Coming Around Again by Carly Keene

NAYA:
Eleven years ago, I fell in love.
I spent that summer working at the resort at Love Lake. Desmond was a guest.
He was so far out of my league that I never expected him to notice me, but he did.
We were together every minute that we could steal, and we made plans for the future.
But it was the same old story: summer romance never lasts. He ghosted me. Just disappeared.
His family checked out of the hotel.
I was heartbroken. And angry.
I don’t know why ours is still the standard by which I judge every relationship.

DESMOND:
When I remember summer, I remember that one.
Naya was my whole world then, and I had so many dreams for us.
Then the accident happened.
By the time I regained consciousness and tried to call her, she was gone.
Every attempt I’ve made to contact her has been rebuffed. I’ve given up.
But when I walk into the conference room at work and the CEO introduces her as our new hire, I’m a goner.
All over again.

Sometimes love doesn’t win the first time around and it takes a second try to get it right. No matter how many years have passed, these couples prove that love will find a way.