wasn't sure if I ever felt that same spark with Wade.