“He doesn’t deserve to know ya!” He said bitterly.

I remained silent to gather my thoughts. I wasn’t talking to that 18 year old I used to know. We are now in our fifties.

“You’re so much older now and so am I. What are you afraid of? There are people here from my past that I don’t care to see.”

A few familiar female faces walked passed us and smiled upon entering the restaurant. The warm beach air made the setting perfect for mingling. This would surely entice him to go inside.

“I’m going inside.”

He looked at me. “After we had gone out several times, the way she rejected me was terrible!”

“That was over three decades ago. Besides, you have your own family and a great career. Some of our old friends are expecting us and will be excited to see you. This thing only lasts a few hours and occurs every 10 years.

He looked up at me as the lines around his eyes and mouth formed deep crevices to form a smile with the look of renewed anticipation.