My Husband and I
Dark Romance ?
Episode 12
~ Mary’s POV ~
When I had gotten home last night, John didn’t suspect a thing. I pretended as if it was an ordinary day save for the fact I brought home fast food. He wasn’t too excited that I didn’t make a home-cooked meal, but I explained I had a long day. He didn’t say much else as he sat on the couch eating and drinking his beer. I made sure I brought some home this time so he wouldn’t be upset.
***
Today, Abbey and I planned to meet again. This time, we’d be meeting entirely as friends. The word sounded bitter in my mind each time I thought of us. Nevertheless, there was nothing I could do seeing that I was married. Despite the circvmstances, I was still excited to see him. Though I did my best to not show it while making John breakfast.
Finishing the fried eggs and noodles I made for John, I placed the food on a plate. I then popped a piece of bread into the toaster. Waiting for the bread to turn into toast, I went to the refrigerator. Pulling open the door, I reached inside, grabbing the orange juice and butter.
Soon enough, I was pouring the juice into the cup and the toast popped up, signaling it was ready. I spread the butter evenly on the piece of toast despite my burning hands, then placed it on a plate. I grabbed both the orange juice and plate of food before making my way to the dining room table. Placing the food and juice down, I glanced as John walked to me. He was wearing his police uniform, but he had yet to put on his shoes. Instead, he had them in his hand as he walked into the kitchen.
He gave me a brief look before sitting in his seat without saying a word. I took that as my cue to begin cleaning the kitchen. I started sweeping first, the dishes next, and finally, I got to wipe the counters. As I did my daily routine, I wasn’t thinking of anything. That was until I felt one hand grip my waist while the other traveled down my thigh.
“John,” I breathed, pausing from my work.
“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like?”
He trailed kisses up my neck. I tilted my neck in response and a small sigh escaped me.
“You’ll be late for work,” I told him softly.
He groaned low in his throat before backing away.
“You’re right,” he said and then turned me around suddenly.
“I’ll be working late today, so don’t wait up.” I nodded, and he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. Putting on his shoes, he grabbed my car keys since his were faulty, then walked out. I watched him exit and even made sure he pulled away before breathing a sigh of relief.
Now, it was time for me to get ready, so I could meet Abbey for brunch. Rushing out of the kitchen, I went in to take a shower.
***
This time, Abbey chose where to meet at. He claimed he found a cozy breakfast spot he thought I would like. Upon arriving in an Uber, I paid the Uber, then got out. A large brown building stood in front of me. I pulled out my phone to make sure I had the right place when I heard my name being called.
Looking up, I saw that it was Abbey who called me. He wore a smile as he approached, dressed in plain trousers and a tee shirt that showcased his muscles. We dressed similarly. I had on short sleeves and a white colored dress shirt that was tucked into a light brown skirt. I also decided to wear heels just to try something different. Though I had a flip-flop shoved into my purse. A loose smile came across my lips.
“Hi,” I raised my hand to wave at him. I could have done better than a wave. Gosh, I was so awkward. I knew I shouldn’t be because we had a fun time yesterday, but he made me so nervous. Once he reached me, he leaned in for a quick hug.
“Hi,” he said, encasing me in his warmth. The scent of him made me want to stay in his arms forever. At last, all things come to an end. Letting me go, he grinned at me. “Are you ready to go in? I think you might like this place,” I nodded, placing my hand in his.
When we walked inside the double doors, Abbey talked to the host while I glanced around. It was almost like a lounge with a bar near the back. People were sitting at tables talking, eating, and drinking. The setting teetered between causal and somewhat fancy. I was happy about the clothing I decided to wear today. I didn’t stick out like a sore thumb. A hand brushed against my back and I turned.
“Ready?” Abbey asked me. I smiled up at him and he nodded at the host to lead us. Abbey had me placed in front of him as we walked. Following the host, they took us upstairs and there we met with a cool breeze and the sun shining. We were on the rooftop of the restaurant. It was just as delicate as inside, but it had a small bar by the entrance.
The host led us to our seats that had a view before she set our menu down, wishing us a good day. Being the gentleman he was, Abbey pulled out my chair for me and then backs in once I sat down. He then took his seat opposite me.
