#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.”

it is,” Chloe murmurs. “You moved on so quickly after

just…

fighting the truth in her words. “Adam’s not

look, Abby, he’s a workaholic. He’s

know

emotions. “I need to cool

and comforting. “You deserve happiness. You deserve

someone’s priority.”

as I change the subject. “Hey, speaking of priorities, weren’t

be on a

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

very good.”

Chloe! Leaving so soon? That

our shared humor momentarily eases my pain. “Let’s just

date was thrilling,

for always being there, Chlo,” I say, feeling the weight of the night’s disappointment ease

voice. “And remember, you’re not

end the call, my

wine, its flavor, though rich, now tainted by the bitterness

dining room is drenched in warm hues from the strategically

the high ceilings and ornate woodwork

chosen with care, seems to

a plate of caprese salad, sending cherry tomatoes rolling

leaves.

I whisper

necessary, I begin scraping the

discarded, just like the promises

symbolic of moments in our relationship,

this cathartic—albeit wasteful—process when an

wine, hits me.

name acting like

different—reliable, true to his word. He’s an as shole, but in those ways,

of Adam. And I miss him,

bolder by the second, and perhaps the wine lending a hand, I dial Karl’s number. My

hear the familiar ring on the other end. What am I

Karl’s voice breaks through

breath, I plunge into my impromptu plan.

chuckles softly. “You

“I mean at my place.

an army. Care to

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

trying to decipher the unexpected

know,” he starts, “It’s late.

how much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me. Again. And I just… I don’t want all

all this food, to go

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