#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.”

so quickly after Karl. Are you sure it

not just…

in her words.

“But look, Abby, he’s a

to end things, know that everyone

“I need to cool off, think things

soft and comforting. “You

someone’s priority.”

my voice as I change the subject. “Hey, speaking of priorities,

to be on a

her blushing on the other end. “Oh, it was…

very good.”

Chloe! Leaving so soon?

in. The comfort of our shared humor momentarily eases my pain. “Let’s

date was thrilling, but,

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

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

end the call, my emotions

its

drenched in warm hues from the strategically placed

they cast illuminates the high ceilings and ornate woodwork

care, seems to

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

leaves.

waste…” I

force than necessary, I begin scraping the food into

Everything is discarded, just like the

our relationship, is heartbreakingly

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

wine, hits me.

name acting like a beacon in the

word. He’s

antithesis of Adam. And I miss him,

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

on the other end. What am I even

Karl’s voice breaks through my spiraling

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

chuckles softly. “You

“I mean at my place.

feed an army. Care

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

to

“It’s late. Is

bite my lip, debating how much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me.

this food, to go

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