Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 38

Abby

The weight of loneliness presses down on me as the pristine table setting lies untouched. The absence of Adam’s presence burns more than any verbal rebuke ever could. Frustration bubbles within me as I glare at the untouched plates of food, each dish meticulously crafted to symbolize the deep affection I hold for him.

“This damned evening…” I mutter under my breath.

My fingers tremble slightly as I quickly text Chloe: “Adam didn’t show. AGAIN.”

Before I can even put my phone down, it’s vibrating, and Chloe’s name flashes across the screen. I take a deep breath and answer. “Hey.”

Chloe wastes no time, her voice thick with worry and frustration. “Abby, what the hell happened? Did he at least call?”

I sigh, trying to hold back my tears. “I waited, Chloe. Set the table, lit candles, even put on that playlist he loves. An hour goes by, and nothing. So I called him. And guess where he is?”

Chloe huffs. “Let me guess. The restaurant?”

“Bingo,” I mutter bitterly. “And the best part? He acted like it was just another day. Like he hadn’t promised he’d be here just yesterday.”

There’s a pause on Chloe’s end before she says, “Abby, how many times are you going to let him do this? This isn’t what love looks like.”

My voice cracks a bit as I feel the irresistible urge to defend him, even though I know it’s wrong. “But we share so much. The passion for food, our dreams... There are moments, Chloe, where everything feels right. I love him.”

Chloe takes a deep breath, “You remember that one time we tried to bake Leah’s birthday cake, and we accidentally mistook salt for sugar? On the surface, they looked so similar but tasted worlds apart. Maybe that’s Adam. Looks right but isn’t good for you.”

I’m taken aback by her words, the truth in them stinging. “I... I don’t know, Chloe. Maybe I’m afraid of being alone.”

“And there it is,” Chloe murmurs. “You moved on so quickly after Karl. Are you sure it was moving on and not just... moving away?”

I bite my lip, fighting the truth in her words. “Adam’s not a rebound, Chloe.”

“Okay, okay,” she concedes. “But look, Abby, he’s a workaholic. He’s not treating you right. And if you want to end things, know that everyone would understand.”

My mind whirls with conflicting emotions. "I need to cool off, think things through."

“Just remember…” Chloe’s voice is soft and comforting. “You deserve happiness. You deserve to be someone’s priority.”

A hint of mischief enters my voice as I change the subject. “Hey, speaking of priorities, weren’t you supposed to be on a date tonight?”

Chloe giggles, and I can imagine her blushing on the other end. "Oh, it was... well, let’s just say it was very good."

“Wow, Chloe! Leaving so soon? That must’ve been... brief.”

She laughs, and I join in. The comfort of our shared humor momentarily eases my pain. “Let’s just say the date was thrilling, but, well, short-lived.”

“Thanks for always being there, Chlo,” I say, feeling the weight of the night’s disappointment ease a bit.

“Always,” Chloe replies, warmth evident in her voice. “And remember, you’re not alone. Not really.”

I end the call, my emotions swirling.

I take a sip of the deep crimson wine, its flavor, though rich, now tainted by the bitterness of my disappointment. The dining room is drenched in warm hues from the strategically placed candles, and the glow they cast illuminates the high ceilings and ornate woodwork of my apartment. Every decor detail, chosen with care, seems to mock my solitude.

In a fit of fury, I swipe at a plate of caprese salad, sending cherry tomatoes rolling and scattering basil leaves.