chance meetings

I stand frozen contemplating whether to turn around and face him or just walk away. What rotten luck I have. 

Carlos is the last person I want to set my eyes on. He's the reason I left my home Last Vegas and ventured into a foreign land. 

“ Hera,” He calls again and I am forced to turn around and face him. He starts working towards me. 

I conceal my feelings, assuming a blank expression on my face. 

“ I wasn't expecting to see you here.” He beams at me and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. What's the probability that he will be at the hotel lobby where Chloe's wedding will be taking place? 

Chloe hates his guts so we can forget about her inviting him. 

“ Neither was I. I have to say, your presence just ruined my day.” I don't try to be polite with him. He doesn't deserve it. 

I watch as the smile he was putting on his face falls, replaced by a guilty look. 

“ Hera, do you still resent me for what I did to you?” He asks and I don't stop the scoff that leaves my lips. 

“ You tell me, shouldn't I? You embarrassed me, insulted me and made fun of me for being different from others. Should I thank you instead?” I hiss, suddenly forgetting where I am. 

The nerve of him to ask me that. 

Carlos looks around, embarrassment evident on his face. 

“ Are you embarrassed now? Why didn't you feel that when you called me fat before my friends? Do you want me to shut up? But I want everyone here to know what kind of a person you are.” I continue to taunt him. 

Carlos looks like someone who just peed on his pants . 

“ Stay away from me. You are the last thing I want to look at.” With that, I turn around and walk away. 

***

The wedding is everything Chloe always dreamt of—elegant, glamorous, and entirely fitting for the couple. Her new man seems more descent than her last two exes. I know eyes can lie but I want to believe my first impression of him.

I sit in one of the front rows, trying to keep my nerves in check as I watch my best friend walk down the aisle. Chloe’s gown shimmers in the evening sunlight, and for a fleeting moment,I feel a pang of longing in her chest.

It isn't that I don't want Chloe to be happy—of course I do. But a part of me couldn’t help but wonder if I would ever get my own “I do” moment.

I watch  Chloe exchange vows with her new husband and I allow myself a moment of reflection. 

“Maybe it’s just not meant to be for me.” I mutter under my breath.

My eyes wander around and come to a locked gaze with my sister's mocking face. I look away immediately,not allowing myself to feel bad about it.

She and Chloe aren't even close so I know she came here purposely to remind me how useless I am.

I allow myself to get lost in watching my best friend have her best moment. 

When her new husband leans to kiss her,my heart flutters on her behalf.

I have never been the type to pine for a fairy tale romance. Maybe before,but things are different now. Seeing Chloe so sure of her love however stirred something inside me.

The truth is,I ain't sure how to even begin looking for a love like that. What can a woman like me  have to offer someone? I am a bit older than most bridesmaids. Let's not mention my inexperience. Which man in hís right mind will believe that I am a virgin at thirty plus years? 

Even if they do, I bet they'd run away after hearing that. 

A plus size, old ànd inexperienced virgin maiden? What an odd combo. 

The reception is in full buzz and I excuse myself for a moment of quiet. I needed a drink, and maybe a break from the constant buzz of conversation. Most importantly,I plan to avoid my sister in every way possible.

I am not going to give her the pleasure of annoying me on this happy day. My encounter with Carlos earlier is enough for today.

The hotel’s bar is sleek, modern, and nearly as extravagant as the wedding venue.

What did I expect though? This is a fucking five star hotel.

I slid onto a bar stool and scan the display of exotic drinks before me. I am not much of a drinker, but I feel like making an exception this evening. 

“Can I get a cosmopolitan please,” I say to the bartender, trying to relax, but my mind for some reason keeps wandering back to the wedding.

The soft sound of footsteps behind me makes me turn, and I nearly choke on my drink when I see the same man from the airport standing next to me.

“Didn’t think I’d see you again,” I say, surprised.

He gives me a half-smile. “Funny, I had the same thought.”

He slides onto the stool next to me, leaning slightly towards me as he orders a drink. 

“Small world, huh? You sure know how to make an entrance.” His tone is light, teasing, but with a gentleness that makes my cheeks warm.

I chuckle ,“I suppose I do. I seem to have a knack for it.”

He must have seen me walking in here and joined me. I smile at that realization.

“ So, what brings yóu to Las Vegas?" He asks ànd I give him a playful smile.

“ Maybe to have a chance encounter with you." He grins at my words, seemingly amused.

“ Many people would rather stay far away from me.” He says, giving me an hungry look that has my certain part throbbing with need.

I press my legs together to control the sudden ache in my nether regions.

Damn! I can't believe a man's look has me all needy. This is a first and I don't miss the dangerous vibe he is giving off.

The tats covering his hands and peeking from his neck confirm my suspicions. But holy shit! Why does that turn me on like a stupid virgin teenager?

“ Oh yeah?Maybe I am not among the many.” I shot back,taking a sip of my drink and licking my lips.

The hungry look on hís face tells me that he feels it,the strange attraction flying in the air.

“I’m Mason, by the way.”He says, offering his hand.

“Hera,” I reply, giving a tentative smile.

“Well, Hera,” he says,raising his glass with a grin, “to chance meetings and good drinks.”

“To chance meetings,” I reply, lifting my glass and clinking it against his.

At the corner of my eye, I see a familiar figure approaching.

“ Maybe we can seal our second meeting in one day differently." I lean closer,a grin on my face before slamming my lips against his own.