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As we settle into the sleek black SUV after dodging the crowd of paparazzi, we speed down the road towards the restaurant Reese directs his driver.

We could still hear the voices of paparazzi eager to get their latest headline.

The damage was already done, by tomorrow morning -- everyone will have seen Marnie Love and Reese Black in many magazines.

I look over at Reese and I'm surprised to see his expression is calm, and content.

I can't believe he's here, in the same car as I am.

"The show was amazing," his deep, velvety voice startles me. "You looked gorgeous on that stage, a real superstar."

Embarrassment paints my face, does he really think I'm gorgeous? "Did you enjoy it?"

Reese's expression softens when he gazes at me and my stomach does a strange flip.

"When I saw you, I had the biggest smile on my face. I can't believe the woman you've become. Ever since high school, I just knew there was something incredible about you Marns. And now you've transformed into a more confident, independent woman. You were always destined to be a star." my heart is beating rapidly, "You always belonged on that stage."

Butterflies swarm my belly when I hear the nickname he once called me back in high school.

For years I was criticized that my fame and fortune were handed to me on a plate for who my mother and father were. Some people believed I became popular in the music world through my family and yeah, many people already knew my name. Yet I still had to work hard to get to where I am today.

I'm grateful to hear Reese tell me I was born to be on stage and acknowledge my talent.

"Thank you." I choke out.

I wanted to tell him I felt the same about him but I feel too vulnerable right now. I've just reunited with Reese after such a long time, I need to think about what I'm going to say to him before I end up blurting out something stupid.

I don't even know what he wants from me. I need to wait until he gives me an explanation for showing up out of the blue and in my life again before I open up to him.

I don't want to get hurt again.

We pull up outside a very fancy restaurant and Reese helps me inside with Mike not too far behind. I've been to this restaurant once before. I came here with my best friend Sky.

Sky's graduating from college this year and she's finally moving in with Theo.

Yes, my brother started dating my best friend.

I was over the moon when they announced they were together. They told me they spent a lot of time together over the years -- when I was going through my breakup with Reese and my mom being taken to rehab. I guess it brought them closer together and they clicked instantly. I couldn't be happier for them.

They are perfect for each other.

The video that went viral changed my whole life and I was able to start fresh while also helping out my family. Theo, Sky, and also Nanny Grace have been the closest to me since my mom was sent to rehab, and I was able to help them financially.

Theo became my manager and lived in a house not far from my own, my best friend Sky goes to school just a few miles from him. She has her own apartment at the college there. Although she spends most of her weekends with Theo anyway.

Theo and Sky broke the news of their engagement a few months ago at this very restaurant. It was a lovely evening and the food was divine.

A small smile crawls on my lips when I think of the happy memory. I'm delighted my brother has found someone so caring, sweet and loyal. I know Theo will treat Sky like a queen as well.

As we are escorted to a private area of the restaurant, I could feel the heavy stares and whispers of people inside the posh restaurant.

I wonder what they're saying? Do they think we are on a date?

I gaze across the table, trying to figure out what he could be doing here? Does he live in New York too?

Oh gosh, this is crazy. I'm sitting across the table from my ex-boyfriend. My first love.

Reese nor I speak until we order our food, I was surprised his appetite hadn't changed much since high school. He still orders the same dishes we ate on our first couple of dates. I can't say my appetite has changed either and judging from Reese's grin, he's probably thinking the same.

My nerves escalate due to the tense quietness. I decide to bite the bullet and be the first one to break this slightly awkward silence.

"So... I've read how well your band is doing. I'm sorry to say I've not had the chance to see you perform yet but I've seen a few videos on Youtube. To be completely honest, I'm not surprised you've sold-out shows and you won another award last month, congrats on that by the way."

Reese chuckles lightly. "Yeah, it's been quite overwhelming." he plays with the white napkin on the table, thinking intensely.

"It's been an amazing ride so far and as much as I love the band, I'm thinking about going solo for a while. I've told my bandmates that this will be my last album with them this year." my eyes grow wide.

I did not expect this news and I'm guessing he hasn't gone public about this yet. He'll no doubt break hearts with this announcement.

"Is that where you see your future? As a solo artist?"

Our food arrives and I notice the waiter eyeing us curiously, he puts our plates down nervously and asks us if we need anything else. We tell him everything is perfect and he leaves the table in a daze-like state.

Reese cuts a piece of his steak while speaking again. "Yeah. The band means a lot to me and I loved every single second. I guess, it just feels right... the right time, you know?"

