Chapter 3

"Okay."

At the restaurant, Dylan handed the menu to Wendy, and the two of them leaned together to discuss what to order.

I sat on the other side.

After all the food arrived.

Dylan picked up a piece of baked lobster with cheese and placed it in Wendy's bowl.

"Try this one. The chef here is really good."

Wendy took a bite, her eyes lighting up.

"Oh wow, this is amazing. You should try some too, Dylan."

Dylan.

I couldn't remember the last time I'd called him by his first name like that.

I looked down and picked through the leaves floating in my soup.

"Lily, how come you're not eating?"

A coworker across the table asked casually.

Dylan turned and looked at my untouched bowl. His brow creased.

"Still no appetite. When are you going to get over this picky eating thing."

Wendy set down her fork and looked at me.

"Lily, are you upset with me? I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you couldn't eat any spice at all."

"I'll go outside and order you something milder."

"Sit down." Dylan pressed a hand on Wendy's arm, his tone stiffening.

"Excuse me, can we add another bowl of soup?"

Then he looked at me.

"And stop giving everyone the cold shoulder. We're all here together."

A dull ache spread through my stomach.

I looked up at him. Something caught in my throat.

"Dylan, do you remember why I can't eat spicy food?"

He went still for a moment.

I didn't wait for his answer. I set down my fork.

"Never mind. I'm done. Enjoy your meal, everyone."

When I got home, the living room was completely dark.

I felt my way to the couch and sat down in the dark.

The cramping in my stomach was sharp. I dug out some antacid tablets and swallowed them dry.

A bitter taste spread through my throat.

One in the morning.

Dylan came in carrying the smell of the evening on him.

He reached over and flicked on the light.

"Why is it dark in here?" He kicked off his shoes, walked to the couch, and looked at me.

I said nothing.

He sighed and sat down beside me, pulling at his tie.

"Are you still upset about tonight."

"Wendy just got into the industry. As someone more experienced, isn't it natural for me to look out for her a little?"

I opened my eyes and looked at him.

"Dylan, tomorrow is our four-year anniversary."

He blinked. A flicker of guilt crossed his eyes.

"I know. I already booked a restaurant. I'll clear my schedule tomorrow night to spend it with you."

"I'm exhausted tonight. I'm going to shower, and then I need to finish editing Wendy's photos."

He got up without another word and walked straight into the bathroom.

The sound of water started.

I looked at the sketchbook he'd carelessly tossed on the table.

Page after page of Wendy's profile and silhouette.

Every sketch had camera settings and notes written beside it.

My photos, meanwhile, lived forever in a folder he'd simply named "Everyday."

The next afternoon.

I left work early, bought groceries, and picked up the cake.

He'd said he booked a restaurant, but I knew he'd been running himself ragged this week and would probably forget.

Sure enough, at seven that evening.

A voice message came in from Dylan.

"Lily, I'm sorry. There's a problem with Wendy's set layout and I can't get away."

"I canceled the restaurant reservation. Just grab something for yourself. I'll definitely make it up to you tomorrow."

I listened to the whole thing without replying.

I sat at the dining table and waited for a long time.

The food went from steaming hot to a film of cold grease floating on the surface.

I stared at the words on the cake. Happy 4th Anniversary. And I suddenly remembered that this time last year, I'd been quietly browsing engagement ring styles.