Chapter 23
Aaron followed Nate into the gymnastics hall on the 17th. He wasn’t quite
sure why he agreed to accompany Nate. He figured Allie was doing fine on her
own.
Aaron did know he wanted to celebrate Allie’s birthday in two
days. He had been helping Jules and Nate plan the big event and even started
telling people. He, himself, had grown excited about the festivities.
But, he wasn’t sure Allie would want him there. And, he
really didn’t want to crash someone’s party. And, he defiantly didn’t want to
crash an ex-girlfriend’s party. Especially not the way he and Allie had broken
up.
Aaron had been surprised to see Allie at his swim event the
day before. He figured he wouldn’t really see a lot of her anywhere. But yet,
there she had been, sitting in her seat, smiling.
And when he caught her gaze, he didn’t stop looking. She
still looked as wonderful as she had before. Her brown hair was pulled up in a
ponytail, and she had a hint of a smile on her face. The smile grew bigger as
they kept gazing at each other.
He had wanted to go up to her and say something, but he
wasn’t sure exactly what to say. How would you approach a girl you still really
liked but had split with. It wasn’t like he could just waltz over and start up a
conversation about the Red Sox’s spring training.
“You okay?” Jules asked, surprising Aaron. He wasn’t sure
where she had come from.
“Yeah.” He softly said, as Jules smiled.
“I haven’t told her that you’re here. I figured that you’d
make your presence known in your own way.” Jules said.
“How’s she been?” Nate asked.
“A little shaky, but nothing she can’t come back from.” Jules
said. “She’s been worse and she’s been better. But we’ll be okay.”
Aaron nodded, looking past Jules to where the gymnasts were
either warming up or doing some of their events. Allie was helping Courtney
Kupets stretch out. They were talking amongst themselves and not paying
attention to who all filled up the arena.
Aaron smiled. He knew how to surprise her.