Chapter 6 First Love

Amelia's POV:

I looked up into warm brown eyes behind designer frames. Adam Clark stood there, looking exactly like he had stepped out of our Columbia yearbook, only more polished. The wire-rimmed glasses were replaced with designer frames, and his casual college attire had evolved into a tailored charcoal suit that screamed London banking.

"Still trying to carry the whole library at once, Lia?" he said softly, using my old nickname. His hand lingered on my elbow a moment too long before he seemed to catch himself and pulled back.

"Adam," I managed, trying to ignore how my skin tingled where he'd touched me. "I... didn't expect to see you here."

He helped me gather the remaining books, our fingers brushing accidentally as we reached for the same volume. I pulled back as if burned, but not before noticing how he'd frozen at the contact.

"Actuarial mathematics?" He glanced at the titles, a flash of pride crossing his features. "You're pursuing your original dream after all."

"Someone has to pay the bills," I said lightly, though my voice wavered slightly. I didn't add that those bills now included Lucas's medical treatments for his JRA.

Adam stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Lia, what happened? You just disappeared. No explanation, no goodbye..."

The familiar scent of his cologne – the same one he'd worn in college – made my head spin. We were standing too close, the narrow bookstore aisle suddenly feeling impossibly intimate. His presence brought back memories I'd fought hard to suppress: study sessions that turned into something more, his jacket around my shoulders on cold nights, whispered dreams of our future together...

"I had my reasons," I said, stepping back and clutching the books to my chest like a shield. The wedding ring on my finger felt impossibly heavy. "Things are different now. I'm different."

"Are you?" he asked softly, reaching out to catch a strand of hair that had fallen across my face. His fingers paused millimeters from my skin, and he pulled back, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Sorry. Old habits."

"I should go," I said quickly, turning toward the checkout counter. "It was... good to see you, Adam."

"Let me help you study for the exams," he called after me. "Like old times?"

For a moment, I wavered. The earnestness in his expression, the genuine care in his voice – it would be so easy to say yes, to pretend the last five years hadn't happened. But I couldn't. I had Lucas to think about, my agreement with Luke, my carefully reconstructed life that was finally taking shape.

"I can't, Adam. I'm sorry." I placed the book back on the shelf, needing something to do with my trembling hands. "Things are different now. I'm different."

"Actually," he said, his voice taking on a hopeful note, "Professor Harrison is in town for a conference. We're having dinner tonight to discuss the latest developments in actuarial risk modeling. You should join us."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of our former mentor. Professor Harrison had been more than just a teacher to me – she'd been the first person to really see my potential, to push me beyond what I thought I could achieve.

"Professor Harrison? Really?"

"Seven o'clock, at La Maison," he said quickly. "It would mean a lot to have you there. For old times' sake?"

I should have said no. But the mention of Professor Harrison, combined with the genuine warmth in Adam's eyes, broke down my defenses. "Okay," I heard myself say. "I'll be there."

La Maison was exactly the kind of place Professor Harrison would love – elegant but unpretentious, with soft lighting and the kind of atmosphere that encouraged long conversations. When I arrived, I saw them already seated at a corner table, Professor Harrison's elegant silver bob catching the light as she gestured animatedly about something.

"Amelia Wilson!" she exclaimed warmly as I approached, rising to embrace me. Her familiar perfume – something subtle and sophisticated – brought back memories of long office hours and encouraging conversations. "Or should I say the girl who wrote the most brilliant thesis proposal I never got to supervise?"

I felt my cheeks heat. "Professor Harrison..."

"Catherine, please. We're not in Columbia anymore." Her sharp eyes softened as she studied my face. "Adam tells me you're back in the actuarial game?"

For the next two hours, it was almost like stepping back in time. We discussed risk models, probability theories, and the latest industry developments.

Professor Harrison's passion for mathematics was as infectious as ever, and even Adam's presence felt... comfortable. Natural. Like we were back in those study sessions where we'd all stay late into the night, surrounded by textbooks and empty coffee cups.

"You haven't lost your touch, Amelia," Professor Harrison said warmly as we finished our dessert, her maternal tone making my chest ache. "The industry needs sharp minds like yours. In fact, I'm supervising a research project at Columbia that could use your insight..."

"I..." I hesitated, then decided to be honest. "I've actually just enrolled to complete my bachelor's degree first. Part-time studies at Columbia. I want to do things properly this time."

Professor Harrison's face lit up with approval. "Now that's the Amelia I remember – always wanting to build things right from the foundation up. Well, the research project will still be here when you graduate. We women in mathematics need to support each other's journeys, whatever path they take."

After we said our goodbyes outside the restaurant, he insisted on driving me back. I was tired after a long day and missed my son, so I agreed. As he helped me into his car, I thought I caught a glimpse of a flashlight in the darkness behind the restaurant.