Chapter 4

Blake's POV

I was all dressed up and ready for lunch with Carmen at Highlands Bar and Grill in town. Pocketing my car keys, I walked out of my room and made my way down the stairs into the living room. A few strides later, I was outside, heading straight to the parking lot. I drove to the restaurant and took a seat at a table for two.

A few minutes later, Carmen arrived, wearing a peach blossom top paired with white jeans. Her handbag rested gracefully on her shoulder as she walked over to me.

“Hey Blake,” she said, flashing that beautiful smile of hers.

I was momentarily lost in thought. She still had that effect on me.

“Wow, you look ravishing,” I said sincerely.

“Thanks,” she replied with a soft smile.

I quickly stood and pulled out the chair for her to sit.

“Thanks for coming, Carmen,” I said.

“You're welcome,” she replied, placing her bag on the table.

I signaled to the attendant, and we placed our orders. I went with a Philly cheesesteak and lemonade, while Carmen ordered barbecue ribs and a fruit smoothie. A few quiet minutes passed before I broke the silence. I had to.

“Carmen, I’m really sorry about how things ended between us,” I began.

“Um… it’s okay. It’s in the past now,” she replied calmly.

“I know I was a jerk. I should’ve listened to you, but…”

“But what?” she asked, finally looking at me.

“I was shocked by what I saw Hunter doing to you. I thought you were enjoying it.” I shook my head. “I didn’t know Nora was behind everything. I swear.”

“So you knew?” she asked, stunned.

“Yeah, but not until a couple of months later. Jason overheard Nora bragging to her friends about how she managed to split us up. When he told me, I wanted to make things right, but I was scared. I figured you were mad and wouldn’t want to hear anything I had to say.”

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself.

“I kept hoping I’d get the chance to tell you. But then I found out you were with someone else… and it crushed me, Carmen. I thought I’d lost you for good.”

“You hurt my feelings, Blake,” she said, her voice quiet but sharp. “The least you could’ve done was trust me. But you didn’t.”

“I know. That’s why I never came forward. I was ashamed of myself ashamed for letting Nora ruin what we had. I broke up with you without hearing your side. I’m so sorry, Carmen.” I didn’t even realize I was tearing up.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again… and now here you are.”

“You know,” she began, her hand resting on her chest, “I hated you for not trusting me. How could you believe I’d make out with someone on my birthday? In my own bedroom? I gave you everything, Blake, and you just broke my heart.”

“I know, Carmen. That’s why I want to make it up to you,” I said, cutting in gently.

“Make it up?” she raised a brow. “Seriously?”

“Just… give me a second chance. Not as your boyfriend. As your friend. I promise I won’t hurt you again. Please, Carmen.”

She let out a breath and thought for a moment.

“Alright… friends?” she said, extending her hand.

“Yeah, friends!” I grinned and shook it. “Thank you, Carmen. I’m so happy right now.”

“You’re welcome, Blake.”

“So, what do you do now?” I asked.

She looked at me for a moment, then answered, “Actually… I’m not working at the moment. I got fired two days ago.”

“What?” I stared in disbelief. “But why?”

“My car broke down, and I had a hard time getting a cab. When I tried explaining to my boss, he just cut me off. That was it.”

“He clearly has anger issues,” she added. “He could use a few anger management classes.”

“What about you?” she asked, changing the subject.

“I’m the CEO of Heriot Investment Company.”

“Wow. That’s amazing,” she said, impressed.

“We’re actually in need of a manager. The previous one tried to embezzle company funds and got fired. The position’s still vacant.”

I looked at her. “So Carmen… would you like to work with us?”

Her eyes widened. “Blake, are you serious?”

“Yeah, absolutely,” I nodded.

She lit up. “Yes! I’d love that.”

“Just get your CV ready. I’ll let you know when to start.”

“I don’t even know what to say… I’m so happy. Thank you so much, Blake.”

“Come on, Carmen. It’s nothing. It’ll be great having you there,” I said with a smile.

“Thanks,” she beamed.

“I should get going,” she said, rising from her seat.

“No worries. I’ll drive you home.”

We hopped into my car and spent the drive catching up about our high school friends.

When we reached her place, she stepped out.

“I’ll be on my way now,” she said.

“Bye.”

She had no idea I’d taken over my father’s company. After the way our relationship ended, I never thought she’d even want to speak to me again.

But somehow, fate had brought us back together. And you know what?

Thinking about it now, I didn’t even realize how much I missed her… until today.

There was this spark again something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Yeah, she still had that effect on me.

I smiled.

But then, I tried to push the thought away.