I came out of the shower the next morning humming away to myself. It's what I did when I was nervous and today my stomach was churning. After pulling some clothes on, I reach for the phone and dial her number.

"Hey Natalie" I greet when she picks up

"It's Nick"

"Hey.. haven't heard from you in a while.. how are you?"

"I'm good thanks...just wondered if you wanted to meet for lunch"

"Umm.. sure... love to.. where?"

"Well, I could meet you at Alessandro's at 1 if that's ok?"

"That's fine.. see you then.."

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As I walk into Alessandro's, I scan the room for a tall blonde. As I took a second look around, I spotted him sitting at a table near the back. I slowly walked over to the table.

"Hey, I'm glad you could make it. I needed some other company apart from Brian"

"He can't be that bad, but we all need to branch out sometimes..."

"Yeah I guess. so how have you been? You look great, by the way"

"Thank you, and so do you. Things have been going pretty well for me.. How about yourself? What have you been up to?"

"Rehearsing a lot, working out down at the gym and on the courts, hanging out with the guys, usual stuff really"

"What, no girls in the picture?" giggling

I choke on my water as she says this

"Ummm...there's one" hoping my voice didn't go too high, as my palms begin to sweat

"Really... well.. what's she like?"

"She's beautiful, amazing wonderful and she makes me smile a lot. Unfortunately, I had my chance with her and blew it. Now she's with somebody else and she's all I can think of"

"Aww.. I'm sorry.. I wish things would have gone better for you" briefly touching his hand

"Natalie, do you not see what I'm trying to say here?" letting my hand rest under hers

"I..." looking into his eyes and seeing what he's been trying to tell me this whole time.

"Oh" pulling my hand back

"I should have said something long before but it's not too late...things could be so good between us if we're given the chance"

Flabbergasted by his admittance, I didn't know what to say. I was flattered but this.. this was really awkward.

"You can't tell me that the kiss we shared meant nothing, we've got a connection"

I could hear the slight pleading in his voice. I also didn't want to hurt him.. so what do I tell him? I guess the truth is better then... just keeping him hanging on.

"Nick to be honest, I didn't feel an instant connection. Yes, It was an amazing kiss, but that was all it was. I'm sorry"

Her words stung a little. She didn't feel anything from that kiss? How could I have got things so wrong? I give her small smile.

"It's ok, it's cool. I mean, we can still be friends right?"

"Oh yeah... you bet" giving him a weak smile.

I felt really bad for hurting his feelings. I hadn’t intended to. On the other hand, I still couldn’t believe that he had feelings for me. Why had he felt a connection and I hadn’t? It doesn’t matter, I am with someone else now.. Hopefully, he can find someone that is as wonderful as Ben is.

"Listen lets not let this ruin the day" I try and say it confidently but deep down I felt far from confident