Page 93 of David's Chase

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would be a problem.”

I’m seeing her wither in front of me, and I only have myself to blame for it.

“It’s not a problem, silly. It’s that you scared the shit out of me. I didn’t know where the noise came from.”

“I asked the driver to bring me here. Can I spend the night here by any chance? I’ll sleep on the couch and won’t make the slightest noise. I didn’t want to go home. I have nothing there. My fridge is empty. There’s no food, no drinks. Nothing. I don't even have coffee in the morning and am too tired to go shopping. It’s been a long flight.”

My heart clenches as I look at her. Her beautiful hair that is usually an explosion of silky rings is now matted, and she has dark circles around her eyes.

“You did the right thing. I’ll get you something to eat, and you can take a shower, change into comfortable clothes, and get some sleep. I need to leave early in the morning, though.”

“No problem. I’ll leave with you.”

I invite her to sit at the kitchen table and move to the stove.

“Peanut butter sandwiches? Eggs? Hot chocolate? Tea?”

She smiles.

“All of the above. Can I take a shower first?”

“Yes, sure. Do you want me to bring you some clothes? Your favorite pajamas?”

“Pajamas would be good. Thank you.”

I help her get settled before cooking for her, so when she steps out of the bathroom, the kitchen table is full of food and drinks.

Moments before, I had the chance to send David a message and warn him that I was no longer alone.

It broke my heart because I really wanted to have those moments with him this evening.

I thought our previous conversation had laid the foundation for a great session of phone sex.

I was also fooling myself a little.

I just wanted to talk to him and not feel like there was so much distance between us.

Unfortunately, my plans changed, and he hasn’t texted me back.

I don’t know what that means.

Is he still there at that business dinner? Does he have plans for the rest of the evening? Is he not interested in talking to me if we can’t have the privacy that we need?

I wish I knew why he hadn’t texted me back.

It might be that he hasn’t seen my message.

The last time I checked, it looked that way, but I know a message can be seen on the screen without sliding into the chat room.

Can he be mad that Chloe has ruined his plans?

I doubt it.

He’s not the type of insecure man who melts into a puddle of juvenile anger every time things dare not go his way.

I don’t know what it is, but not hearing from him puts so many dark thoughts in my head.

I’m happy Chloe is here, and she’s finally getting to the part where she’s telling me that she’s decided to take a gap year.

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