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

I decided to head back to the hotel for my hour break, stopping by the vending machine to grab a pack of crackers for lunch. Once in my room, I sat down on the bed and let out a deep breath. With the amount of instruction and in-classroom training, I felt like I was in school again. After having only been in the workforce for a year, it was a lot to take in. I knew I could handle it, but adjusting was rough.

Opening the crackers, I popped one in my mouth as I typed out a reply to Gage, the message of most importance.

Me: My day is going well. Lots of learning. Hope yours is going okay. XOXO

And then to Mike.

Me: Training is good! It’s a lot! But good! How’s retired life thus far?

And then I called Marcus. What was so important that I had to call? We hardly ever talked on the phone, much less texted. I rolled my eyes as I touched his name in my contacts.

“Hello?” he answered quickly.

“Hey. Are you okay? You sound rushed.”

“Sorry, just at work,” he said. “So listen, Dad’s got a friend in Bonita Springs that’s in a huge mess. He’s suing the company he works for...it’s a long story, but it’s a big deal. He wants me to come out there to represent him.”

“Okay. Bonita Springs? Isn’t that like, four hours away?  I asked, thinking over his proposition. My mind raced quickly, trying to decipher his ulterior motive.

“I’m going to fly out there. It’d just be easier. It’s going to be a big payday.” He said. Ah, there it is. But I was sure there was more to it.

“Okay. Well, whatever you think. When do you leave?”

“That’s the thing, I’m heading out tomorrow and I’m not sure when I’ll be back. There’s a lot going on. Apparently this case has been brewing for a while. Dad’s going to fly out there with me initially, since he knows the guy.”

“What about the office here?” I asked.

“I’ve been working with Todd. He should have it under control while I’m gone.” Sure. What about Katie?

“Okay. Well…not sure when I’ll see you then.” I said. Not that I cared, but I was playing the role.

“I know. I’m sorry. This is going to be good, though, Ab.”

I rolled my eyes, trying my hardest to hold back the laugh that wanted to escape me. I told him to take the time apart to think about us. He hadn’t even mentioned that, and now here he was running away.

“Yeah.”

“Everything going okay for you?” he asked. Wow. Shocker.

“It’s good. A lot to learn…”

“You’re a smart woman. You’ll do fine.” I am a smart woman. If he only knew…

I’d be going home to an empty house, not forced to play housewife, and the chances of seeing Gage were unlikely. What was the point in even going home? Maybe I wouldn’t.

I finished off my crackers, chugged a bottle of water, and touched up my make-up before heading back to the training facility. Once in my seat, I glanced at my phone once more and frowned. There was no message from Gage.

“You alright?” Damien asked. He always seemed to sneak up on me.

“I’m fine. Just tired.” That wasn’t a complete lie. I was still exhausted from the night before, but I wasn’t sure that I was fine. The dark cloud hovered around me and I feared that a depressing mood was on its way.

“You’re always looking at that phone and frowning.” He said.

“Is it that obvious that I’m miserable?” I asked. “Sorry,” I said, shoving my phone in my purse. “You probably think I’m pathetic.”

“Not at all. I just think you’re broken.”

I let out a sarcastic laugh. “Being broken isn’t much better.”

“But something broken can always be fixed.”

Was there actually a fix for the disaster of a life I lived? I wasn’t sure anymore.

***

That evening, when I arrived back to my hotel room, I threw on a pair of Yoga pants and a t-shirt, then took the elevator down to the bar. No, I definitely wasn’t drinking, but hopefully The Blonde Bartender would be there and maybe I could talk to her while I ate dinner. I was always alone. I longed for human interaction.

Luckily, she was there and quite busy, but I slid into a chair on the end and caught up on my messages while I waited for her. Melinda had texted to check in with me, and Mike had texted back, telling me all about his new retired life. He and his wife were already planning their first vacation. Gage had read the message that I sent him earlier, but there was no reply. That hurt. I was back to feeling that things were getting weird between us again. Something just wasn’t right.

“Hey, you!” The bartender stood in front of me with a smile on her face, but her eyes said otherwise. She looked tired. “Want another one of those drinks?”

“No, no thank you. I think I’m going to pass on the alcohol tonight,” I laughed. “I think I’ll just take a water, and a menu if you don’t mind.”

“Sure thing,” she said, grabbing a menu from behind the bar and placing it in front of me. She grabbed a glass and poured the water.

“Did you have class today?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’m near the end. I’ll be doing my student teaching next semester. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“I’m sure you’re ready.”

“Do you know what you want to eat?” she asked.

“The grilled chicken sandwich will do.”

“Fries?”

“Sure. Thanks, babe.” I said.

She rang my order into the computer then slid beers to two old guys sitting a few seats down from me.

“So, what’s