should be comfortable with each other, not trying to fill the stiff silence with meaningless conversation.
“Looking forward to dress shopping later this week?”
“Can we not discuss the wedding?” I float my eyes to his, disappointment shrouding his expression. “It’s not that I’m not excited,” I assure him quickly. “I am.” I shift my gaze, staring at my half-drunk coffee. “But that’s the only thing we’ve talked about all weekend. At least the one day I saw you this weekend anyway.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” His voice oozes with sincerity and he grabs my hand. Bringing it toward his mouth, he places a soft kiss on my knuckles before releasing it. “Things at the firm are crazy right now. We were just awarded a contract to design and construct a multi-million dollar hotel in Dubai. It’s going to require a lot of extra hours from me, considering all the time I’ll have to take off for the wedding.”
His phone dings and I spy an incoming text pop up. Not wanting to pry, I sip my coffee, but can’t help noticing the wide grin cross his lips as he reads it, his eyes darkening. He clicks his screen off, then rises from his chair.
“Speaking of which, I should get going.”
“Want to come over tonight?” I ask as he collects his commuter bag from where he left it by the staircase. “Or want me to go to your place? We can grab something to eat—”
“I wish I could,” he interrupts. “I already ducked out of work early yesterday to meet you for dinner.”
I bite back my response, thinking he makes it sound like I’m someone he has to spend time with, like I’m just another item on his lengthy to-do list. His words at the country club were so sweet and heartfelt. Now, ever since getting back from his impromptu trip to Florida, he seems like a different person. I try to shake the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach I made the wrong decision. Shouldn’t we be growing closer together instead of feeling like the divide is widening? This is why I’d hoped for a long engagement, so we would have the time to strengthen our bond before walking down that aisle. Or maybe I’m looking for any reason this isn’t the right path for me.
Wes is a good man. He’s always been devoted and caring. He loves his family and his job. I can’t fault him for wanting to ensure the success of his projects. My career is my priority, too. At least I’m trying to see him more than once a week for dinner and sex, though.
“I need to make up for that lost time.” His voice brings me back to the present. “Plus, I have to give up my weekend for the photo shoot Mom’s arranged. I promise, it’ll get better after the wedding.”
Once he shrugs on his jacket, he heads back toward me, giving me a chaste kiss on my cheek. “I’ll text you.” No I love you. No attempts to squeeze me into his busy schedule, even if for just a coffee. Only a promise to text me, as one would promise an acquaintance. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
I watch him head toward the foyer. As he’s about to walk out the door, he pauses, facing me. I perk up, thinking maybe he’s had a change of heart, that he’s going to suggest something incredibly romantic that will reaffirm why I said yes to his proposal.
“I left my suit from yesterday upstairs. Can you drop it at the cleaners by my house sometime today? I’ll be working late and won’t have time to get there.”
His words are like ice on my momentary feeling of hope. “And you assume I have nothing better to do than run your errands for you?” I shoot back, my tone harsh.
“Your work takes you all over the city.”
“Most of the families I visit can’t exactly afford a Victorian in Cambridge.”
“No, but it’s not that far from Chelsea and Somerville. You have lots of visits in places like that.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “In case you forgot, I grew up in Somerville. My dad still lives there.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it. Just stating a fact.”
He adjusts his tie, ignoring the heated glare coming off me. “Tell them to put a rush on it. It’s my lucky suit and I want to wear it to meet a new client this Friday. See ya, babe.”
Without a thank you or