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

think it’s stupid and it’s not going to solve anything. Everyone is going to get hurt in the end.”

“Everyone? Do you mean Marcus? Who cares about his feelings anymore? He’s the one who caused this!” I can’t believe her. Was she serious?

“I’m not taking his side, Abby. Shoot no, I’m definitely not doing that. I’m just saying…in general.”

“Just don’t worry about it. It’s fine. I’ve got this under control.”

“Are you okay, though? You’re safe?”

“Yes, I’m safe. I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

The truth was, I had nothing under control, but Gage had me smiling and that’s something I hadn’t done in a while. I could only imagine how things would be if we really met and took it further.

Once I made it home, I climbed into the shower and let the hot water soothe me. My phone dinging made me hurry my shower along. I suspected it was an e-mail, and when I opened it up, the butterflies started to twirl. I sat wrapped in a towel on my bed as I read the letter.

Abby,

 

Good morning, beautiful. I hope you slept well again. Our situations are unusual, but they’re unique to us. I’m looking for a connection too. Hopefully, together, we can make some light out of our lives.

I had a guy call out today so it looks like I’ll be in the shop most the day because Fridays are generally pretty busy. I was thinking…what do you think about meeting up? Maybe just a quick coffee date or lunch? You’re usually free during the day, right? I was just thinking something low-key…no pressure. I’ve attached a picture just in case you were still suspecting the one from the other night was a fake lol. This is my son and me. And hey, you’ll get to see me in the flesh if you agree to meet! Let me know what you think.

Have a great day. Talk soon.

 

Gage

Did I want to meet Gage? Absolutely! But oh my…thinking about it sent shivers up my spine. This was real. This was scary. I’d met someone online and he really wanted to meet. As nervous as I was, I couldn’t wait to meet him. If our connection was this good over e-mail, I couldn’t wait to see how we were together in real life.

I dried my hair, hung up my towel, and slipped some clothes on, giving myself some time to process his idea before I responded. I couldn’t actually believe I was doing this. It was like another person had taken over my life. This wasn’t me, or was it?

I positioned myself comfortably on my bed and typed out my reply.

Gage,

 

I hope your Friday isn’t too stressful and I hope the day goes by fast. I’m sure you’re looking forward to the weekend. All the days feel the same to me. I really need to find a job. I’m going crazy!

That was a really cute pic. Your son is adorable…just like his daddy! Thank you for sharing, and yes, I believe it’s really you lol.

Have I mentioned that I’m so glad we’re on the same page about everything? It’s nice to have someone who understands.

I would love to meet you next week! I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous. Things are good now, but what if we meet and they go terribly wrong? Or what if you don’t like me? Ah, it’s just nerve-wracking, but I am excited to meet you nonetheless, and I’m hoping things work out perfectly. I’m free any time, so you just let me know what works for you. I could come your way…or we could meet somewhere in the middle. I know things need to stay confidential, so whatever you think is best.

Let me know! Hope you have a good day!

 

Abby

I blasted my music and busied myself with cleaning and other tasks that day. What a way to spend a Friday. Marcus came home at a decent time for once. I was pulling a roast out of the oven when he entered through the side door from the garage.

“Hey,” I said, placing the pan down on the stove.

He let out a deep, exhausting breath as he slipped off his shoes. “Hey,” he replied. “I’m glad that day’s over.”

“I’m sure you are. You’re just in time. Dinner is ready.”

“Awesome. I’m going to go upstairs and change. I’ll be back.”

I prepared our plates, a glass of wine for him, and water for me, and then sat them on the table just as he came back downstairs. He did his best to act normal, but I could tell something was off. I’d been noticing it for a while. After you’ve spent so much time with someone, you start to notice when they’re not the same as they once were. He was oblivious, though.

We sat down and started our dinner. I didn’t bother asking him about work anymore because he never told me anything. He told me what he wanted me to know and that was all.

He lifted his glass of wine to his lips and took a long sip before he sat it down and picked up his fork.

“I have to go out of town Monday.” He announced.

“For what?”

“Just work stuff.” Of course it is. It’s always just work stuff.

“Where are you going?”

“Charlotte.”

“North Carolina?”

“Yes. Should be back Thursday.”

“Wow. Almost the whole week. Alright then.”

“You’re good with me going, right?” he asked. Oh please.

“Sure. Whatever you need to do.”

We finished our meal in mostly silence. Occasionally we’d share some small talk, but most of the noise came from forks and glasses clanking. Did he really think I was that blind? That stupid? Things between us had gotten so weird, and he thought I didn’t notice? I’d noticed for a while, only now, I didn’t care.