Page 135 of Fighting Fate
"Milli, today you shined like the brightest star in the sky." My mom beams from across the table at Glasshouse, her smile so warm and genuine it's contagious.
"Honey, you were simply breathtaking out there. I'm already excited for your next performance," Mrs. Sutton adds, her eyes locking with Milli's. There's a newfound bond between them, a connection running deep and meaningful. Watching them, a wave of happiness washes over me, proud and thrilled for Milli.
Around the table, our little circle of support—myself, my parents, the Suttons, Brooke, Payson, even Wyatt—are all gathered, celebrating Milli. We've been here, immersed in laughter and conversation for over an hour, yet beneath my joy, there's this undercurrent of restlessness, an eagerness to have a moment alone with Milli.
There's so much I need to tell her. I've made mistakes, big ones, and even if she can't see me as a friend or more, I have to live with that. It's a tough pill to swallow, accepting that maybe I don't deserve her after everything, but it's a truth I need to confront.
Throughout the evening, as we chat and share stories, Milli and I keep exchanging glances. She tries to be subtle, but I catch every quick smile, every fleeting look. It's as if she's just as eager to talk to me as I am to her.
Then, out of the blue, Payson throws a curveball. "Hey, Milli, think Ben would be up for a date?" she blurts, nonchalant, sipping her mocktail with all the finesse of a seasoned socialite.
Milli nearly chokes on her drink, shooting me a baffled look that screams, "Seriously?" I stifle a chuckle—leave it to Payson to drop such a bombshell, especially with our parents right there.
Mrs. Sutton gives Payson an eye roll, but before Milli can respond, Luke chimes in with a playful jab. "Payson, can you give the guys a break for just one second?"
Payson, quick as ever, retorts with a sassy comeback, and I lose it, laughter bubbling out of me. Her words leave Luke dumbfounded, his expression priceless.
I decide to step in, clearing my throat to grab everyone's attention. The table falls silent, all eyes on me. Great, this is not how I planned to steal the spotlight.
I didn't mean to create this pause for a grand declaration, but now that I have their attention, maybe it's a sign. I should say something to Milli, right here, right now.
Collecting my thoughts, I focus intently on her. Our shared history rushes back to me—the echoes of laughter in this very restaurant, the nostalgia of our childhood adventures, the electric thrill of our first kiss, the tremble in our voices during our first whispered confessions of love. She returns my gaze, her lips curving in a tentative smile, but then her expression shifts, morphing into something else, a mix of emotions I can't quite decipher.
Damn, this is hard. My nerves kick in again, and I run a hand through my hair, second-guessing myself.
Should I just keep it simple? Congratulate her and leave the rest for later?
No, Milli deserves more. She deserves the truth, my feelings, all of it. Maybe not here, in front of everyone, but I need to say something, even if it's just the start.
Here goes nothing.
Standing up, our eyes meet across the table, reigniting our connection. "I'm not usually one for big speeches," I begin, my voice resonating with sincerity, "but Milli, today you've outdone yourself. You were absolutely incredible."
Her eyes soften, encouraging me, but the next words get caught in my throat.
"You know, seeing you today, it struck me how naturally this comes to you. Your knack for teaching those kids, it's nothing short of remarkable. The way those girls were captivated by every word, the way they look up to you—it's clear you're making a real difference in their lives. Your performance today was just another proof of your talent. You've always been goal-oriented, Mills, and you're smashing every single one of them. Cheers to you for nailing it today. I'm really glad I could be here to witness it."
The table goes silent, absorbing my words. In that moment, I reflect on my own journey—the treatments, the challenges, and the resilience to face each day with determination. It's a blessing to be here, to celebrate Milli's success and share in this moment.
As the table bursts into applause and congratulations, my focus stays on Milli. In a private exchange, her lips part slightly, sending a jolt through me. Her eyes flutter toward me, and there's a silent understanding, a spark of something more.
She shakes her head, that familiar, heartwarming smile lighting up her face. It's not just her smile that catches me; it's the gleam of amusement in her eyes, a light I've missed for too long. This simple, unspoken exchange fills me with a comforting sense of relief, affirming that, regardless of what's left unsaid, we're going to be okay.
This recent break almost shattered me. The irony isn't lost on me—the distance between us during her high school years and my college days didn't hit as hard as it does now. It's true, they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and our experience is a testament to that adage.
The table buzzes with lively conversation, yet I sink deeper into my chair, champagne in hand. I'm engaged in the dialogue, but my attention often shifts to Milli, exchanging secretive smirks and teasing looks. Her sporadic flirty moves only amplify the excitement growing inside me.
In a quiet space, away from the bustle and the crowd, I'm longing for the opportunity to not just reconnect, but to open my heart to her, to apologize sincerely, to express how deeply I want her—more intensely than my next breath, more fervently than my aspirations of being a doctor.
"You really thought I'd let this night end without a goodbye?" I rib Miles, catching him by his pickup truck outside of Glasshouse. He halts, releasing the car door handle, and pivots to face me. His typical aura of confidence seems to falter, revealing the less assured, more vulnerable side I know so well.
An impulse to envelop him in a hug surges within me, longing to bridge the gap of our unspoken feelings. Yet, I resist, wagging my finger. "Not so fast, Sunshine. Tonight's about celebrating me, right?"
His trademark smirk, always so disarming, is in full effect tonight. It's unfair, really. I'm trying to maintain my composure, but inwardly, I'm yearning to ask if we can just move beyond all the barriers. Whether as friends or possibly more, I crave having Miles back in my life, in the spot he's always belonged.
Approaching him, he gestures toward the restaurant. "You seemed pretty wrapped up in there, and sure, it's your night. But shouldn't you be enjoying it inside, not out here?"
"What if I said I prefer it out here?" I counter, knowing he can't resist a good challenge.