Discovering Truths Read online

Me: HA! That’s far from the only problem. There’s actually a few. I’d rather not get into that right now though.

  Gage85. Understand. So, I told you I’m not a creeper, and I promise I’m not, but would you be interested in sharing pics?

  Me: I’m definitely not getting a creeper vibe. We can trade pics for sure. You first.

  The next message had no words, only a picture of a shirtless man with short dark hair, dark chocolate eyes, a chiseled chest, and strong arms. My eyes must’ve been playing a trick on me. This could not be real life. He was gorgeous—total opposite from Marcus. Marcus was tall and skinny with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. He was very prim and proper with his hair slicked to the side, clean shaven face, and fancy clothes. You’d hardly ever catch him in a t-shirt.

  Gage85: Still there?

  Me: Sorry. I was just gawking at the photo. Are you sure that’s not a model picture? Am I being catfished?

  Gage85: LOL. No catfish here. It’s really me, promise. Your turn.

  I was embarrassed to show him my picture. I felt like we were on different levels. I had long brown boring hair, blue eyes that needed make-up to shine, and curves that I generally felt like were too curvy. I picked the best-looking photo I could find. It was a selfie I had taken a few months ago. I met Melinda for dinner that night and wore a pink dress with dangling earrings. I took time to do my make-up and styled my hair with loose curls. I uploaded and clicked send. Nerves crept in when I didn’t receive an immediate response.

  Gage85: You are absolutely stunning.

  Me: Oh stop.

  Gage85: I’m serious, Abby. You’re beautiful.

  Me: Well, thank you. You’re sweet.

  Gage85: You’re welcome. Would you be interested in talking more? Beyond this chat?

  Me: I’m definitely interested…but I’m not sure how else we can communicate. I’m feeling pretty comfortable with you, but I don’t want to give out my phone number or anything quite yet. I hope that’s okay…

  Gage85: I definitely understand. How about e-mail?

  We exchanged e-mail addresses and ended our chat.

  Gage85: I’m really glad I found you. Talk soon?

  Me: Looking forward to it.

  Gage85: Goodnight beautiful.

  Me: Night.

  I exited the chat, closed my laptop, and fell back against my pillow. Was this really happening? It was technically wrong, but felt oh so right. At 9:30, Marcus still wasn’t home. Who knew what he was even doing? I plugged my laptop up on the charger, brushed my teeth, and crawled back into bed.

  ***

  I awoke to the bright light of the attached bathroom shining through the master bedroom. Marcus must’ve been in the shower. I had no idea what time he even came home. I didn’t hear a thing. I slept through the entire night. I couldn’t have told you the last time I actually did that. Maybe it was because I had reached the point of no longer worrying about all the troubles in my life, or maybe it was the fact that I had decided to do things my own way, giving me a crazy sense of fulfillment. I wasn’t sure.

  I walked to the bathroom as Marcus turned off the water. He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist.

  “Morning, hun,” he said. The more we continued the charade, the more fun it became. Maybe that made me sick and twisted, or maybe I’d just really gone off the deep end.

  “Good morning. What time did you get home?” I asked.

  “Close to ten. We have court today, so it was a long night getting prepared.”

  “Oh,” I said. I walked over to the sink and picked up my toothbrush. “I was out.”

  “I noticed,” he said. “Sleep well?”

  I nodded as I brushed my teeth. Marcus continued his normal routine, getting ready for the day. He wrapped his tie around his neck, and I thought about how I used to think he looked so sexy tying a tie.

  “I’ll go get your coffee started.” I said, exiting the bedroom.

  I headed downstairs and popped a K-Cup in the machine, then grabbed the cream and sugar. I made his coffee just the way he liked it and sat it on the island for him to grab on his way out the door.

  He rushed down the stairs, briefcase in hand. “Thanks, babe,” he said, grabbing his coffee and kissing me on the cheek. “Not sure how today is going to go. Don’t worry about cooking dinner tonight.”

