Page 5 of Up to Snow Good
But, I wasn’t making them because he loved them. I wanted him to know what he was missing.
While the chicken and macaroni cooked in the oven, I took a shower and got dressed. I spent thirty minutes trying on outfits. I wanted to strike the right balance. Not too sexy, but an outfit that made him regret not choosing me. He liked my hair curly and natural. I spent another half hour straightening it.
I made up my face. Again, something he didn’t like. But, I didn’t care. I was a grownwoman and could do what I wanted. I couldn’t care less about what he thought.
My logic was off, and I was lying to myself.
My logic became more rational as I poured the second glass of red wine.
He wouldn’t approve of my drinking either. The first time I got drunk, I had to call Caden to come pick me up.
His disapproving eyes sobered me. He held me while I threw up and rubbed my back until the room stopped spinning. The way he took care of me was what I expected from him and why his betrayal cut so deep.
I glanced at the clock. It was six o’clock.
I poured another glass and finished cooking. The wine muted my nervousness. A giddy anticipation tickled my insides. I grinned, remembering the familiar feeling. Every morning, I couldn’t wait to see Caden. He kissed me on the cheek goodbye most mornings. His lipslingered and he’d whisper words against my skin. Weird random facts. It didn’t matter what he said—it was the way he touched me.
I missed his touch.
At six forty-five, the final drop from the bottle dripped into my glass. I stared at it. The liquid sloshed the sides as I brought it to my lips.
Six months ago, he betrayed me. We hadn’t acknowledged what happened, but we ignored it and each other, both fuming under the surface.
The tree wasn’t a peace offering. I downed the last of the wine and flopped on the couch and squeezed my eyes shut.
The rage crawled up my spine and settled in my heart.
“Son of a bitch.” I grunted.
He wasn’t coming.
