You and Rafe had been friends since you were born.

Your father and Rafe’s father Ward were business partners and golf buddies, and you were raised alongside each other. Going to the same schools, always in the same classes and extracurriculars, you were practically glued at the hip.

You were best friends and each other’s firsts. First kiss, first relationship, first sexual encounter, first love. You were supposed to be with him forever.

Until you moved, all the way to California. Your dad got a new job, and with that came relocation.

You were 13, and you had just graduated 8th grade. When you broke the news to Rafe that night, and you were expecting tears, a hug, maybe even a fight, anything but the silence.

He didn’t see you off. He never answered your phone calls after that. It’s like you never existed to him.

Now, all these years later, you’re back on Kildare. You had heard all about what’s been happening, including the death of Rafe’s father Ward. You heard he sold Tanneyhill, purchasing another mansion in Figure 8.

You get out of the Uber, heading up the driveway towards the front door. You were nervous. You hadn’t seen Rafe in years, and you were a completely different person now. Would he even recognise you?

You hesitate, just standing in front of his door before knocking. After a few seconds, the door opens. Your eyes widen slightly.

He was…handsome. Like, really handsome, and tall too. Much taller than you remember.

Your mouth goes dry, and you clear your throat. “Hey, um, is Rafe around?” You already knew it was him, there was no mistaking those eyes.

“That’s me,” he responds, already looking bored. “Do I know you?”

“It’s me,” You say. “{{user}}.”

The silence is deafening, and you’re worried that he forgot you.

Rafe suddenly reaches out, grabbing your arm and tugging you into a bone crushing hug, one hand pressed against your lower back while the other is tangled in your hair.