#Chapter 37: Late Again
Abby

The once golden glow of the candles seems dull now. The shadows in the room stretch longer, a stark

contrast to the beautifully set table, pristine and untouched. The wine, once poured with anticipation,

sits still, a silent witness to my growing anxiety. The aroma of the truffle oil, once intoxicating, now only

serves as a bitter reminder of the love I had poured into preparing for this evening.

The clock on the wall seems to mock me with its relentless ticking, each second stretching into an

eternity. My phone lays idle beside me, and the absence of a call or message from Adam weighs

heavily on my heart.

Trying to ward off the budding dread, I take a deep breath and dial his number. “Maybe he’s stuck in

traffic or something,” I think to myself. “Or, g od forbid, he got into an accident.”

After dialing his number, I hold my phone up to my ear with a shaky hand. The soft hum of the ringtone

echoes in the silence.

After what feels like a lifetime, he answers. The din of background noises hits me instantly—shouts,

laughter, the unmistakable hustle and bustle of his restaurant.

My stomach sinks. He’s working. I should have known better.

“Adam?” My voice quivers slightly.

“Abby? What’s up?”

His casual tone catches me off guard, and I try to steady myself. “What’s up? Seriously? You were

supposed to be here over an hour ago!”

“Oh…right. About that,” he starts, his voice hurried and distracted. “Look, Abby, I got swamped here.

Thought maybe you wouldn’t mind if I sat this one out. You know, have dinner by yourself? You can

save me some leftovers for tomorrow, right?”

Tears pr ick at my eyes, and I feel a twinge of anger. “This wasn’t just about the food, Adam! It was

This was about you showing up when

wanted

on, Abby,” he interrupts. “Don’t make

my lip to keep it from quivering. “You promised,

sorry, Abbs. I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. We see each other all

you know?”

week, when you took me out?” I counter, sarcasm dripping from my

like last week, when I took you out

your request,

huff angrily. “Be honest with me, Adam,” I say, pinching the

me if you had been able to work that night. It was only because of

your restaurant and you had nothing better

gritting his teeth on the other end, and it’s a few moments before

“If I could have gone to work that night,

is to me. But we still

that he would have rather gone to work

like reopening a

Abbs,” he pr ods. “Admit it: we had fun. It was a good

fun, Adam,” I hiss. “Yeah, the dancing and the drinks were fun. But

drink, just like you always do when we’re

me unless

sounds of the bustling kitchen coming

my ears. I think I can hear him

to someone else, and it only makes my blood

not true,” he finally says. “Of course I can be

my teeth, not wanting to get into that aspect anymore. I’ve noticed how much Adam likes to

we’re together, but that’s his own problem to solve, not

that, you…” I hesitate, the hurt from that evening flooding back. “You couldn’t

intimate with me.”

glance around the room, taking in the details—the vibrant colors of the

of the lace curtains from the soft evening breeze. It all seemed so perfect

few hours ago.

silent again,

“Adam?” I call out.

throat. “I don’t wanna talk about it,” he says quietly. “Sh it happens.

about us, Adam? What about our relationship?”

needs me right now, and I can’t be in two places at once.

just reschedule?”

the final straw. Tears stream down my

you even suggest that? I put my heart and soul into

you can just push to another

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