The open–air restaurant at night had a dreamy vibe. The warm ambient lights wrappert everyone in a gentle, cory glow,
Zachary walked over with a smile, looking at me politely. “M. Hallman said he didn’t want to cook at home alone, so fimited him to join us. I hope yo don’t mind, Ms. Murphy”
I knew Zachary and Melissa were always the first to look out for me, and I really liked how they made me feel respected. I nced at Nathan, and he gave
me a nod.
When there were other people around, Nathan actually know how to keep his distance, I would give him credit for that
After that, we started ordering food. Nathan and Zachary chatted about work, while Melissa shared some wild stories from her side. Finally, Nathan looked at me and asked, “How have you beentely?”
I smiled and <b>said</b>, “Tim doing alright”
Nathan’s eyes shed with a hint of disappointment
I knew exactly what he was feeling, but I wasn’t about to give a guy hope or promises I couldn’t deliver.
Nathan really was a good guy, but this was his first <b>marriage</b>. Because he was so decent, I wanted him to be happy. If he couldn’t find love with me, then he deserved to go find his next chance at <b>happiness</b><b>. </b>
Maybe he’d meet someone he liked even more, get married, and start <b>a </b>family–instead of waiting around, lost and hopeless, for me to get divorced.
Since everyone knew about my messed–up marriage, they steered clear of my personal life. Halfway through dinner, Jared called and asked if i wanted him to drop off some food for me since they’d just finished eating
It was pretty noisy <b>on </b>my end, and when I picked up, Jared sounded a bit suspicious. “You went out to eat?”
I answered honestly, “I’m having dinner with Melissa.”
“<b>Are </b><b>you </bing home tonight?” <b>Jared </b>asked.
I thought about it. I really didn’t want to see Yvonne, and Jared had been way too clingytely. So I just told him I wasn’ting home and would be staying at my ce tonight instead<b>. </b>
quiet for a couple of seconds, then asked, <b>“</b>Are you thinking about separating before we actually get divorced!”
Jared went quiet
That was when i remembered that if we lived apart for two years, the divorce would go through faster. But two years? That was way too long. There was no <b>way </b>I could wait that out.
I said, “Just think about the divorce.” As I stared into the endless <b>night</b><b>, </b>I couldn’t shake the feeling that until this <b>was </b>settled, I’d never be at peace.
Jared clearly hadn’t expected me to bring this up out of nowhere. Aber a few beats, he replied, “Let’s talk <b>about </b>it when we’re home.”
Then he <b>hung </b><b>up </b>first.
My heart felt like it was left hanging in the air, just luck there, not going up or down, leaving me feeling all kinds of restless inside
Back in my previous life, Jared was the one who wanted a divorce, and I was the one who refused to let go, chasing after him no matter what
Now, I was the one asking for it, and he just kept hemming and hawing, refusing to give me <b>a </b><b>straight </b>answer. Fate sure
ssing with me.
When I got back to the table, Nathan asked quietly, “Are <b>you </b>heading out?”
I nodded. “It’s <b>about </b>time for me to head out. You guys take your time.”
meto
Nathan stood up. “Let me walk you downstairs.”
“No need, <b>just </b>enjoy your meal,” I said, then said goodbye to Melissa before leaving.
I could see the reluctance in Nathan’s eyes; he really didn’t want me to go. if I were single right now, everything would be a whole lot <b>simple</b>:
When I got back to my apartment, I saw the lights were on. My heart skipped <b>a </b>beat. Had someone broken in?
Irushed inside and found Jared lounging on the couch, a bottle of red wine by his side, drinking alone.
He was dressed in a gray shirt and ck pants that really highlighted his lean, athletic build. Honestly, he was pretty much my ideal type.