Page 48 of Love You Madly

The sterile clinic air hits me as I lie back on the exam table. Adam insisted on coming, and I was too tired to argue. When the tech announces we’re having another girl, Adam’s face twists in frustration.

"Seriously?" He mutters, red creeping up his neck. His outburst in the small, quiet room is embarrassing, but it’s also a reminder—a painfully clear one—of why I’m fighting so hard to end this marriage.

By the time Thursday rolls around, I’m sitting in my attorney’s office, surrounded by paperwork. The proof of Adam’s infidelity sits in a neat pile in front of me. The lawyer’s confirmation that we can expedite the divorce feels like a lifeline.

Later, Brooke helps me navigate setting up with DHHS. As we stand in line, I feel a wave of gratitude and shame all at once. There’s a stigma that lingers around state aid, but I push the guilt aside. My kids deserve everything I can give them, and I won’t let pride get in the way.

Friday has arrived, and I find myself back at the coffee shop for another shift. The steady stream of customers and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee helps keep my mind occupied. Throughout the week, I’ve continued to chat with Owen. Our conversations have been a bright spot amid the chaos, his words offering a sense of normalcy and comfort. Each message from him brings a smile to my face, and I’ve realized how much I look forward to our talks.

Just as I’m leaving work, my phone buzzes with a text message.

Owen:

Hey Callie, I hope you’re having a good day at work! I’m headed to pick up Barrett so I might not have much chance to talk to you tonight.

Me:

I’m actually just about to clock out. Thanks for letting me know so I didn’t think you’d gotten sick of me already if you don’t reply. I hope you and Barrett have a fantastic night. Drivesafe.

Owen:

Thanks, I’m really looking forward to it.

Me:

I think it’s admirable you don’t let your phone get in the way of spending time with your son.

Owen:

Just doing my job… Also, there’s something I’ve been thinking about…

Oh boy. The ellipses are never a good thing. I hope I haven’t been coming on too strong. When he and I started talking just under a week ago, I was really only looking for friendship, if anything.

But as much as we’ve gotten to know each other, I can’t deny that I’m really drawn to him. There’s just something about Owen that pulls me in and I smile every time I hear from him. He makes me laugh and having a sense of humor is something that I find so attractive.

I’ve only seen a couple of pictures of him but there’s no denying that he’s incredibly attractive. What I find so strange is that I have always said that I hate facial hair. Every time Adam would go a few days without shaving, I was constantly nagging him about it. But something about Owen and that full beard just does things to me and I cannot help but wonder what his beard would feel like between my legs.

Oh my God.Yep, I just went there.

Blaming it on pregnancy hormones, I try to shake it off and focus my attention back on what those three little dots are going to lead to.

Me:

Sure, what’s up? Also – you’re not texting and driving are you?

Owen:

Nope, haven’t left quite yet.

I know things have been getting a bit more intense in our conversations lately. I would be lying if I said I didn’t find you incredibly attractive.

More fucking ellipses. That means there’s a really big ‘but’ coming.

Owen:

But, I think given the distance between us, it probably makes the most sense that we remain friendly instead of trying to pursue anything further. I work so much and already have a lot of drive time with picking up Barrett and dropping him off.

Reading his message, a pang of disappointment hits me. But I get it.

---