Time had changed me too.

My hair was shorter. I had lost weight. The woman Grant remembered had been nervous, exhausted, and always apologizing.

She no longer existed.

“Maybe I simply learned not to let disappointing people ruin good evenings,” I replied.

Grant smiled tiredly.

“That sounds like experience talking.”

“It is.”

He lifted his glass.

“Relationships are complicated.”

I looked straight at him.

“Only when people refuse to tell the truth.”

Something shifted across his face.

I continued.

“Sometimes people convince themselves that running away is easier than facing what they have done.”

His smile disappeared.

“Have we met?”

I stood.

“Maybe I only remind you of someone you left behind.”

For several seconds, he stared at me.

Then recognition began spreading across his face.

I walked away before he could say my name.

## The Moment He Could No Longer Hide

The next afternoon, Miles and I were near the hotel pool when Grant and Sienna appeared again.

I wanted to leave.

Before I could gather our things, Grant suddenly stopped walking.

His hand moved toward his chest.

He sat down quickly, looking dizzy and confused.

Nearby guests called for hotel staff.

Whatever I felt toward him, I couldn’t ignore someone who clearly needed help.