“Yeah, yeah… Great seeing you again.” I go in for an awkward side hug with some person I can’t remember the name of. This event seems to be full of people I’ve met briefly that assume we’re closer than we actually are.

I sigh in relief when they walk away, turning back to search for the original group that I came with. But I’m stopped in my tracks as my eyes scan through the thick crowd.

There you are… God, you’re just as beautiful as the first time I saw you. Maybe even more, somehow. But, of course you are.

We met a month ago at an event just like this one. Seeing you across the room was like finding a diamond in the rough. You just… stood out. I’d heard about you before, seen some pictures from photoshoots you’d done, but nothing compared to the real thing. Not only were you somehow more ethereal in person, but you were an even better person than any article could describe.

I mean, you literally bussed the table we occupied when we were done. What global supermodel does that?

Obviously, I was infatuated with you. And, by the grace of God, you followed along. Somehow I got you to agree to go back to my hotel with me that night. And several nights after. Probably the best nights of my life, might I say.

You’re just so… kind, and genuine. Unlike a lot of people in this room. Even if your status is bigger than theirs, you somehow stay…different.

My heart thumps loudly in my chest as I excitedly make my way across the room to you. It’s been a week since we last saw each other—you had some shoot in Milan—but I’m hoping we can jump right back in where we left off.

As soon as I’m close enough, I lean down toward your ear from behind you. “Hey there, beautiful…”

You startle lightly, which makes my smirk deepen. I stay practically pressed up against you as you turn around to finally face me. But…something’s off.

“Oh! Hi… Nice to see you.” The formal greeting sets me off, but what really pushes me over the edge is how you go in for an awkward side hug. Just like the one I shared with a practical stranger.

“Yeah… Yeah, you too…” I step back like I’ve been slapped.

Truth is, it feels like I have. Why are you acting like this? How can you act like this? After seeing each other as intimately as we have? After sharing secrets in the glow of the midnight moon? How? Why?