Forever Mine

“Shall we break for lunch? Please help yourself to the buffet,” Mark says.

I jump from the stool and dart to the cart, ready to tackle anyone who dares to get in front of a hungry pregnant woman.

After loading my plate, I turn around to see Michael, the Adonis, smiling behind me. At least he’s robed now.

“Stephanie, isn’t it?”

“Yes, how are you?”

Mark comes over. “Do you two know each other?”

“Yeah, we met at a work dinner, about this time last year, wasn’t it?”

“It was in December.”

“Mark, this is Stephanie. Stephanie, this is my husband, Mark.”

Amy smiles. “Oh, Stephanie already knows Mark.”

Michael’s perfectly pruned eyebrows pull together. “How?”

Amy has a sinful smile playing on her lips. “Let’s just say you’re not the only one here she’s seen naked.”

Mark’s cheeks flush, and he clears his throat.

“Amy,” I scold, and glare at her. “You’re terrible.”

Michael looks at Mark and tilts his head. “Is this Steph who you told me about?”

Mark smiles and nods.

“The one you lost your virginity to?” he whispers.

Amy’s eyes widen, and I cough up the mini sausage roll I almost choked on. My eyes water. I’ve never needed a wine more than I do right now. Amy hands me a glass of fresh juice, and I swallow to soothe my tonsils.

“Mark, is that true?” I say with a scratchy throat.

Michael runs a hand over his face. “Sorry, I thought you knew.”

Looking between the two of them, my forehead wrinkles. “I never knew I was your first. I wish you’d told me.”

Mark’s cheeks are brighter than a tube of cadmium red. “It wasn’t really something I wanted to advertise, Steph.”

“But I would have given you a few pointers.”

Michael laughs. “They would’ve been wasted on him. You’re the only girl he ever slept with.”

“Was I that bad?”

“Steph, no. I’m gay. I was just trying to fit in and be someone I’m not. I’m sorry.”

“I wish you’d have told me. I would have supported you.”

“It was a different time back then. I didn’t feel comfortable coming out, but I always found you attractive. You know that, don’t you? I never used you. I wanted so much to be one of the lads.”

With tears pooling in my eyes, I wrap my arms around Mark. We all had struggles in our teens. I know what it’s like to not fit in.

“What a small world, ay?” Michael says.