#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.”

Chloe murmurs. “You moved on so quickly after Karl.

just… moving

the truth in her words. “Adam’s

he’s a workaholic. He’s not treating

know that everyone would

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

remember…” Chloe’s voice is soft and comforting. “You deserve happiness.

someone’s priority.”

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

to be on a date

and I can imagine her blushing on the other end.

very good.”

soon? That must’ve

laughs, and I join in. The comfort of our shared humor momentarily eases my pain. “Let’s just

date was thrilling, but, well,

for always being there, Chlo,” I say, feeling the

in her voice. “And remember, you’re

the call, my emotions

the deep crimson wine, its flavor, though rich, now

The dining room is drenched in warm hues from the strategically

they cast illuminates the high ceilings and ornate

care, seems to

of fury, I swipe at a plate of caprese salad, sending cherry tomatoes

leaves.

I

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

Everything is discarded, just like the promises Adam

our

this cathartic—albeit wasteful—process when an idea, perhaps influenced by

wine, hits me.

name acting like a

He’s an as shole,

of Adam. And I miss him, and

the wine

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

breaks

deep breath, I plunge into my impromptu plan. “Hey,

“You

“I mean at my place. I cooked up a storm, and

food to feed an army. Care

more contemplative than awkward. I can almost

furrowing, trying to

“It’s late. Is everything

much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me. Again.

all this food, to go to

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