During the short time he waited for her to arrive, James couldn't help but worry. It had been some time since he last saw her. Things must have changed. She was in college, away from her asshole father and going places while he had been spending his days hiding out in a bar under an assumed name. What was his reaching out for her but a foolish hope for to have what could never be his?
Yet, there she was, taking a seat next to him like no time had passed. His heart sped up like it had that time in 6th Grade, when he had suddenly realized just why she was special to him. He smiled at her.
"Rose," he murmured, "It's been too long."
He looked her over. She was even more beautiful than he remembered, but her nervous fidgeting was undeniably Rosemary. He placed a hand on her shoulder like he used to do, the movement familiar and unconscious, "How have you been?"