MAX'S POINT OF VIEW
I walked into the bustling lobby of the publishing house, clutching a thick manila envelope containing the final manuscript of my upcoming novel. As I made my way toward the receptionist's desk, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had poured my heart and soul into this book, and I was eager to see it in print.
However, my relief was short-lived when I suddenly collided with a man, sending my manuscript flying out of my hands and scattering across the floor. Mortified, I quickly stooped down to gather up the pages, only to look up and see the man extending a hand to help me up.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners in concern.
I blinked in surprise, taking in Lance's chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," I stammered, feeling my face flush.
I stood up and was ready to walk out of him when he called me, "Max," he said, I quickly let out a sigh and face him this time, "Lance," I smiled.
"How are you? It's been so long," he said, gladness in his eyes.
"I'm fine, what are you doing here?" I ask him.
"The publisher contacted me, they want me to design some book covers of their writers."
"That's great," I said, "I'm actually here to submit my manuscript."
"Really? What's it about?" Lance asked, genuine interest in his voice.
"It's a love story, I don't think you'll like it," I said. I couldn't shake off the feeling of nervousness that had settled in my stomach. Lance was not just a friend, but someone who had been a significant part of my life, and the book was loosely based on our love story.
What would he think of it? Would he be able to tell that the protagonist was based on me, and the love interest on him?
"I'm pretty sure I'd love it. I read your debut novel and I really like it, no wonder it become a hit through social media," he smiled at me.
Lance being friendly to me right now, makes it easier for me to talk to him. We're talking as if we're back at one before we even had a relationship before. He's making me comfortable so I loosen up and shake off the negativity from our past relationship and focus on a new friendship.
"That means a lot to me, thanks," I said, smiling back at him. "I hope you'll like this one too."
"I'm sure I will," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Let me know when it's out so I can grab a copy."
"I will," I promised, feeling a sense of gratitude for his support.
We chatted for a while longer, catching up on each other's lives, and by the time we parted ways, I felt a sense of closure. Our past relationship may have ended on a sour note, but today, we were able to put that behind us and start afresh.
As I handed over my manuscript to the receptionist, I couldn't help but feel excited about what the future held. Whether my book was a success or not, I knew that I had given it my all, and that was all that mattered.
Lance accompany me to my agenda at the publisher's house and after running our errands I said goodbye.
"Are you going somewhere?" he asked.
"I'm going to the hospital, i'll meet Iris there," I smiled.
"Can I come with you? I would love to see her as well, also Isla," I nodded, and we went to the parking lot to his car.
As we drove to the hospital, Lance and I talked about his work as a book cover designer and my upcoming book launch. I couldn't help but feel grateful for his support and his willingness to put our past behind us.
When we arrived at the hospital, we made our way to Isla's room. As soon as she saw us, her face lit up with a huge smile.
"Max! Lance! What are you guys doing here?" she asked, surprised to see us together.
"We came to visit you, Isla," I said, pulling up a chair next to her bed.
Isla looked over at Lance, a questioning look in her eyes. "Is everything okay between you two?" she asked, sensing the tension that had existed between us in the past.
"Yeah, everything's fine now," I said, looking over at Lance and giving him a small smile.
"I'm glad to hear that," Isla said, her smile widening.
We spent the next hour chatting with Isla, updating her on our lives and laughing at her jokes. Lance's presence made everything feel lighter, and I found myself enjoying his company more than I had expected.
A little later the door opened and Iris was there. "Hi, Iris," Lance said, and Iris's jaw dropped. I know she is shocked to see Lance as well since I haven't told her the first time I and lance saw each other again after almost 7 years.
"What the hell?" she asked, laughing, and went to Lance to hug him. "How are you, Lance?" she asked in disbelief.
Lance hugged Iris back, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm good, Iris. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Iris pulled back, still looking surprised. "Yeah, it definitely has. I didn't expect to see you here, of all places."
"I came with Max," Lance said, gesturing toward me.
"Oh, okay," Iris said, still looking a little stunned. "Well, it's good to see you, Lance. I'm glad you could make it."
"But why are you together?" Isla asks this time.
"We bumped into each other at the publisher's house, and I happened to mention visiting Isla today and he wanted to see you guys as well so we're here," I explained.
"Red is on the way also," Iris said, sitting beside Lance.
"That's nice. I'll introduce you to Red," I smiled at him, and he nodded. I bet he still knew Red.
The door opened wide, and we saw Red holding a lot of takeout from our favorite restaurant. He smiled when he saw Lance, then looked at me as if he was asking what is going on.
"Lance, this is Red. I hope you see still remember him," Lance smiled and shake hands with Red.
We all settled back into the conversation, catching up on each other's lives and enjoying each other's company.
As we left the hospital, Lance turned to me and said, "Max, I'm sorry for the way things ended between us. I know I hurt you, and I regret that."
I paused for a moment, surprised at his apology. "It's okay, Lance. I've moved on and I'm happy now."
"I'm glad to hear that," he said, his eyes softening. "I hope we can be friends again."
"Me too," I said, smiling at him.
Despite our past struggles, we had all managed to move forward and find happiness in our own way. And with my book soon to be published, I felt like I was finally on the cusp of something great.