The Cabin by the Lake

I met with Steve at the church for dinner as I did for the whole week. We sat down, and I was nervous to ask him. I think I was afraid he’d say no. “Steve…I was wondering…” He looked up at me with his soft eyes, “Would you like to come over to my apartment…for dinner?” His eyes lit up, he smiled for ear to ear. “Emily…I’d love to.” I smiled, “I wanted to make you dinner for once. I wanted you to be able to relax…the Bruins have a game Saturday night, but then have Sunday and Monday off…I was hoping you’d like to come over on Sunday?” He smiled warmly, “When you were a baby, you cried all the time. I often took your brother out to watch the sports games since we didn’t have cable and you were so loud.” I laughed, “I shouldn’t have…but I took him to many different bars and we watched whatever game was on. Football, hockey, baseball, golf, polo sometimes! If it’s okay with you…I’d love to come to dinner, but could I come over early…and watch the sports?” I smiled at him, “of course you can. I’m actually hoping you’ll be able to meet my boyfriend.” He smiled, “I’d like that…tell me about him.” I shrugged, “Uh…well Ryan is nice you know? But…well he’s a good boyfriend.” He smiled, “And do you live with him?” I shook my head, “No, I live with my good friend Zac.” He nodded, “Tell me about Zac.” I could feel my cheeks getting warm. “Well Zac…he’s great really. He’s nice, funny….he cares a lot about me. He’s super supportive of me…you’d get along great with him. He reminds me a lot of Logan…” Steve laughed, “Is there trouble in paradise?” I shook my head, “what do you mean?” He took a sip of water, “I asked about Ryan, and you had almost nothing to say…but with Zac…you have a lot to say…a lot of good things.” I blushed again, “I don’t know the boys, and I don’t know you well enough to give you advice…but the advice I do have…Emily do what you want for you, not for others. If you are having doubts about your relationship, then have those doubts. You should do what will make you happy, and not what will make others happy.” I smiled, it was the best advice I’ve gotten in a long time.

I was running around frantic trying to finish cleaning the apartment for Steve. Zac walked in from morning practice, “Woah, slow down killer.” He grabbed my shoulders, “I can’t. I have to finish cleaning, and I forgot bread for the dinner I’m making! Dammit!” Zac stopped me from moving more. “I’ll grab the bread, just tell me what kind.” I relaxed my shoulders, “really?” He nodded, and I grabbed him a piece of paper. “Can you do me another favor?” He nodded and smiled at me, “Can you call Ryan and ask when he’ll be here? He’s not answered for me.” He nodded, “Sure thing Emily.”

There was a knock at the front door. Why isn’t Zac home yet? I have no idea what channel the sports are on…I knew the NHL network so I kept it on that. I opened the door to Steve who had his hair slicked back and carnation flowers in his hand. “Steve! These are beautiful!” He smiled, “Thank you Emily, I wanted to get you flowers, but…” I took the flowers, “They’re perfect! Please come in!” He walked in and took off his jacket. “Your place is amazing.” I smiled, “Thank you, it’s really Zac’s place….Fell free to sit and watch!” He smiled, “So when do I get to meet these men in your life?” I blushed, “Soon, hopefully.”

Zac finally returned about 10 minutes later with bread. I ran to the door before Steve could see. “Thank god you’re here!” He handed me the bread, “Did you get a hold on Ryan?” He nodded, “He can’t make it.” I nodded, “Thanks.” Steve stood up as he saw Zac, and reached for his hand immediately. “Steve, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Zac.” Steve smiled, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Emily has told me a great deal about you and all you’ve done for her.” Zac blushed. “Emily said you’re into sports? Care to watch some with me?” Steve nodded and the guys went to the coach as I started to make dinner. As everything was simmering in pots, I escaped to the bathroom and tried to call Ryan. “Hello?” The voice caught me off guard. “Hi…did I not call Ryan?” The female laughed, and I heard “it’s for you”. Then Ryan came on the other end. “Hey Ems…” “So…you couldn’t be with me today because you’re with another woman?” It took him a second to answer. “It’s not like that. It’s just Steph. She needed help.” I sighed, “yeah and your girlfriend needed help today too. Fuck you Ry.” And I hung up. Steve was right. I needed to do things for me. I needed to end it with Ryan.

Notes

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