Chapter Five

Abby wasn't sure what hurt the most— the way Anthony had pushed her off him like they both didn't want it, the fact that he had ignored all her questions or that Sarah was right about him.

“She still hasn't said anything all day, it's almost like she's gone mute.” Her mother had said one day.

Five days, that was how long it'd been since the embarrassing incident back at Anthony's place. He still hadn't attempted to reach out or at least render an apology.

“Are you okay?” Abby's mother, Mindy, asked, as she hurried into the kitchen. “I need someone to help me get a couple of things from the grocery store.”

Abby rolled her eyes. She clearly wasn't in the mood to run errands but she also wasn't going to turn down the offer for some fresh air.

“I promised the church I'd bring some of my home baked cookies tomorrow for the picnic we're having,” Mindy said, securing an apron around her waist.

Abby frowned. “Since when did you start to go to church?”

“Wver since that new pastor showed up. Everyone's been talking about him. I hear he's around my age,” she giggled and Abby's frown deepened.

Slipping on some shoes, Abby grabbed the grocery list and the keys to her mother's truck. “I'll be back soon,” she called out as she exited the house.

Twenty minutes later and she was pushing her empty cart through the aisles, her eyes fixed on the shelves. Sardines… weren't they supposed to be on this aisle?

Just as she made to turn her cart around, it bumped into someone. “I am so sorry, I wasn't watch-”

The words in Abby's mouth hung off the tip of her tongue. Of all the people that she would run into why her?

The lady's eyes lit up in recognition. “Hi,” she began. Abby said nothing but smiled. Embarrassment hung over her like a dark cloud.

It was Anthony's girlfriend.

“I'm sorry I bumped into you,” Abby apologized and made to leave when the lady stopped her.

“You're Anthony's… friend, right?”

Abby didn't respond. “I just wanted to apologize for the rude things I called you a couple days. I didn't mean to, I was only mad at the situation.”

Abby's gaze softened and the thick cloud of embarrassment hovering over her began to disperse.

“No, you shouldn't have to apologize. I didn't know Anthony was seeing someone, otherwise, I wouldn't have showed up at his place.” Abby blew out a breath of air. “I'm really sorry for the mess that happened the other day.”

The lady smiled warmly at her and extended out her hand for a warm handshake. “I'm Lisa, I never got your name.”

“I'm Abby, it's nice to meet you… again.”

“Likewise.”

Lisa was clearly younger than her but there was something about her that screamed eloquence and elegance.

Abby could tell the young lady held herself to a higher standard, something she couldn't bring herself to do over the years.

Lisa was almost intimidating.

“Do you need any help? You looked like you were kinda lost or something?” Lisa said and Abby stifled a laugh.

“I'm looking for a couple things on the list but I can't find them.”

Within minutes, both ladies had buddied up and were in high spirits like they had been best friends the entire time.

Half an hour later and Lisa bids Abby goodbye. The drive home was comforting and silent— the radio turned off and the only thing audible was the gentle rumbling of the engine.

When Abby returned home, she found Sarah helping Mindy in the kitchen.

“I was starting to wondering if you got lost or something, where have you been?” Mindy asked as she diced up some onions and threw them into a pot.

“I met up with a friend,” Sarah glanced up at her, clearly thinking it was Anthony. “Sorry for the delay.”

Abby didn't bother paying attention to Sarah. As much as Sarah did look out for her all the time, she hated how judgmental she was sometimes.

It irked at her.

Finally up in her bedroom, changed into something warmer and more comfortable, Abby settled into her bed and grabbed her laptop.

Being here in Malibu meant no work, no drama, just quality time but Abby was tempted to check in on work. She loved how distracting it could be sometimes.

The first thing on her email, the divorce proceedings. Her heart rate slowed. This was really happening.

Plastered as her screensaver was a picture of she and Mike, very much in love, beaming from ear to ear. The unfortunate part was that, that was only four years ago.

Just as she clicked the mail open and began to read through it, her phone chimed and Anthony's name appeared.

“Abby, I'm sorry.”

Everything slowed down while her heart rate picked up. For a while, she stared at the text, unsure of what to do and finally she tapped open his text.

Seconds turned to minutes and Abby still didn't know what to say.

Anthony: Please don't ignore me, can we just talk? I want to apologize Abby

Tempted to respond, her fingers hovered over the keypad. She tried to think about how he had humiliated her at his place and how he'd played her.

It was their anniversary for God's sake!

That was all the reminder Abby needed. She clicked her phone shut and focused her attention back on her laptop.

The divorce proceedings.

She exhaled.

A knock sounded on the door and Mindy pushed the door open. “Dinner's ready,” she said. Abby wasn't in the mood to eat but declining would only raise suspicions.

“Are you okay? You look down,” Mindy pointed out and walked in. Abby nodded. “Is it Mike?”

It was far from that actually.

Managing to push a tight smile up her lips, Abby got out of bed and closed her laptop shut. “A little bit, I'm just stressed out but I'll be fine.”

Mindy gave her a pat on the back, just like she always did. Downstairs the table was already set.

Dinner was quiet, a little chit-chat and whenever it steered back to Abby, she'd change the topic.

“You know, I promised the ladies that I'd bring my daughters to church tomorrow.” Sarah rolled her eyes. “There are a lot of fine young men there.”

“And what makes you think I want a church man?” Sarah retorted. Mindy flipped her off and focused on Abby.

“You're coming with me. Don't worry I've got someone I want you to meet,” Mindy began. “He’s tall, good looking and he's got it all going for him.”

“She hasn't even signed the divorce papers yet ma,” Sarah chipped in, a hint of amusement in her eyes. Mindy flipped her off.

“She'll be fine. I never liked Mike anyways.”

At that point, Abby wasn't hungry anymore. She wiped her lips and rose from her seat. “I'm tired and I'm going to bed.”

“You've barely had anything to eat,” Sarah replied. “If it's about what I said then I'm sorry. It was just a joke.”

Abby didn't care if it was just a joke. She was stressed and needed some rest.

“Ma, I'm not going to church with you. You'll be fine on your own,” Abby said with a tone of finality and rose up to leave but Mindy was faster.

She slammed her hand on the table, startling both Sarah and Abby. “Sit down young lady! Now I don't know what's gotten into you lately but you can't be having all that attitude under my roof.”

Abby stared at her mother, anger blazing in her eyes. “I'm not going to church mother and I've had enough to eat already. Goodnight.”