#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

spending time together, reconnecting. This was about

actually wanted you

make a mountain out of a

lip to keep it from quivering.

“I’m sorry, Abbs. I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal.

you know?”

Like last week, when you took me

Adam says, sounding annoyed now. “Just like last week, when

request, might I

I say, pinching the bridge of

been able to work that night. It was only because of

out at your restaurant and

teeth on the other end, and it’s

work that night, I would have, Abby. You know how

But we still had fun, didn’t

feel sick. I knew all along that he would have rather gone to work that night, but

like

we

it wasn’t about just having fun, Adam,” I hiss. “Yeah, the dancing and the drinks were

so much to drink, just like you always do when we’re together.

me unless you’re

for a moment. The sounds of the bustling kitchen coming through his end

ears. I think I can hear him put his hand

to someone else, and it only makes my blood boil even more. It’s

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

together, but that’s his

the hurt from that

intimate with me.”

details—the vibrant colors of the fresh

curtains from the

few hours ago.

is silent again,

“Adam?” I call out.

clears his throat. “I don’t wanna talk about

our relationship?” I ask,

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

just reschedule?”

nonchalant attitude is the final straw. Tears stream down my

How can you even suggest that? I put my heart

can just push

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