Words Left Unspoken- Part 4

Outside, Kate found a bench by the garden, away from the wedding festivities. Taking a seat she sighed as she gazed up at the warm night sky, full of twinkling stars and the occasional lightning bug. What a day it had been. Her emotions had been a roller coaster starting with Noah’s sudden appearance and then…Anson. The latter filled her mind. What had just happened between them? Her body became warm with thoughts about his arms around her. It had been 6 months since they had seen each other last before he had arrived for the wedding two days ago. Anson was currently stationed at a Marine Corps base in Yuma, AZ, as an F/A 18 fighter pilot. But being apart had never changed anything. They always picked up where they left off. He was her closest friend next to Kristina and when they didn’t talk on the phone or email, they Skyped. But, something was different…

“Hello.” A man in the shadows interrupted her thoughts, making her look up to see the culprit.

“Noah.” Her heart quickened with surprise.

“It’s been a long time.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and smiled in appreciation at her.  

“That it has. I’m surprised to see you here.” She scooted over as he took a seat beside her on the bench.

“Kristina invited me. We all were pretty close in college if you remember.” He looked at her with laughter in his eyes, waiting for her to say something more, the moon basking them in soft light.

“Yeah, I remember.” She let out an awkward laugh at his move to try and crack a joke. “I guess it makes sense that you’re here now, then.” Yeah, right. Kristina was going to get an earful, later.

“Well, I am moving back to Colorado, actually. I just accepted a job as an environmentalist doing some work for the government outside of Fort Collins.”

He always knew how to hit her with a ton of bricks. “Is that so? Well congrats! That’s very exciting.” She forced a smile his way. It was almost as if they had never been as close as they had. Was he just pulling an act or casually trying to be nice without making it awkward? Either way, he was failing.

“Thanks. I’m more than glad to be back, especially now that I found you again.” He nudged her playfully and the bullfrogs croaked their night song.

“I’ve always been here. It really wasn’t a matter of finding me.” She was not in the mood to play along with his flirty act or whatever he was trying to pull. Crickets chirped and filled the pregnant silence. They both looked away from each other observing the night. Laughter filled in behind them as a couple frolicked in the garden.

“Beautiful wedding.” Noah’s comment was forced.

“Mmmm. Yeah.” Her reply was barely audible as she saw a tall, dark figure walking towards them from the tent.

“You looked beautiful up there, Kate. Even more beautiful now…” Noah had turned towards Kate, waiting for a reply, not noticing the approaching intruder.

“There you are.” Anson glared briefly at Noah, before flashing a grin at Kate. He had ditched his suit coat and tie, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned slightly, revealing a hard, tan chest.

“Good timing. I was just getting ready to head back.” She stood up fast, turning briefly to Noah. “I’m glad we could catch up.”

“Me too.” He stood, putting his hands in his pockets. “Anson.” His acknowledgement was curt.

“Noah.” Anson moved to take Kate’s arm, steering her back to the night’s dwindling festivities and away from the man who had turned his back on her.