  Don’t have to tell me twice. “Alright, have a good day.” I said.

  “You too.”

  I heard the garage door open and watched as his car backed out of the driveway. I couldn’t stop the eye roll that followed. I went back upstairs to change for my Yoga class. I could definitely use some calming techniques right about now. As I slid my Yoga pants up my thighs, my phone dinged. I opened the home screen to see an email notification waiting. I opened it up and smiled.

  Abby,

  Good morning. I hope you slept well and I hope I’m not writing you too soon, but to be honest, I thought about you all night and couldn’t wait to talk again. Hopefully you didn’t think about it and regret giving me your e-mail address, lol. I’m going to ask some random questions so we can get to know each other and hopefully get the conversation flowing. If I don’t get a reply, I’ll take it that you decided you didn’t want to continue, and I totally respect that.

  What are your plans for the day? Do you work? I own an auto repair shop. Notice I said own, so I’m going to be honest, I try not to get my hands dirty unless I have to lol. I’ve done my time, I let the younger guys have it now and I take care of the business side of things.

  Do you have any siblings? Not me, I’m an only child. My mom passed away when I was young, so it’s just been my dad and me. We’re really close. The business was actually his. I took over about seven years ago.

  Quick questions and answers. Favorite color? Favorite food? Favorite hobby? Favorite vacation spot? Do you like sports?

  My favorite color is blue…I guess. Favorite food is definitely a good steak. Hobby…I’m into motorcycles and old cars. My favorite vacation spot is Colorado. I know, so random, but I live at the beach. I’ve been to Colorado a few times and gotten a cabin in the woods, and it was so relaxing. It felt like I was in a different world. And well…I’m a guy…so yeah, I love sports. I pretty much watch them all, but football tops the list. I’m a Seahawks fan. I know that might seem a little random considering I live in Florida, but my dad grew up in Washington and raised me as a Seahawks fan, so it stuck. Hope I didn’t just lose any street cred.

  I’ll stop for now and see if I get a response before I continue. I hope you have a good day, and I hope to talk soon.

  Gage

  I had legit butterflies. I hadn’t experienced anything like this since high school, and I had to admit, it felt good. I knew this was a recipe for disaster, but I didn’t care anymore. I’d far surpassed the point of even thinking logically. I was fully prepared for whatever came my way…at least I hoped. I sat down on my bed and clicked reply, anxious to send a response.

  Gage,

  Since we’re being all honest, I’ll admit that I’m happy you wrote me. I thought about you too, however I didn’t let thoughts of you consume me all night. I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I slept peacefully though, and that’s something I haven’t done in a while. I know we don’t know each other very well yet, but you know when you meet someone and you just have that feeling? I kind of feel that way now. Okay, maybe I should stop. I don’t want to scare you off lol.

  Anyway. I don’t work. I was just getting ready to go to my Yoga class. I do have a degree in business, but my husband is a lawyer and suggested that I stay home. It gets boring, though. With no kids, I spend a lot of time alone. I do household chores and run stupid errands. Every time I’ve brought up the idea of getting a job, he shoots me down. I’m not sure why. I think it’s cool that you own your own business. I’m sure that can be stressful at times, but I’m sure it means a lot to your dad that you kept the business in the family. Also, I’m sorry about your mom. I don’t know how you feel, because I still have both of my parents, but I know it couldn’t have been easy. On a lighter note, I’m an only child too! Imagine that! We have something in common.

  My favorite color is black. HAHA. I’m not a weirdo, really, but black goes with everything and that makes me happy. It’s the little things. My favorite food is any kind of pasta. I know, not the healthiest option, but I love it all. Hobbies…hmm…Yoga is probably my favorite hobby. I’m really into the calming and sense of strength I feel while stretching. I take a class Monday through Friday mornings, and I’ve hardly missed a day. I don’t know that I really have a favorite vacation spot. Like you, living at the beach…I mean, the beach is not exciting anymore lol. I do hope to go to England one day. That’s my dream vacation spot. As far as sports, I don’t follow them, but I don’t mind them. I don’t have any favorite teams, so I am A-OK with the Seahawks lol.

