#Chapter 38: A Promise
Abby

The weight of loneliness presses down on me as the pristine table setting lies untouched. The absence

of Adam’s presence burns more than any verbal rebuke ever could. Frustration bubbles within me as I

glare at the untouched plates of food, each dish meticulously crafted to symbolize the deep affection I

hold for him.

“This dam ned evening…” I mutter under my breath.

My fingers tremble slightly as I quickly text Chloe: “Adam didn’t show. AGAIN.”

Before I can even put my phone down, it’s vibrating, and Chloe’s name flashes across the screen. I

take a deep breath and answer. “Hey.”

Chloe wastes no time, her voice thick with worry and frustration. “Abby, what the hell happened? Did he

at least call?”

I sigh, trying to hold back my tears. “I waited, Chloe. Set the table, lit candles, even put on that playlist

he loves. An hour goes by, and nothing. So I called him. And guess where he is?”

Chloe huffs. “Let me guess. The restaurant?”

“Bingo,” I mutter bitterly. “And the best part? He acted like it was just another day. Like he hadn’t

promised he’d be here just yesterday.”

There’s a pause on Chloe’s end before she says, “Abby, how many times are you going to let him do

this? This isn’t what love looks like.”

My voice cra cks a bit as I feel the irresistible urge to defend him, even though I know it’s wrong. “But

we share so much. The passion for food, our dreams… There are moments, Chloe, where everything

feels right. I love him.”

Chloe takes a deep breath, “You remember that one time we tried to bake Leah’s birthday cake, and

we accidentally mistook salt for sugar? On the surface, they looked so similar but tasted worlds apart.

Maybe that’s Adam. Looks right but isn’t good for you.”

I’m taken aback by her words, the truth in them stinging. “I… I don’t know, Chloe. Maybe I’m afraid of

being alone.”

moved on so quickly

just…

in her words. “Adam’s not a rebound,

Abby, he’s a workaholic. He’s not

end things, know that everyone would

whirls with conflicting emotions. “I need to cool off, think things

comforting. “You deserve

someone’s priority.”

I change the subject.

to be on a

I can imagine her blushing on the other end. “Oh, it was… well,

very good.”

soon? That

comfort of our shared humor momentarily eases my

was thrilling, but, well,

say, feeling the weight of the night’s disappointment

warmth evident in her voice. “And remember, you’re not

end the call,

of the deep crimson wine, its

in warm hues from the strategically

they cast illuminates the high ceilings and ornate woodwork

chosen with care, seems to mock

at a plate of caprese salad, sending cherry tomatoes rolling and sca

leaves.

waste…” I whisper

force than necessary, I begin scraping the food into the trash. The soft gnocchi,

Everything is discarded, just like the promises Adam

our relationship,

mid-way through this cathartic—albeit wasteful—process when an

wine, hits me.

acting like a beacon in the

word. He’s

Adam. And I miss him,

by the second, and perhaps the wine lending a hand, I

as I hear the familiar ring on the other end. What am I even doing? What would

breaks through my

into my impromptu plan. “Hey, Karl.

softly. “You mean the restaurant

my place. I cooked up

an

us, but it’s more contemplative than awkward. I can

trying to decipher

know,” he starts, “It’s late. Is

how much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me.

this food, to go

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