#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

together, reconnecting. This was about

once, I actually wanted you

interrupts. “Don’t make a mountain out

you promised,” I whimper, biting my lip to keep it from quivering.

didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. We see each other

you know?”

week, when you took me out?” I counter,

sounding annoyed now. “Just like last week, when

request,

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

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

your restaurant and you

hear him gritting his teeth on the other end, and it’s a

“If I could have gone to work that night, I would have, Abby. You know how

me. But we

feel sick. I knew all along that he would have rather

like reopening a

“Admit it: we had fun. It was a

fun, Adam,” I hiss. “Yeah, the dancing

much to drink, just like you always do when we’re together. It’s like… It’s

me unless

pauses for a moment. The sounds of the

in my ears. I think I can hear him put his hand over the

and it only makes my blood boil even more. It’s

true,” he finally says. “Of course

wanting to get into that

his own problem to solve, not

you…” I hesitate, the hurt from that evening flooding back.

intimate with me.”

in the details—the vibrant colors of the

curtains from the soft evening breeze. It

few hours ago.

again,

“Adam?” I call out.

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

what about us, Adam? What about our relationship?” I ask, my voice

But my restaurant needs me right now, and

just reschedule?”

stream down my

can you even suggest that? I put my heart and soul into tonight. This

just push to

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