I hurriedly turn towards Sylvia, “Knows me?” My drunk mind is struggling to  make a list of potential suspects.
“How do they know her?” Leah asks, turning rigid. “Did you check them?”
“Course, we’re not stupid. He’s unarmed and says he saw Valerie enter and wants to see her.”
“Name?” Leah moves towards the door.
“Owen something.” 

No way.
It can’t be.
I haven’t seen him in years. 

I race past Sylvia, nearly stumbling as I do so, trying to keep my balance and going as fast as possible.
“Owen?” I voice loudly, bursting into the bar area, throwing the bar entry open.
He’s held by Marco and Croc, the rest of the bar eying him down. He turns to me as I shout his name and i suck in a breath. It really is him.
Owen is right in front of me.

He’s not as tall as I remember but he’s just as tanned, maybe even more so, his dark blue eyes twinkling through his short but messy blonde hair.He always reminded me of a greek god, especially in the summer when I try to subtly gawk at him whenever we were at the beach. It took years to learn I was not as subtle as I thought. Not my best moment that's for sure, damn man most likely saw me salivate.  

“He’s okay guys, I know him” I say, looking at the two holding him.
They look over my head to where Leah and Sylvia have entered.
I turn and see Leah nod her head.
They let him go and I rush to him, throwing myself into his arms, soaking in his familiar comfort.He hugs me back tightly, crushing me in his arms.
“Oh thank god, I’m so happy you’re okay!” he whimpers into my hair, grabbing the back of my dress with his fists. “Brooke’s dead and you were missing, god i thought you were dead as well.”
“I’m alive, I’m sorry you were worried” I reply, trying not to sob. I’ve missed him so much.
Owen pushes me back and tilts my head up so I'm eye to eye. “I was more than worried! I was petrified!”
I pat his arms, trying to soothe him. “I’m fine, more or less. I’m sorry you went through all that. Let’s sit down and I’ll explain everything.”
“Valerie” Leah’s tone is warning enough.
“I’ll tell you everything I can” I amend.
“What is going on? Why are you with these guys?” Owen blurts out, looking over my face for any injuries.
I grab his hand and steer him over to a table in the corner, “I’ll explain, please just sit and take a breath.”
He reluctantly nods and takes a seat, me taking the one opposite him. 

This should be an interesting conversation.