They Say That Loves Goes Anywhere

Chapter One : The Dinner

My life both started and ended with one event.

I was on my way to meet my boyfriend. We’d been dating for the past two years – a real miracle for me. Before James I could never seem to put up with anyone for more than a week. I thought that I would never end up with someone for more than a month at a time, let alone two years. And yet here I was, on my way to meet James and one of his old high school friends who had just moved into town.

My friends say that we’ll get married someday, and they’re probably right. I love James. He’s everything a girl could ask for, but then sometimes I wonder if I’m missing something. James is the first person that I’ve ever loved, unless you count Jake – but that was in the past. We never even dated. How I feel for Jake is nothing like the way I feel for James. Although sometimes I wonder why I still feel for Jake at all. But enough about Jake. He’s in the past and I really need to get to this dinner.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated: elegant burgundy and gold curtains pooling at the floor, deep hardwood floors stretching from wall to wall, and grand chandeliers adorned with millions of crystals, each reflecting the light in a different pattern.

“Do you have a reservation Madame?” the maitre d’ questioned.

“Of course. I am with James O’Neil, party of four.”

“D’accord. Right this way.” I followed the waiter as he led me towards a secluded section of the restaurant. As I approached, I could see James standing up to greet me.

“Hey hun. I’m so glad that you’re here” he whispered to me as his lips brushed against mine, “I want to introduce you to my friend from high school, Michelle, and her boyfriend . . .”

“Jake!”