ter

Point

a

e bathroom, eager for a long, relaxing shower. I wanted to

ne that made me feel sexy, desired, and irresistible.

, the man who had taken my virginity so carefully,

d if it was me. I sniffed lightly, almost embarrassed at the thought, but the ar

mth of his hand on mine. I had tried to reach him in every way I could imagine,

. And I swallowed it all. I swallowed the disappointment, the loneliness, the growing ache in my chest.

er all these years of longing, waiting, and sa

er of doubt crept in. Curiosity got the better of me. I pulled out my phone

s linking her to him at all. My heart sank a little. Perhaps she was

arranging plates neatly, making the place inviting, warm, romantic. I wanted him to feel at home, t

lay beside me, silent. I dialed his number. Nothing. Not even a missed call no

he ignore me? Why leave me waiting, hopeful, vulnerable? My ches

stubbornly, whispering that one day, things would go back to the way they us

sighed, dished out a portion for myself, and sat dow

he door made

me, her presence like a warm ray of sunshin

epping inside and wrappin

lied, my voi

sked, concern lini

ore her with my marital problems. I wasn't sure

closer, holding me with gentle insisten

ered. "I don't know what to do. David has refused to

worry crossed her face. "Hmmm..

n to him about

nd to bring it up tonight," I said, trying to so

d advised me against marrying David, but I hadn't listened

. "You're still vibrant, still full of life. Don'

I'll try. But you know how I g

ime. Once this deal is over, he'll hav

een a good friend," I said, feeling the

cold again," she said, moving to plat

usiness ventures, family pressures. Lindsay never missed a beat, offering ad

es of her laughter lingering in the air like a ghost. I sank i