“Wow,” I said amazed. “The view is really nice up here,” looking at the landscape before me, I saw buildings from miles away. I also saw the people below bustling around the streets. The weather was beautiful; it was warmer and the sun was shining more.
“I’m glad you like it,” he replied with a small smile. “I thought this would be a good place to get to know each other more. Unlike yesterday, we both laughed, recalling the events that happened. Instead of asking basic questions, we didn’t talk about anything serious.
A server came and asked us what we wanted to drink. Once we told her, she went to grab them.
“So, Abbey,” he glanced up. “Are you the manager at the restaurant you work?” I had been wondering about that since we met. He acted differently than a regular waiter as if he were the one in charge.
He cleared his throat, “Actually, I don’t work there,” he paused and lifted my eyes to him in question. “My parents own it and I was just volunteering. My parents went on vacation and wanted me to oversee the business.”
“Oh wow. You must have a business degree if your parents trust you to run a restaurant.” I placed the menu down. I hope I didn’t sound sooty or something.
“It’s fine and you are right, I do have a business degree. I am a business owner who owns a multitude of companies around the country. But it’s not just me who runs said businesses. My best friend and I partnered up and we run them together.”
“That’s amazing! Your parents must be proud of you.”
“Thank you, my parents are trying to see my younger brother up to take over the restaurant when they retire.” He said, and I could tell he was fond of his family. His smile lit up when he mentioned them.
“A family full of business owners,” I commented. “That’s impressive.”
“What about you?” he asked me.
“I’m a tech woman and also a therapist who services children and young adults,” I told him, seeing our server return with drinks. He placed them down on the table before taking our orders. After he left, we returned to our conversation.
“I knew you had a good heart,” he complimented and I ducked my head embarrassed but flattered. “What made you go into that field?” he added.
“Well, I didn’t have parents growing up,” I started and when I got a confused look in return, I told him, “I’m an orphan.”
“I’m sorry about that,” his tone was sincere as our eyes met.
“Thank you,” I paused. “I used to bounce between different foster homes, never really being placed in the right one. It takes a toll on kids who grow into adults especially when there aren’t resources out there to help them. At least, that’s how it was when I was growing up. Now, I can make a difference today.”
After a beat of silence, he spoke with an edge of awe in his voice, “You’re inspiring, you know that?”
“Abbey…”
“Yeah, it’s true,” he shrugged. Have you tried to find out who your real parents are?” he asked cautiously.
“I wanted to do so after I graduated from secondary school but then I went to Uni and that was…well, I didn’t have the best time. Then at some point, I just decided to forget about it.” I felt his mood dampen a bit with my sob story. I didn’t sense any disturbance from Abbey due to my hindrance of the conversation. Maybe it was just me in my own head. I had a tendency to overthink things.
The food arrived shortly, and it looked delicious. We began to eat quietly in comfortable silence before I took a bit of my buttermilk waffle. A Mõ@n unintentionally escaped me as I ate a piece. It wasn’t just the waffle itself that brought me to heaven, but the strawberry butter that was on it. I took another bite just to ensure I wasn’t tripping. The waffle hit my tongue along with the butter, and I was gone. What did they really put in this? It took everything in me to eat slowly as I chewed.
My eyes fluttered as I spread more of the butter along the waffle. At this point, I was close to just eating the butter alone. The sound of deep chuckles reached my ears. Abbey wasn’t looking at me with amusement and a hint of desire.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized, but he shook his head.
“You don’t have to be. It makes your face cute,” he said and I laughed awkwardly.
Another compliment from him and I was flattered again. Though I didn’t see how my stuffing face with food was cute.
Remembering the butter that had me acting a fool, I scooped some on my form before taking it out.
“Try it,” I told him with a smile. “You’ll see why I was…,” I trailed off, flustered.
“Just try it.”
He laughed before leaning it. I watched his mouth open before he ate the strawberry-buttered waffle off my fork. His eyes never strayed from mine as he chewed slowly. The moment should have been awkward but it was nothing. Abbey had a way of captivating me no matter what he did.
And as he swallowed the food, I admired his charming face.
“Delicious.” As he said the word, my heart thumped in my chest. Despite it being innocent, the deep tone of his voice made the word sound less innocent.
Oh, Abbey, what are you doing to me?
To be continued…
Frank The Writer
