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

had in a while. I turned on the TV for some noise and then grabbed my phone to do my usual scrolling before I fell asleep. It was time to unwind. When I opened Facebook, I noticed a red dot in my messages, and I switched over to the Messenger app to see a request.

1 New Message from Gage Atwood.

 

A smile pulled across my face immediately. I didn’t know his last name, but I knew it was him. He was the only Gage I’d ever met. I clicked ‘accept’ and opened the message.

Gage: Hello, gorgeous.

 

I noticed the message was sent about an hour ago, and I hated that it took me so long to see it. Hopefully he’d be back on soon.

Me: Well hello there, handsome. How’d you find me?

 

The dots began to jump immediately, and a green dot appeared beside his name indicating that he was online.

Gage: I searched Abby West. Your picture was the first one to pop up.

Me: How’d you know my last name?

Gage: It’s in your e-mail address, silly.

Me: OMG. I am so dumb lol.

Gage: You’re not dumb, it’s okay, I forgive you. Hahaha. How was the rest of your day?

Me: Pretty good. My friend Melinda came over for dinner, which was good at first, but then our conversation went south, so…

Gage: Uh-oh. Should I even ask?

Me: It’s not important.

Gage: Fair enough.

Me: What about you? How was your day?

Gage: It was good. Thought about you most of it.

Me: I’ve been thinking about you all day too. I kind of can’t get that kiss out of my head.

Gage: Me either. It was…perfect.

Me: I can’t wait to see you again. When do you think we can work something out?

Gage: I’ll check my work schedule. Daytime is usually best. I can’t wait to see you again either, though, so I’ll have to make time somewhere.

Me: I can do whatever. Just let me know.

Gage: Will do, sweetie. I’m going to bed. Talk tomorrow?

Me: Of course. Goodnight.

Gage: Sweet Dreams.

 

I exited the chat, put my phone on the charger, and shut the TV off. Who even cared about scrolling anymore? I’d talked to Gage and that was all I needed to sleep peacefully.

Chapter Ten

 

Marcus texted this morning to tell me he wouldn’t be home until Friday. Something about a conference being extended and his boss demanded he be there. He was a lawyer, what kind of conference could he be attending anyway? I wouldn’t know considering his job was always kept hush hush, but at that point, who cared? I was just fine on my own. His text didn’t ask how I was doing, or if I needed anything, and he definitely didn’t say I love you.

A ding on my cell phone brightened my mood.

Gage: Good morning, beautiful.

Me: Hey babe!

Gage: Sleep well?

Me: I did…how about you? Any good dreams?

Gage: I was out. I don’t really remember any dreams, but I went to bed thinking of you, if that’s what you’re getting at.

Me: Yeah…it sort of was. And same here. Can’t get you out of my mind.

Gage: The feeling is mutual, babe.

Me: He texted this morning…not coming home until Friday now.

Gage: Maybe I can see you tomorrow then?

Me: If you’re able. Don’t change plans or worry about it if you’re busy at work.

Gage: I might be able to work it out. I definitely want to.

Me: Me too.

Gage: I’m going to get to work. I’ll check in when I can.

 

A kissy face emoji was attached to the end of the line. We had gotten to the point of calling each other ‘babe’ and sending flirty emojis. I didn’t know why that made me so happy.

Me: Have a good day.

 

I attached the red heart emoji to my message.

Later that day, I was sitting outside under the covered porch reading an article on my iPad when my phone started ringing and Melinda’s name flashed across the screen.

“Hello?”

“Abby…thank God you answered. Can you come pick me up? Jon is too far away and I don’t want to wait that long. Some guy rear-ended me and they’re towing my car to the shop.”

“Oh my gosh! Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. It was a hard hit. I don’t know if there’s any hope for my car, but I’m fine.”

“Where do you want me to pick you up?”

“I’m going to ride with this guy that’s towing my car. Can you just get me from the shop?”

“Sure. Are you sure that’s okay? He’s not weird, is he?”

She laughed and lowered her voice. “No, he’s like a hundred years old and really nice. I’m getting the sweet grandpa vibe. No worries.”

“Okay. See you shortly.”

She texted me the directions to the shop and I locked up the house before I climbed in the car and took off. I looked like a mess with my black cotton shorts, white t-shirt, and black flip-flops. My long hair was piled into a messy bun on the top of my head. I hadn’t intended on leaving the house today. So, hello world, this is what you get!

I pulled into the shop and parked then headed for the front door. I could see Melinda sitting in the lobby typing away on her phone.

I opened the door and she turned my way when she saw me.

“Thank you so much for coming.” She said, walking towards me in a rush.

“Well, yeah, why wouldn’t I?” I asked.

“I thought you were mad at me.”

“Why would I be mad?”

“Last night… I just thought things ended on a bad note.”

“It’s fine, Mel. I know we don’t agree, but as long as you don’t disown me, I’m not going to be upset