The concealer does its job, hiding the black circles around my eyes, my shiny hair erasing that impression that I haven’t gotten a wink of sleep.
I’ve had better nights than this.
After bumping into things after he left last night, I took a shower and mindlessly watched some replay of a show on TV. I couldn’t even remember what the show was all about when I went to sleep.
The idea that I’d see him again made me dream the weirdest things. I was getting lost in the woods. And then, in a big ass house. I hope it’s not his.
My brain made no sense.
Still grinning, I head to the walk-in closet and dig deep for a pair of sleek black pants, a crisp button-down white shirt, and a warm, plush red jacket.
I locate my over-the-knee flat boots, and happy with my selection, I check the time again.
I could have breakfast before he comes.
There isn't much time for a fancy breakfast, so I make myself a sandwich and eat it while standing, filling two metal mugs with press-on lids with coffee.
Ten minutes to eight, I’m ready.
Travel mugs in my hands, eyes on the driveway, my clothes on, and my little backpack slid over my shoulder.
There’s only one thing I didn’t take into account.
What if he doesn’t show up?
I’m not questioning how reliable he is. Well, I am, but that’s another story. What if something happens and messes with his schedule?
He can’t even call me. Because we haven’t even exchanged phone numbers.
Everything has felt like a stroke of luck these past few hours that I've forgotten about the little thing called life.
I forgot how obnoxious it could be.
I remember how often Joachim couldn’t make it on time anywhere, even for important stuff. Or at all.
And I can’t have that now.
Miss Stolz will throw a fit if I don’t show up on time.
She has a doctor’s appointment at nine-thirty, and I don’t want to screw with that.
My eyes are fixed on my phone as the digital clock turns eight o’clock sharp, and disappointment sidles up to me.
Please don’t be like him. Like my ex. The corners of my lips pull down.
It’s one minute past eight.
I put the travel mugs down, move to the door, and walk outside. The trees and lawns are covered in frosted snow. It’s cold, and the sky is dark, some faint light wrapping around the houses.
The silence is thick as no car moves down the road.
He tricked me, is my first thought, and having experience with this, I spin on my heel and move to the house, ready to make different arrangements, when the hoarse sound of a car engine reaches my ears.
I turn around and look up the road, and sure enough, I spot his truck.
I wave at him, although he’s far away, and quickly move toward the house, smiling again.
He just scored big points with me for not letting me down.
