#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

once, I actually wanted you

“Don’t make

I whimper, biting my lip to keep it from

I didn’t think it would be that big of

you know?”

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

Adam says, sounding annoyed now. “Just like last week, when I took you out for

your request, might I

huff angrily. “Be honest with me, Adam,” I say, pinching the bridge of my nose in

if you had been able to work that

your restaurant and you

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

that night,

But we still had fun,

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

like reopening

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

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

like you always do when we’re together. It’s

me unless

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

I think I can hear him put his hand over the

my blood boil

finally says. “Of

get into that aspect anymore. I’ve noticed how

we’re together, but that’s his own problem to

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

intimate with me.”

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

lace curtains from the soft evening breeze. It all

few hours ago.

again, this

“Adam?” I call out.

wanna talk about it,” he says quietly. “Sh it happens.

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

trying, Abby. But my restaurant needs me right now, and I can’t be

just reschedule?”

is the final straw. Tears stream down my face, and I

can you even suggest that? I put my heart

you can just push to another

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