Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

way up. I applied for several front office positions. My hopes were high that something would work out.

I closed my laptop and grabbed my keys, deciding to go out for a coffee in hopes of lightening my mood. My phone dinged just as I was walking out the door.

I sat down in my car and opened the notification to see an e-mail waiting.

Abby,

 

I hope your Monday is going well. Mine isn’t too bad so far. I think I have a plan for tomorrow. I was thinking we meet for lunch at a small diner here in Cocoa. I think it should be safe there. It’s far enough away for the both of us, but not too far that we’ll be going out of our way. How’s twelve? Let me know if that works and I’ll give you the address tomorrow. Have I mentioned how excited I am? I couldn’t tell you the last time I was so pumped about something. I am nervous though. This is a bit stressful. I haven’t had to impress a woman in a long time lol.

Let me know what you think about tomorrow. Have a great day.

 

Gage

And just like that my saddened mood vanished. This was really happening. In twenty-four hours, I’d be meeting the person who could potentially change my life. It was how he could change my life that I should have worried about. But I didn’t care. None if it mattered. All that mattered now was that I did what I had to do to be happy in this moment. I’d suffered enough.

I knew he was at work and busy, so I didn’t reply immediately. I drove to the coffee shop and hit the drive-thru for an iced coffee. We were nearing August in Florida and the heat was still intense. It felt like the temperature continued to rise every day.

A thought crossed my mind and I started to panic. What was I going to wear? How would I do my hair? I needed it to stay intact and not completely flop because of the heat and humidity. He was right…this was stressful, but definitely exciting nonetheless. I had that giddy feeling—like butterflies twirling and heart racing. It was foreign, but I welcomed it with open arms.

By the time I made it home and glanced at the clock, it was a little after twelve. Marcus had surely landed by now, but of course I didn’t hear a word. I didn’t plan on reaching out to him first either. I wanted to see if he’d bother to call or text me. I knew it probably wouldn’t happen, and I didn’t care either way. It was another nail in the coffin.

I sat down at the kitchen table with my iced coffee in hand. I was going to write back to the person who actually gave a crap about talking to me.

Gage,

 

That sounds good. Send me the details in the morning. I am so excited. I feel like a teenager going on a first date. Just go ahead and excuse me now if I say, or do anything stupid. I make no promises of what might happen.

Marcus left for his trip this morning and I know he’s landed, but I haven’t heard a word from him and I doubt that I will. It’s just another thing proving to me that he doesn’t care. I’m sorry; I know you don’t want to hear about him, just venting my frustrations.

So anyway…on to a happier note. I’m going to stress up until the very minute my eyes land on you tomorrow. Heck, I’ll probably still be stressing then. I have to figure out what to wear…how to fix my hair…I mean these are major decisions that could make or break the whole date. Is this a date? I don’t know. Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I’m going to stop over-thinking. Oh, random fact. I’m an over-thinker!

When I woke up this morning, I wasn’t having the best morning. I was in one of my moods…feeling lost…depressed. I’m so glad you were able to change that. I can’t wait to finally meet you!

Hope the rest of your Monday is great. Talk soon.

 

Abby

Chapter Eight

 

The day to meet Gage had arrived and nervous was understatement. I was all but having a panic attack. I tried to pull myself together, practicing calming techniques I had learned in Yoga. I just hoped I’d stop sweating long enough to look presentable and not smell like a sweaty construction worker. To be safe, I tossed my deodorant in my purse to touch up before I got out of the car.

I decided on a pair of cute jean shorts with a small rip near the pocket. My top was a simple black tank-top with a silver design on the front. I let my hair hang down long and threw in a few loose curls. I wanted to look good, but I didn’t want it to appear that I tried that hard. Although I wanted him to be impressed, I didn’t want him to think I was desperate. I slipped into a pair of sparkly sandals and I was ready.

A swarm of questions and emotions took over me as I made the drive. What are you doing? Are you sure you want to do this? I pushed those thoughts aside. I was doing this. I was taking control. Marcus thought he was slick, but he didn’t know that I could play his game too. I wasn’t dumb; I knew this wasn’t the best way to handle our problem. In fact, it was nearly insane, but it was my way. If he could seek happiness somewhere else, why couldn’t I? I’d barely heard from him since he’d been gone. He finally sent a text last night, saying that he’d had a full day and was going to bed. I didn’t believe