"If you truly love someone, accept their past and leave it there."

~Unknown

Tracking down Michael Baker was a lot harder then expected.

He hadn't exactly been the Harvard type of guy, so when I found his name on their school directory, I couldn't help but stare at my computer in shock.

Not only had he gone to Harvard, but he had graduated two years earlier. I knew it was terrible to judge people by the way they look or act, just like judging a book by it's cover, and it would definitely be the last time I ever do it.

"That's him? That's the guy you had a crush on?" Ty asked, peaking over my shoulder at Mike's Facebook profile. I had sent him a private message, asking if we could meet up somewhere. And he seemed to be in the middle of replying when Ty had decided to pop up behind me.

"Yes. He's still cute, too." I replied, pretending to be offended. Ty narrowed his eyes at me before looking back at the profile picture with a grimace.

"If you say so."

Michael had changed a lot since high school. He had always been the quiet and intelligent guy that I used to be able to hold hour long conversations with without feeling like a complete nerd myself. But he had changed. He had ditched the thick rimmed glasses he wore in high school, and his dark eyes stood out along his perfectly tanned face. By the looks of things, he was taking over his Dad's business.

"He said yes!" I clapped my hands, feeling relief wash over me as he continued to respond.

"Alyssa, sweetie." Ty rested his hand on my shoulder and crouched down like he was talking to Tessie, "Michael here is married. To a man." I frowned, looking away from Mike's profile and glancing sideways at Ty.

"So?" I shrugged.

"So, you aren't surprised?" I snorted, exiting out of my browser and spinning around in my computer chair to face him.

"I knew he was gay in high school." I shrugged again, "He was too sweet, honest, and frankly, too much of a gentleman not to be. Plus, he came outright and told me." Ty ran a hand along the stubble growing along his chin.

"There are other gentleman out there, ones that aren't gay." I stood up, wiping my sweaty hands off on my pants.

"Really? Then please introduce me to them." I replied.

"So are you going to see him? Do you need me to come or-" I turned around, cutting Ty off mid sentence when he saw the surprised look on my face.

"In a few hours. You don't have to come, unless you want to drive me there." I went on with a small smile.

"Of course, I'm your chauffeur, remember?"

*

I could feel my stomach toss and turn with nervousness as we pulled into the parking lot of Starbucks, Ty's face twisting in disgust.

"I hate this place." He grumbled. I nodded in agreement as I pulled an envelope from my purse and handed it to him.

"Here's your first paycheck. Do what you want with it." He took it hesitantly, his lips parting in shock once he pulled the money out.

"This is almost five hundred dollars, Alyssa. You must have made a mistake or-"

"I didn't make a mistake." I cut him off, gathering my stuff so I could get out of the car, "You deserve it." I waved before climbing out of the car and manoeuvrings between the other cars in the lot until I reached the front door.

I tucked my hair behind my ears and shoved my red gloves into my pocket once I was inside, waving across the room as Michael stood up. I felt my stomach twitch a little when I saw a man stand up and join him.

"Look at you! You look great!" Michael pulled me into a big hug, my body calming a little in his familiar, warm, embrace.

Throughout high school, Mike had probably been my only friend other then Steph.

"Not really." I reached up and wiping my cold cheek, "I probably look like I just crawled out of a grave." He grinned, his husband joining him after a few seconds of hesitation.

"So you must be the famous Ally." He said, outstretching his hand, "I'm Dave, Michael's husband." I nodded, taking his hand.

"It's great to see Mike has finally found someone." They exchanged a loving look before Mike pulled my chair out and gestured for me to sit down. I set my purse between my feet, smiling as I tucked another lock of my dark hair behind my ear.

"How are you doing, Al? I've been trying to get a hold of you for years!" Mike said, "Have you found a long term boyfriend at NYU yet?" I shook my head, feeling warmth spread through my cheeks.

"No. I guess you were right about guys no wanting to date me." I said. He shook his head as well, reaching across the table to take my hand in his.

"That's not what I meant. I said idiot guys, high school guys, didn't want to date you. But that was their fault, they were immature and didn't know what it was they really wanted." I smiled weakly, but he still seemed to see through me.

"How's Steph doing?" He asked. All I had to do was look down at the table and shut my eyes for him to understand.

"Oh, Ally. I'm so sorry." He stood up and walked around the table, pulling me into a tight hug. I thanked him quietly as he sat back down across from me, his eyes darting toward the front of the cafe.

"You sure you aren't here with anyone, honey?" Mike spoke again, "Because some guy keeps glancing our way. A hot one, at that." I didn't even have to look to know it was Ty.

"No. He's just my. . . he's just my friend." I corrected myself before I could say chauffeur.

"Sure he is." Dave winked, "We all know how that works out." Both of them laughed, amused by my blushing.

"Yeah, Dave here used to be just a friend too." Mike joked. I forced myself to laugh, slowly turning my head to meet Ty's curious eyes. He looked confused, his forehead creasing.

"I wouldn't be mad if you went to talk to him." Mike said, obviously seeing me look.

"Actually, I came here to ask a favor from you." He waited for me to go on.

"I know your dad owns a real estate agency and you told me at graduation that you owed me a favor."

"Of course, Ally. I love you, and I'd do anything for the best sister on the planet." A genuine smile slipped across my face at his words.

"Okay. Well, I need that favor now. But I need to explain everything so it doesn't seem confusing." He nodded, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Well, go on. We've got time."

*

By the time I left, Mike was insistent I came over in a week for dinner. After I agreed, they both let me ago with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, making me promise to call.

I was sure that Ty would have left by the time I walked back out to the parking lot, prepared to call an UBER, but he was sitting in the car, Tessie in the passengers seat. When I reached the car again, Tessie grinned and laid her hand against the window, a big grin on her face as she pressed her face against the window.

"Ally!" She exclaimed. I heard the doors unlock and she pushed the door open, giggling as she launched herself into my arms.

I laughed, hugging her as I stared at Ty in confusion.

When had he left to pick her up?

"Daddy's gonna take us at for dinner!" She said, climbing back on to the seat and into the back to her booster seat. I got in once I was sure she was buckled up, shutting the door with an amused look in Ty's direction.

"Is that so? Where are you taking us?" I questioned, cocking an eyebrow. He started the car with a laugh, pulling his seat belt on.

"You'll just have to wait and see." 

***AN***

Hope you guys enjoyed! 

What do you think the favor Ally asked from Mike was?

Let me know what you thought!

~ChasingMadness24