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

Gage85. Understand. So, I told you I’m not a creeper, and I promise I’m not, but would you be interested in sharing pics?

Me: I’m definitely not getting a creeper vibe. We can trade pics for sure. You first.

The next message had no words, only a picture of a shirtless man with short dark hair, dark chocolate eyes, a chiseled chest, and strong arms. My eyes must’ve been playing a trick on me. This could not be real life. He was gorgeous—total opposite from Marcus. Marcus was tall and skinny with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. He was very prim and proper with his hair slicked to the side, clean shaven face, and fancy clothes. You’d hardly ever catch him in a t-shirt.

Gage85: Still there?

Me: Sorry. I was just gawking at the photo. Are you sure that’s not a model picture? Am I being catfished?

Gage85: LOL. No catfish here. It’s really me, promise. Your turn.

I was embarrassed to show him my picture. I felt like we were on different levels. I had long brown boring hair, blue eyes that needed make-up to shine, and curves that I generally felt like were too curvy. I picked the best-looking photo I could find. It was a selfie I had taken a few months ago. I met Melinda for dinner that night and wore a pink dress with dangling earrings. I took time to do my make-up and styled my hair with loose curls. I uploaded and clicked send. Nerves crept in when I didn’t receive an immediate response.

Gage85: You are absolutely stunning.

Me: Oh stop.

Gage85: I’m serious, Abby. You’re beautiful.

Me: Well, thank you. You’re sweet.

Gage85: You’re welcome. Would you be interested in talking more? Beyond this chat?

Me: I’m definitely interested…but I’m not sure how else we can communicate. I’m feeling pretty comfortable with you, but I don’t want to give out my phone number or anything quite yet. I hope that’s okay…

Gage85: I definitely understand. How about e-mail?

We exchanged e-mail addresses and ended our chat.

Gage85: I’m really glad I found you. Talk soon?

Me: Looking forward to it.

Gage85: Goodnight beautiful.

Me: Night.

I exited the chat, closed my laptop, and fell back against my pillow. Was this really happening? It was technically wrong, but felt oh so right. At 9:30, Marcus still wasn’t home. Who knew what he was even doing? I plugged my laptop up on the charger, brushed my teeth, and crawled back into bed.

***

I awoke to the bright light of the attached bathroom shining through the master bedroom. Marcus must’ve been in the shower. I had no idea what time he even came home. I didn’t hear a thing. I slept through the entire night. I couldn’t have told you the last time I actually did that. Maybe it was because I had reached the point of no longer worrying about all the troubles in my life, or maybe it was the fact that I had decided to do things my own way, giving me a crazy sense of fulfillment. I wasn’t sure.

I walked to the bathroom as Marcus turned off the water. He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist.

“Morning, hun,” he said. The more we continued the charade, the more fun it became. Maybe that made me sick and twisted, or maybe I’d just really gone off the deep end.

“Good morning. What time did you get home?” I asked.

“Close to ten. We have court today, so it was a long night getting prepared.”

“Oh,” I said. I walked over to the sink and picked up my toothbrush. “I was out.”

“I noticed,” he said. “Sleep well?”

I nodded as I brushed my teeth. Marcus continued his normal routine, getting ready for the day. He wrapped his tie around his neck, and I thought about how I used to think he looked so sexy tying a tie.

“I’ll go get your coffee started.” I said, exiting the bedroom.

I headed downstairs and popped a K-Cup in the machine, then grabbed the cream and sugar. I made his coffee just the way he liked it and sat it on the island for him to grab on his way out the door.

He rushed down the stairs, briefcase in hand. “Thanks, babe,” he said, grabbing his coffee and kissing me on the cheek. “Not sure how today is going to go. Don’t worry about cooking dinner tonight.”

Don’t have to tell me twice. “Alright, have a good day.” I said.

“You too.”

I heard the garage door open and watched as his car backed out of the driveway.  I couldn’t stop the eye roll that followed. I went back upstairs to change for my Yoga class. I could definitely use some calming techniques right about now. As I slid my Yoga pants up my thighs, my phone dinged. I opened the home screen to see an email notification waiting. I opened it up and smiled.

Abby,

Good morning. I hope you slept well and I hope I’m not writing you too soon, but to be honest, I thought about you all night and couldn’t wait to talk again. Hopefully you didn’t think about it and regret giving me your e-mail address, lol. I’m going to ask some random questions so we can get to know each other and hopefully get the conversation flowing. If I don’t get a reply, I’ll take it that you decided you didn’t want to continue, and I totally respect that.

What are your plans for the day? Do you work? I own an auto repair shop. Notice I said own, so I’m going to be honest, I try not to get my hands dirty unless I have to lol. I’ve done my time, I let the younger guys have it now and I take care of the business