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

was the result of his decision. If he could be happy, why couldn’t I?

Only I couldn’t get into that with him right now. I had too much going on in my life…in my mind. The truth was something I couldn’t face.

“I don’t know.” I said. His hand in mine disgusted me. I used to long for his touch, but now I was repulsed. So many times before I thought maybe we could work things out; I hoped I could fall back in love with him. I knew now for sure that it would never happen.

“Do you think we can fix us?” he asked. No.

“I don’t know that either.” I said.

He sighed loudly and rolled over on his side to face me, still clinging to my hand. I wondered if he was thinking…maybe regretting the choice he made. I wondered if he still loved me, or if he ever did at all. Was our marriage just a convenience because we’d been together so long and it’s what we were “supposed” to do? I’d never know the truth because there was no way I’d ever believe another word he said.

I closed my eyes, trying to force myself to shut down. I was in that phase where you feel asleep, but are still aware of your surroundings. Marcus whispered, “I love you Ab,” but I didn’t reply, instead pretending that sleep had already taken over. There was no way I could repeat those same words because I wasn’t going to lie. Although still legally married, Marcus and I were over. All love was lost.

Chapter Thirty-Two

 

Dealing with the airport madness was just what I wanted to do after an awful night of sleep and a headache this morning, but I plowed through the crowds of people and finally got loaded onto the plane. I prayed for the medication I took for my pounding head to kick in soon. Maybe I could catch a quick nap on the flight. Once seated, I closed my eyes and rested my head against the small pillow I brought along, hoping for quick relief.

Soon, my neighbor in the seat beside me was tapping me lightly on the shoulder.

“We landed.” She said.

I sat up straight and rubbed my eyes, thankful that I hadn’t put on any make-up. “Oh my. Thank you,” I said. “I hope I didn’t snore, or smack you…or anything. I don’t think I’m an obnoxious sleeper.”

She laughed. “You were fine. I read my book the whole ride. You didn’t bother me a bit.”

“Good.” I said.

“What has you traveling alone?” she asked.

“Work training,” I replied. “How about you?”

“Going to visit my grandchildren…and their parents,” she laughed. “But I’m mostly here for the grands.”

“Hope you have a great visit.” I said.

“Thank you. And good luck on your training.”

“Thanks.” I said, smiling as we exited the plane. Hopefully this entire trip would be as pleasant as that random lady.

A car was arranged to pick me up at the airport and take me to my hotel. I had a strict itinerary to follow. Schedules and instructions made me happy. I felt like I was more in control and better equipped to handle situations when things went as they were planned.

I wanted to let Gage know that I had arrived, but the airport was crowded and things were moving too quickly. Marcus also requested that I let him know when I made it, but I knew he didn’t actually care, so he was at the bottom of my priority list. Our goodbyes this morning were brief, and although he said all those things last night in bed, I knew it was all a sham.

The car was waiting when I finally made it outside. The driver was a handsome, young looking man. He was tall with brown hair. He reminded me of a younger looking Gage.

I was always hesitant about riding with people I didn’t know, but it was a chance I was going to have to take. He took my bags from me and I climbed into the backseat.

“We’re heading to the Marriott, right?” he asked, maneuvering the vehicle through the crowded lot.

“Correct. Thank you.”

“What brings you to Atlanta?” he asked.

“Work,” I said.

“Ah, I see,” he said. “I’ll be quiet. You don’t seem to be in the mood to talk.”

“Shoot, I’m sorry,” I replied. “Sorry if I’ve come across short. I have a lot on my mind…and traveling alone is a bit overwhelming.”

“Understand,” he said. “Well, if there’s anything I can do for you while you’re here, let me know.” He looked at me through the rearview mirror with a wink.

I laughed. “That’s sweet of you, but I think you’re a little young for me.”

Oh, I’m also a freaking disaster. I’m married, but we don’t really like each other and I’m in love with someone else. So there’s also that.

“Please,” he rolled his eyes. “I’m twenty-three. You can’t be older than me.”

I laughed again. “You’re only twenty-three? Wow. I feel old.”

“It’s rude to ask a woman’s age, so I would never, but really, you don’t look any older than me.”

“That’s sweet of you, but I’m thirty-one.”

“Thirty-one isn’t old, and you’re beautiful regardless.” He said.

This was why I didn’t like riding with strangers. The kid was sweet, but really, he could turn into a creeper at any moment. I wiggled my way out of the awkward conversation and luckily, we pulled up at the hotel a few moments later.

He climbed out and grabbed my bag. “Can I carry this in for you?”

“I’m good, I’ve got it. Thank you though.”

I rolled my suitcase to the front desk and checked in, then headed up to the room. As I rode the elevator up, I thought about how often I’d been in hotels here lately. I suddenly felt really gross.

Once