Iris froze. She never cared about cars and didn't know I'd been working extra just to make time for the car show. And still, I missed it.
As I turned to leave, I saw tears in Iris' eyes.
She stopped me, stumbling over her words trying to explain.
Iris said, "Albert, were you upset last night?
There's nothing going on with Gavin and me. We split up years ago. We're just friends now. He was just really drunk yesterday, and I was worried about him, so I..."
"I know," I cut her off with a smile, "Being drunk is dangerous. I get you're just friends. I didn't overthink it. Okay, I've got to head to work now."
I pretended not to see the hickey on her neck. I even pretended I hadn't noticed her phone's location at the hotel last night.
So, I didn't ask why she came home at 2 a.m.
Anyway, none of that mattered anymore.
4
I got assigned a business trip at work.
My boss patted my shoulder, saying if I nailed this trip, a promotion was just around the corner.
When I got home, I started to pack but knocked over a box next to my suitcase, spilling its contents.
As I picked things up, I found a book filled with photos.