Chance Encounters

Aurelia turned her head and saw Jacob Browning standing over her. Her cheeks burned, and Aurelia fanned herself faster; what in bloody hell was he thinking?

"Aurie, it's been a long time," he said, using her childhood nickname; the knot in her stomach reappeared. "How I've missed your sweet face." He had truly missed his friend when he was at university studying.

Aurelia took a deep breath. "You were the one who left."

"You knew I was going away for school."

"I thought you would at the very least write to me saying you were back," She barked at him. Jacob stared at her in confusion, why was she so angry with him?

He shook his and chuckled, giving Aurelia the chills. "Might I have a dance?" She had always been fiery and outspoken, he wanted to catch up with her to see if she was still the same Aurelia he had left behind.

Aurelia stared up into his deep brown eyes. Memories, memories of sweet kisses, and staring into them came flooding into her mind. She snapped out of her haze quickly and narrowed her eyes. "Would your wife want you dancing with another woman?" Aurelia asked plainly.

His smile dropped, surprise splayed across his face. "You already know?"

Aurelia laughed hysterically for what seemed like an eternity. Jacob's face grew ever more sour and started to get into a huff. Evelina had told him Aurelia had someone who was seriously courting her, he didn't know why she was so upset with him for getting married. He was quite heartbroken and vulnerable so he agreed to marry Evelina since she was so much like Aurelia.

"Perhaps don't announce things you want to stay quiet in the local newsletter," she said breathlessly. "You and Evelina deserve each other."

Jacob, still puzzled, leaned down to be at eye level with her with a begging smile. "Give me one dance to explain everything, please, Aurie."

"Not tonight, Jacob," She denied.

Feeling more powerful than ever before, she stood up and walked away from her first love; Aurelia found Willa and told her everything that went on. Willa laughed with her then ushered her into the arms of another dancing partner. Still, dazed over her encounter with Jacob, Aurelia didn't know who she was dancing with until she met his eyes for the first time in his arms since he signed her dance card.