30
There’s no better feeling than lounging in bed on a Saturday morning. I stay in bed a little longer than I should, replaying the previous day’s events. I hate the way Noah and I left things. I’ve always hated drama, and I despise secrets.
I reluctantly tear myself from my warm sheets, and slip on my fuzzy slippers, the ones with the cute puppy faces. I pop a slice of bread in the toaster, and pour myself a cup of almond milk. I sit at the kitchen table, just about to check my phone, when a quick knock at the door startles me.
I’m not sure why, but I always feel a little uneasy when someone knocks at my door. Perhaps it’s just being a single woman in a city with a high crime rate. Or maybe it’s about my past. I slowly pad down the hall and peek into my peephole. There’s no one there, which only makes me more nervous. I slowly open the door, and my heart skips a beat when I spot a flower arrangement sitting on the floor.
I swing the door open and grab the arrangement; a bouquet of tiger lilies, my favorite. I already know who they’re from even before I peel the card out of the envelope. But when I do, my suspicions are confirmed.
I’m so sorry, Abigail.
I was an ass.
Love, Noah
I’m quick to tear off the clear cellophane wrapping, and set the arrangement at the center of my kitchen table. It brightens up the whole space. I’m still not quite sure how I feel about things between Noah and I, but I can’t help but smile at the sight of the flowers. How did he know tiger lilies were my favorite? Happy coincidence I suppose.
I fetch my slice of toast and to my dismay, it’s cold. There’s nothing I hate more than cold toast, so I pop in another slice. I check the clock on the microwave. It’s already eleven o’clock.
Oh shit.
I’ve been so consumed with all the drama with Noah, I’ve completely forgotten my coffee date with Mischa. Eleven o’clock today.
Just as I scramble to locate my phone, the doorbell buzzes. This time I don’t hesitate to open the door. Mischa always likes to drop by my place before we head out. She knows I tend to run late, and I suppose she prefers waiting in my apartment while I get ready.
She looks shocked when she sees me standing in my pajamas. She’s as put-together as always; red raincoat and tall black boots. I lean in for a hug. “I’m so sorry, Mischa. I forgot.”
She smiles. “No worries. What’s up?”
“Come in,” I urge. “I can get ready in a jiffy.”
She shakes her head as she slips off her boots. “No… don’t worry about it. Why don’t we just have coffee here?”
“Sounds perfect.”
She follows me to the kitchen, where I busy myself with coffee preparations. I know what she likes, and I even pull out the digestive cookies she enjoys.
“Wow… these flowers are beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I say and don’t elaborate. I don’t tell her they’re from Noah.
“Busy with work?” she asks.
I nod as I get the coffeemaker going. “Yep. It’s busy but I love it. How ‘bout you?”
“The usual. It’s a little slower these days, but I don’t mind. Gives me more time with the boys and Brian.”
“How are they?” I ask. “I saw Trevor yesterday… he’s getting so tall.”
She smiles. “Yes, he’s not my little boy anymore.”
I notice my slice of toast peeking from its slot. I pull it out and I’m not surprised when it’s cold. I shake my head, and pop in another slice.
“So what’s been distracting you?” Mischa asks. “You usually never forget things.”
I blow out a long breath, staring at the toaster. I’m not going anywhere until that toast pops up, and I get to eat it warm.
“It’s Noah,” I admit.
