Chapter 3: Now

"Please excuse me. There seems to be a question with the caterer."

I scurried to the bar and grasped a glass of wine. I would have loved something stronger but I didn't think that throwing back a shot of Jagermeister would be a good idea considering the setting. Did the company I hired for alcohol service stock Jagermeister? I couldn't help but wonder. If I was going to be working with Damon on a regular basis, the liquor list would need more attention than I had previously given it. I would need to make sure my favorites would be on the premises and at the ready in the future.

"Whoa! Elena, where are you going?" Jenna was hot on my trail. "What just happened back there? I've never seen you flee the scene so fast before? And don't give me the caterer story because, last time I checked, the kitchen and the bar are in two different locations at your parties. More importantly, you don't ever drink on the job and you are clutching that glass of wine like it is the elixir of life. Elena, you look like you've seen a ghost."

"I have. At least I hope it was a ghost. I'm just not sure if it is the ghost of Elena past or if someone out there really hates me."

Jenna looked more puzzled than ever. "What in the world, Elena? He's been travelling a lot up until the recent restructuring but Damon has always been decent enough. You are amazing at what you do. Don't let the fact that you don't know him freak you out."

"Jenna, I do know him. That's the problem. Do you remember the story about the guy I dated my senior year of college?"

"You mean the guy that made you swear off of men and turned you into Kate from The Taming of the Shrew?"

"I haven't sworn off of men."

"Hitting the bar with Matt doesn't count."

"There's nothing wrong with my hanging out with Matt."

"No, there's nothing wrong with it. He's handy to have around for the requisite plus one for stuff but, still, you haven't actually had a relationship since the guy your senior year."

"That was Damon."

"Damon Salvatore is that guy?" Jenna gasped.

"Oh, he's THAT guy all right." Jenna knew me well enough to realize that I needed a few minutes of space.

"Hmm, so much for my potential love life being the story of the year. This could be interesting."

Glaring at my friend who had headed back to the party, I knew that this was in no way interesting. For the next year I was going to have to deal with a part of my past that I just couldn't forget. That was the biggest problem. Instead of tossing the memory to the curb like the trash it was, I had just shoved that particular skeleton into the back of my closet like it was some dress I loved and hoped would come back in style one day. Apparently, I was going to have to face Damon Salvatore but not tonight. When I did talk to him, it would not be in a state of shock. I would be calm and composed. And my knuckles would not be white from having a choke hold on a glass of Merlot. If I could just get a hold on myself to get through this night, then I could schedule a meeting with Damon on Monday. Then, I'll schedule a stress relieving massage immediately after.

"Elena, please turn around and talk to me." So much for waiting until Monday. Damon had walked up behind me while I was lost in thought and I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice. "I'm just as surprised by this as you are. When Ric told me that he had contracted a hot shot event planner who I would be working with, I didn't expect it to be you."

Elena wheeled on him, "And why not? Oh, that's right. You didn't think I'd ever make it. Let's see, how did you put it? I had too much self doubt? I believe those were the words you used."

"I stand corrected. From what I've been told you are stellar. If I just use tonight as evidence, I'd have to deem you a stunning success. The room is lovely, the food delicious and the band is playing jazz which, given your love for it, doesn't surprise me. What does surprise me is the fact that the bar seems to be lacking Jagermeister. As I recall, that was always your favorite."

There was that smile. "You don't get to recall anything about me." Noticing the devilish gleam in his eye and knowing smirk, I snapped, "Especially THAT!"

"I tell you what, Elena, if you will agree not to cause me mortal harm I will try to keep my memories to myself. Does that sound good?" Damon extended his hand prepared for a handshake.

"Well, we do have to work together for the next year so I suppose that sounds like a reasonable agreement," I agreed as I reached for his hand, a smile playing around his lips. How did he do that? Five minutes ago I was ready to flee the building and now we were shaking hands.

"How's Caroline? Do you ever see her?"

"She's great. She's married with three kids. We get together once or twice a month. I'll let her know that you asked about her."

"And how are you?"

"I'm wonderful. I have met every goal I ever set for myself and have done a fine job doing it." Crap. Could I be any more defensive? Thankfully, he let that slide. Maybe he realized that calling me out right now would be a huge mistake.

"You certainly look amazing. Any job that gets you out in public looking like this is worth every bit of hard work."

"Thank you. So, don't feel like you have to contact me personally about any events. If you just have your secretary fax me the information I should be fine. As you can see, I have a pretty good idea of how to do my job. If I have any specific questions, I'll be in touch." I turned to walk away.

"Wait. Elena, don't leave like that. I want to talk to you. I want to know what has been going on in your life for the past ten years. After everything that has gone on with us, can't we at least be friends?"

"Sure, Damon, we can be friends. Give me a call sometime, but I really don't have time for a walk down memory lane right now. I have an event in progress and I need to check in with my assistant to see if she needs anything. Please, excuse me."

As I walked away I knew he'd never call and that would be preferable to me.

AN: Hi folks! After enjoying stories on FanFiction for several years, I finally decided to post something myself. This is a story that I've been working on for a while now. I'm posting to improve my writing so reviews are more than welcomed. This story does flip back and forth between the past and present. I'll try to acknowledge the time at the beginning of each chapter. Thank you for reading!