Chapter 2
Payson
The early morning sun beams through the sheer curtains I have hanging over my balcony doors, forcing me awake. It is my day off, and I usually remember to pull my blackout curtains before bed, too. But after a few drinks last night, that was the furthest thing from my mind.
I reach over to where Kraig’s side of the bed is, but he’s already gone.
A note crinkles under my hand as I sit up and begin reading it.
At least he left a note this time. Apparently, he had to leave on yet another business trip this morning and didn’t want to wake me.
This would be trip number three for November.
It seems lately he is always off on some business trip more than he is at home with me.
My phone pings loudly with a text from atop the nightstand, startling me. As my eyes adjust to the brightness of the room, I notice it’s a group chat from my best friends. As I click the message, balloons fill my screen.
Ashton: Happy Birthday to my very best friend in the entire world.
I love you.
Shit. I completely forgot my own birthday. Leave it to the only person I can count on in my life to remember. My sister from another mister. The only person to not leave my side since the day we met. A true friend. Another text comes through from D, Ashton’s husband, making me laugh.
D: Happy Birthday Sugar Lips. You are starting to look like me with all that gray. I think it’s time to get that seen about.
Me: Don’t be jealous. You just wish you could look this good.
Me: And it’s not gray…
D: You sure about that? Could’ve fooled me.
Ashton: Babe, I need some help packing if you want to leave before dark.
D: As long as helping involves you bent over the bed, or naked, otherwise no.
Ashton: It might.
D: You’d best be ready for me when I get home then.
Me: Umm, guys, I am still here. *Enters puke emoji*
D: Don’t be jealous, P.
Me: Trust me, I’m not.
Maybe I am a little. They have the perfect relationship, and I don’t know how long it’s been since Kraig and I have done something together physically or sexually.
I thought we would last night, but then we got in an argument, and he decided to catch an earlier flight.
I’m not sure if he ever even came to bed.
Ashton: We love you, P. Talk soon.
D: Speak for yourself.
Me: I love y’all too. Have a safe trip.
Another ping comes through.
Jay: Happy Birthday
Wow! Even Jay remembered. Another ping.
Jay: Jeff said Happy Birthday, too.
I smile softly to myself as I read the last text. Maybe I just missed a text from Kraig. Surely he didn’t forget. I then tap on the messages between Kraig and I. Nothing.
“Maybe he is still on the plane,” I mumble to myself.
Setting my phone down beside me, I decide it’s time to get up and face the day.
The longer I lay here the more I contemplate if marrying Kraig is what I want.
People say once you get engaged everything changes.
I never believed in superstitions before, why start now.
The harder I think on it, marrying him isn’t what I want. Not anymore.