#Chapter 73: A Feeling
Abby

My hand freezes on the spreadsheet I’m working on when I hear a knock on my door. A soft, hesitant

one that’s almost drowned out by the evening chatter of the restaurant. My heart instantly jumps to my

throat. Is it Karl? Has he decided to make another appearance?

But when I open the door, it’s Chloe standing there, her eyes hesitant but earnest.

We’ve kept our distance today, partially because of the insane lunch and dinner rush, but I think also

partially to cool off. I’m not sure if Karl’s conversation with her was successful, but the knot in my chest

loosens when I see her.

“Hey,” I manage to say.

“Hey,” she replies softly.

Neither of us says anything for a moment. The silence is thick, full of the words we’d both hurled at

each other this morning. Finally, she breaks it. “Can I come in?”

“Of course.” I step aside, letting her enter.

The door clicks shut behind her, sealing us into this tiny bubble of a moment. I feel her arms wrap

around me, almost tentatively, as if she’s afraid I might pull away. But I don’t. I hug her back, tightly,

grateful for the chance to mend this fragile piece of our relationship.

“I’m sorry, Abby,” Chloe says into my shoulder. “I was out of line.”

“I’m sorry too,” I reply, feeling a twinge of guilt for the things I’d said earlier. “We both got carried away.”

We pull away and Chloe takes a seat, her eyes scanning my face as if searching for something—

perhaps a sign of residual anger or a lingering grudge. But she won’t find any. At the end of the day,

Chloe is like a sister to me, and that’s one thing you never turn your back on.

“So, you and Karl, huh?” Chloe finally says, her tone cautious.

quickly, dispelling the thought before it even has a chance to settle.

We’re just figuring

think he’s changed? Really changed?” She looks at me, her eyes almost pleading

make everything simple

He says he wants

redemption?”

at her hands. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’ve been too hard

warm me, but I know that there’s

leave unsaid. “…But?”

thinking of getting back

her statement doesn’t escape me. “I promise, I’m

to be single for a while.

so much to offer, Abby. Don’t waste it on

have

drifting to the

together no matter

the thought, a low growl of yearning

brush the thoughts

Chloe,” I say, pulling myself back to the present. “Your friendship means

she says, standing up.

our friendship seeping through the c racks of

whole. Chloe leaves, and I’m left standing there,

swirling

against it, exhaling deeply. The night is still young;

hum of voices and the clatter of dishes. Life goes on, swirling around me in its constant,

yet, my mind

me out of my thoughts. It’s a text from

mentioned that you two got

knack for impeccable timing has always

her whenever I can.

back, a soft smile

at each other. You know I don’t like it when

fight.”

my phone into my pocket, I decide

my rounds to check

then, my eyes catch movement from across the

for a split second, our eyes meet. It’s brief, but it’s enough

lights up the dark recesses of my heart, where feelings I thought

long ago suddenly flare

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255