Page 9 of David's Proposal

“It’s not coming along. I took a break from writing. I need to do some reading first.”

“That always helps. Don’t worry. Inspiration will strike eventually.”

“I’m sure it will.”

She signals to the waitress to bring her another drink.

“Do you need anything else?’ Thea asks me.

“No. I’m fine.”

My phone vibrates on the table, and Chloe’s name is plastered across.

Thea asks for the check while I answer in a silent voice. I speak before Chloe has the chance.

“I’m at the pizza shop with Thea. Can I call you back?”

A pause ensues.

“Chloe?”

“Yeah… Sure.”

She’s hoarse and sounds like she’s been asleep or had too much to drink. Which doesn’t make sense.

She drinks socially but never when she’s home alone.

“Are you okay?” I quickly ask. “You sound like you have a cold or something.”

“I’m fine,” she says in a nasal voice.

I wish I could end the conversation, but something doesn’t feel right and keeps me asking questions.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. We’ll talk later.”

There’s no smile in her voice. She doesn’t joke about anything or ask about Thea. Say hi to her. She’s supposed to attend my cousin’s wedding in three days.

This is so not Chloe.

The call ends without me saying goodbye.

Strange as fuck.

Still holding the phone to my ear, I try to figure out what just happened. I haven’t heard from Chloe in three days, and I’m pretty sure something happened.

It’s all my fault.

I should’ve called her first, but I know she always has stuff to do. If she doesn’t call me, it’s usually because she’s busy with something else.

Or someone else.

I was so busy with my life––going to school, working a few extra hours, dying my hair, and exercising––that I hadn’t even realized time flew so fast.

I feel bad for not checking on her.

Something must’ve happened.

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