  We both established that we didn’t know what we were looking for. Where do you think things go from here? I’m sure you’re curious as to what my answer would be, and to be honest, I’m craving a connection…attention. I’m open to anything with the right person. Thoughts?

  I hope you have a good day. Again, I’m really glad you wrote. Hope to talk soon.

  Abby

  Chapter Four

  Abby,

  Sorry I’m just now getting back to you. It’s been a busy day. Busy means money though, so I can’t complain. It’s good to hear from you. I wasn’t exactly sure that I would. Like you, I kind of thought it was too good to be true. I don’t think you’re crazy at all. I feel the connection too. I honestly believe there is a reason for every single thing that happens. People come into our lives for a reason, and things always work out the way they should. I know this isn’t the most ideal situ
ation, but here we are.

  As far as what I’m looking for…I’d agree with everything you said. I’m definitely looking for a strong connection. I’d really like to find one person that I can vibe with, have fun with…see what happens. Let’s be real, we’re both married, and I can honestly tell you I’ve never done this before. It didn’t cross my mind until recently. I actually never thought I’d find someone that’s on the same page as me, and who knows, things might not work out for us. Personally, I think we’re onto something good. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.

  More random questions. Favorite candy? As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Favorite TV show? Biggest regret?

  My favorite candy is Milky Way. When I was a kid I wanted to be a professional football player of course. My favorite TV show is American Choppers. And honestly…I’m not sure that I have any regrets. My marriage sucks, but I don’t know that I completely regret my wife. She gave me my son and he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I just wish things were different, but I don’t see that happening. We’re both ready to throw in the towel, but we’re hanging on for him. I’ve heard, don’t stay together for the kids, they can see that you’re not happy and that makes it hard on them, but then I’ve also heard that you need to make it work for the kids, so heck, I don’t know.

  Blah. Sorry. Didn’t mean to get into all that. If I don’t get a chance to respond tonight, I hope you have a good evening and sleep well again. I’ll definitely be looking forward to your next message.

  Gage

  ***

  It was six in the evening by the time I received Gage’s e-mail. I’d spent all day obsessing, paranoid that I’d said too much in my first letter. Of course he was busy and I’d worried for nothing. Reading his second message gave me another sense of assurance. Our situations were so similar it was actually kind of scary.

  Gage,

  It’s crazy that we’ve found ourselves in this predicament, and I strongly agree with you…that everything happens for a reason. I’m sure things will go exactly how they’re supposed to, and I’m so excited to see what comes of this. Our personalities seem to vibe for sure.

  It also seems that we have the same answer in regards to our intentions. That’s promising. I am totally down for seeing where this goes. I never thought I’d find someone like you to begin with, so this whole thing has me pumped.

  My favorite candy is Dove Chocolate. It’s just so smooth...literally so good. When I was younger, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I always remember thinking my teachers were so fascinating and wanting to do what they did. When I entered high school, I took a lot of computer and business classes and that’s where I discovered that I had a niche for it. That’s what led me to go to college and get a degree in business. Now, I haven’t used the degree since I received it. It’s kind of a bummer. My favorite TV show is anything on HGTV. I’m totally into the house hunting and remodeling, although it’s not my cup of tea. I’ll just watch. And my biggest regret, well honestly, it’s getting married so young. Marcus and I were together through most of my high school career and we married when I graduated. I never experienced anything else. The fact that I thought I could change his mind about wanting children was just stupid on my part. Now, well, we have a lot of issues. Big issues.

  So that brings me here. I know I should just leave him, but for whatever reason I can’t bring myself to do it. I hope that admission doesn’t send you running for the hills. Considering we’re in the same boat, I hope you can understand me. I’m just looking for a missing connection.

