Page 4 of The One That Ran Away

Because, after that, it was only a matter of time before Jess and Shannon made eye contact.

It took Shannon longer to recognize Jess than the other way around. She had never been as invested in their whirlwind romance.

Except when she did, her eyes lit up in understanding – and fear.

“Heeey,” Jess said with an embarrassed smile, “long time no see. Shannon, right?”

Shannon lowered her bag and took two large steps backward. “I… you… what?”

Later, when Jess was more clear-headed and not suffering from shock, she would realize that this was bound to happen someday, fated or not. Oregon was a small state. She had never left, so was it really strange to think that Shannon hadn’t either? Or that she at least returned over the years? Where was the only major city? Portland, right? Where was one of the trendiest places to hang out on a Sunday evening?Northwest Portland.

If not tonight, then perhaps next week. Perhaps in a year. At some point, their paths would cross.

“Our meeting was written in the stars…”

That was one of the last things Jessica Mills had ever said to Shannon Parker. She believed it more than ever now.