Pulse (Pulse 1)

"Look how adorable his niece and nephew are." Cassandra points to a framed picture of two young children adorning the fireplace mantel. "They're not as cute as Allie and Aaron, but it's close."

I laugh as I pull my eyes along the entire line of pictures. I lean closer when I reach a black and white photograph of a man and a woman.

A key rattling in the door makes Cassandra jump. "Shit. What the hell? How can he be here? He was supposed to be in court until six. It's not even four."

I don't react. My eyes are still fixed on the picture.

I hear the apartment door open as she races towards it. I reach for the picture, pulling it into my hands.

"Why are you here?" Her voice is loud and demanding. "You're ruining my surprise."

"What?" His voice is low and calm. "What surprise?"

"My chef is cooking you a birthday dinner. I've invited all your friends."

I close my eyes. I can't turn around. I can’t do it.

He said he doesn't do relationships.

She said she met him at the same club.

She has keys to his place.

I glance down at the picture again. Nathan's smiling face stares back at me.

"Jess turn around." She calls across the room. "I want you to meet my boyfriend, Nathan."

Thank You!