  Hope you have a good night.

  Abby

  ***

  I flipped through the TV channels as I lay in bed that evening. I was trying to make myself sleepy, but I couldn’t get the days e-mails out of my mind. The door creaking open startled me out of my trance and I sat up to see Marcus tip-toeing into the bedroom.

  “Hey,” I said, glancing at the clock on my bedside table. It was a little after ten.

  “Hey,” he said softly. “Still awake?”

  “Yeah. Trying to get sleepy,” I said, adjusting my pillow. “How did court go?”

  “Went great! We won the case!”

  “Nice. Well, that’s good news. Did you have dinner?”

  “I did. We went out for celebratory drinks afterward.”

  “Oh. Your whole office?”

  He was in the closet undressing. He slipped off his shoes and jerked off his tie. “Well, yeah, the few of us who were working the case.”

  Right.

  “Do you have a full day tomorrow?” I asked.

  “I have several appointments,” he replied. I hated how he would never tell me what he was actually doing. I knew that there were certain details he couldn’t mention, but he never let me in on anything that had to do with his job. It was always referred to as “the case,” “court,” or “appointments.”

  “Well, I’m going to try and fall asleep,” I said, rolling over to my side. “Night.”

  “Me too,” he said, flopping down on the bed. “I’m exhausted. Night.”

  And that was all he said. He was snoring five minutes later.

  Chapter Five

  The sun was shining bright the next morning as I headed out early for my Yoga class. I met Melinda for breakfast afterward before she went into the office. She was there waiting for me, like she always was. That girl was never a minute late for anything.

  “Morning,” she said as she spread cream cheese on her bagel.

  “Good morning,” I replied. I dumped some sugar into the coffee she had waiting and stirred it around a bit. I felt like she was watching me and when my eyes met hers, I noticed she was.

  “How are you? How are things?” she asked.

  “I’m fine. Things are…the same.” I shrugged. I brought the coffee to my lips and watched as she nodded.

  “Anything you need to tell me?” She took a big bite of her bagel and continued to stare at me while she chewed.

  “Um?” I questioned with wide eyes. “What are you getting at, Mel?”

  “The last time we talked you had conjured up some psycho plan and I want to know where that stands.”

  “Well, you said you didn’t support it, so I figured it was best to not even discuss it.”

  “You’re right, I don’t support it. I think it’s stupid and it’s not going to solve anything. Everyone is going to get hurt in the end.”

  “Everyone? Do you mean Marcus? Who cares about his feelings anymore? He’s the one who caused this!” I can’t believe her. Was she serious?

  “I’m not taking his side, Abby. Shoot no, I’m definitely not doing that. I’m just saying…in general.”

  “Just don’t worry about it. It’s fine. I’ve got this under control.”

  “Are you okay, though? You’re safe?”

  “Yes, I’m safe. I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

  The truth was, I had nothing under control, but Gage had me smiling and that’s something I hadn’t done in a while. I could only imagine how things would be if we really met and took it further.

  Once I made it home, I climbed into the shower and let the hot water soothe me. My phone dinging made me hurry my shower along. I suspected it was an e-mail, and when I opened it up, the butterflies started to twirl. I sat wrapped in a towel on my bed as I read the letter.

  Abby,

  Good morning, beautiful. I hope you slept well again. Our situations are unusual, but they’re unique to us. I’m looking for a connection too. Hopefully, together, we can make some light out of our lives.

  I had a guy call out today so it looks like I’ll be in the shop most the day because Fridays are generally pretty busy. I was thinking…what do you think about meeting up? Maybe just a quick coffee date or lunch? You’re usually free during the day, right? I was just thinking something low-key…no pressure. I’ve attached a picture just in case you were still suspecting the one from the other night was a fake lol. This is my son and me. And hey, you’ll get to see me in the flesh if you agree to meet! Let me know what you think.