At 6 p.m., I sat in our usual corner booth. The familiar smell of coffee and pastries filled the air, but it brought me no comfort. Every time the door opened, I looked up, expecting to see him. But Jace didn’t show.
By 7 p.m., I was impatiently tapping my foot under the table, staring at the untouched cold tea. By 8 p.m., I was seething. Finally, my phone vibrated.
@Jace:
I can’t come. I can’t bear to see you so sad.
I stared at the screen, shocked by his cowardice. What did he mean? He was the one who had cheated, yet he was acting like the victim. My anger boiled over.
When I got home, the fury still burned within me. I stomped up the stairs, muttering to myself. Then, as I turned the corner, I froze. Standing outside my apartment was the woman from the elevator. She looked nervous, as if she had been waiting for me.
“What are you doing here?!” I yelled, my voice echoing in the hallway. I couldn’t believe she had the nerve to come.
“I want to talk to you,” she said, her voice calm but uneasy. “I feel like I owe you more than just a conversation.”
I folded my arms tightly, glaring at her. “You’re a few hours late,” I snapped. “I don’t want anything to do with that jerk. You can have him.” I turned away and fumbled with my keys, determined to end the conversation.
“That’s the thing—I don’t want him either,” she said, her voice more confident this time. It made me stop. “I finally realized what he’s really like, and I wanted to talk to someone who understands.”
I hesitated, my hand on the doorknob. This was absurd, but a part of me was intrigued.
With a deep sigh, I turned back to her. “Fine. Come in,” I said, opening the door and stepping aside.
As she entered, I asked, “What’s your name?”
“Ashley,” she said softly, looking at the floor.
” Kate,” I said, reluctantly introducing myself.
“I know,” she admitted, her face full of guilt.
I walked to the kitchen, gesturing for her to follow. “Come on,” I said. “I’d offer you tea, but I think this calls for something stronger.” I took a bottle of wine from the counter and set it down.