Nodding my head slowly, he takes a bite of his food and then we fall into a comfortable silence as I begin eating my own delicious meal.

I ponder over his words in my head and I believe that if this is something Reese wants to do, I would support him.

We eat our delicious dinner and I'm stuffed by the time dessert rolls around. My breathing catches when I discover that we ordered the same cheesecake dessert we ate when Reese first asked me to be his girlfriend. I know it's not something I should be thinking about but damn, how does he do this to me?

Reese smiles like he can sense I'm thinking about old memories. This is too much.

I can't hold it in anymore. I have to know what's going on, why is he here? What does he want from me?

"So, what's up Reese? Why are you in New York?" I wince as the words fall out of my mouth.

He looks up at me with those stunning forest eyes. He wipes his face with the white napkin, licking his plump red lips.

Sweet Jesus, he looks so good. Why couldn't he look awful? Because now I can't help these old feelings from returning.

"I wanted to see you. To catch up since I haven't seen or spoken to you in years."

I chuckle nervously. "Seriously? You expect me to believe you came all the way here just to say hi?"

A little part of me was hoping it wasn't just a drop-in to say hello and then leave, I'm sure he has other responsibilities instead of catching up with an old girlfriend from high school.

No, I don't believe that.

He smirks that panty-dropping smirk I always loved. "You're so perceptive Marns." he chuckles and then he eyes me with pursed lips as he contemplates an answer.

"I did want to see you and I also wanted to apologise. I was an immature ass back in high school. I was ashamed of myself, I regret it all so much. I treated you poorly and I've always carried that guilt and pain around with me. I'm so sorry Marns," his eyes look tormented as he proceeds to talk, "A lot of things happened after high school. I've changed from that boy you once knew."

My eyebrows raise in shock and surprise. I did not expect this confession. There is no doubt that Reese has changed from a boy to a man. It's like looking at a completely new person. I wonder why he had a change of heart?

What changed Reese Black? And why has it taken him so long to contact me?

"I appreciate that. So what happened? I mean, at what point did you realise this?" I shift nervously in my seat, waiting for an explanation.

He sighs, leaning back in his chair. I start feeling guilty for prying into his personal life. Maybe he doesn't want to talk about it? But then I can't help but think about the time he opened up to me at the beach on our first date.

"My mom came back when you left," Reese confesses. "My dad took her back with open arms. She told us she wouldn't screw up again and she did, only a few weeks after. I wasn't surprised."

I'm shocked to learn everything he went through after I left him. I never knew any of this.

"I dropped out of high school and moved away. My dad wasn't happy about it but I was eighteen and he couldn't stop me even if he wanted to. I know I was a little heartless to leave my dad right after my mom left, I just knew my mom was going to screw up again and my dad did nothing to stop it. So he let me go. I had no money, no future and no family."

My heart bleeds for him. Why on earth did his dad treat him like he meant nothing? Why did his mother leave her son when she promised she would get better?

"I made some money performing in clubs around New York. That's how I made a living until my life changed drastically." he smiles softly.

"My dad contacted me one night when my band started getting big. He finally acknowledged my existence, he didn't speak to me like I was a stupid kid anymore." Reese sighs sadly. "I guess we'll never see eye to eye but he's proud of me and that's enough, I suppose."

I blink furiously, this is a lot of information to take in. The fact that Reese found some peace with his father is good news and he's clearly doing well for himself now.

"That's amazing Reese, I'm happy for you." I smile and his green eyes illuminate.

"What about you? How's your mom?"

I had a feeling the topic of my mother would come up at some point during the night.

He knew my struggles at home and I'm sure he heard stuff in the media about my mom. Luckily, things have been getting better for my mother.

"I see her once a week, she's okay. She's out of rehab -- has been for two years. Of course, she's had her struggles but she's seeing a therapist and she hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since leaving rehab." I could see the tenderness in Reese's eyes and I smile.

"We're closer now that she doesn't drink. She wasn't thrilled about my career choice but she has seen a few of my shows. I remember seeing the tears in her eyes when I stepped off the stage. She told me she was proud of me. Frankly, it was the best thing I ever heard my mother say." my eyes brim with tears.

Reese's face lights up and my chest warms.

"Woah, that's wonderful Marns. I'm relieved everything turned out great for you."

I appreciate his kindness, he always expressed a caring side -- even when we were together.

"Thank you, Reese," I give him a grateful smile and suddenly his expression turns into a much darker one, he clears his throat and narrows his eyes at me. My spine stiffens at his sudden mood change.

What's wrong? Did I do something?

"So you and Ethan Dawson huh?"

Shit.

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