Dear Ex-wife Marry Me by Twin Bridge

After delivering his awkward attempt at humor, Abner was at a loss for words. In Shirley's presence, he always seemed to lose his

knack for conversation.

Shirley had intended to pass him sfood, as she had in the past, but a sudden realization stopped her cold; things between

them had changed too much to go back to the way they once were.

Silence descended upon the room.

Maja felt that lan's kindness wouldn't take long to repay. She touched her belly subconsciously, drawing lan's attention away from

Abner's failed joke. His concern was immediate.

"You okay?"

"Just a bit off. I need sfresh air," she said.

"Lethelp you."

Together, they stood and left the private dining room.

Their departure only heightened the awkwardness between Shirley and Abner.

He poured her another cup of tea, while she observed the long fingers that gracefully handled the teacup.

The first tShirley had seen Abner, he was lanky and pale, clearly malnourished. It had taken a year of care to nurse him back to

health.

after final

"No."

cquicker this time, his fingers

lump in his throat

out to ruffle his hair. Only after the gesture did she

man. Embarrassed,

were harsh back then, said spretty mean stuff before I could

It took ages to get your contact, and you always seemed so busy. Whenever I called,

I can't read your expressions. You were always hard to read, and I

Shirley had practically had to teach

from his

by messing up his hair. Just as she was about to apologize,

his head in closer. He had a

was about to ask what he was doing when the door swung

Abner leaning in, head close to

got lice or something?" lan's brow furrowed in

side, clenched into a fist, his

to his seat, grabbed his forgotten phone,

settled the bill. Maja's feeling a bit off, so I'm taking her

there, Abner would've hurled a bowl

treating them? What kind

waste tcalling over a waiter. He had the eerie feeling that every second counted, as

him.

standing outside for air,