The One That Got Away Read Online Free Page B

instant messaging for almost six months, and thought I'd talked him into coming along. It had been over fifteen years since I'd seen him but we were still friends who got on well. The fact that I had children and he seemed to be in a semi-serious relationship meant that any flirting, which was inevitable, would be harmless and not taken any further.
    When we arrived, I insisted on paying the driver to thank Angela for giving me a bed for the night. I hovered outside for a cigarette to settle my churning stomach. Not being a fan of the recent smoking ban which forced me to smoke outside, endurance was key, especially in the winter months. Clutching each other’s hand, Ang and I walked into the noisy pub full of bodies. I looked around, trying to locate familiar faces. 
    “Heidi!” A voice yelled out across the pub. Every head in the room turned to look at me as Samantha flew into my arms. “Oh, my God. It’s been way too long. I'm so glad you could make this one.”
    It appeared that Samantha Walker could still cram two or three sentences into one breath. How someone so petite and dainty-looking had so much energy often shocked me. Almost as much as the new bright-red bob she now sported.
    She dragged Ang and me over to a small group of people whom I recognised at once from school and, in more recent years from online updates. At our arrival several of the girls jumped up and enveloped the pair of us in welcoming hugs. While we were being passed around, Sam fetched our first round of drinks, which she pushed into our hands the moment we were freed. I could tell it was going to be a great night.
    “Samantha, you never change do you? Well, apart from the hair.” Angela smiled at the tiny cyclone-like woman who had organised the entire event solo, her bright blue eyes flashing at Sam’s excitement. “Who else is coming?”
    “Everyone we ever knew and more.” It was obvious to anyone who knew her that Samantha was on cloud nine. She’d always been a natural born organiser and hated it when things didn’t go how she wanted.
     
    :: ::
     
    The night got rowdier as time went on and more people joined us, causing our group to take over the pub. Memories were traded back and forth within the ever-growing crowd. After a while, Samantha led us to a private function room upstairs which had been booked for the reunion. A DJ was setting his gear up, next to the fully stocked and staffed bar.
    Angela and I sat down at a round table surrounded by old friends I’d never thought I’d see again. I couldn’t help but look at the door every time more people arrived, watching and waiting. There was no sign of Shane; maybe he couldn't make it after all. It wasn’t like he’d promised he’d be there, I had to remind myself. I tried not to let it bother me and threw myself into enjoying catching up with people’s lives and having a good night.
    ”I’m going to the loo. I'll get another drink on the way back,” I announced a couple of hours later. Angela nodded, not breaking off her conversation with the person sat next to her and I made my way downstairs to the ladies’. I glanced in the mirror to make sure my hair and makeup were still intact then washed my hands before heading back to buy another round of drinks as promised.
    A young and flirty barman made me feel good about myself and helped me stand that little bit taller while he quickly served up the drinks. I was putting my change back into my purse when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.
    “Hey.”
    A gentle voice I’d never forgotten washed over me like a warm breeze. I turned to look into Shane’s mesmerising green eyes. He had aged well; the pictures I’d seen online had done him no justice.
    “Hey, you.” He pulled me into a tight hug that lasted a little longer than was absolutely necessary, not that I complained. “You made it then.” Way to state the obvious, Heidi.
    “Yeah, my train was delayed and then my phone died so I couldn’t send you a