A Fine Romance

Chapter 16

"Spence, sit down." Linda said, patting the space next to her, on the bed. Spencer came further into the bedroom and sat with Linda.
"I need to tell you something. About why I hesitated when you proposed." Linda swallowed and began.
"When I first started college, I met a guy called Matthew. We started dating, and he was my first. We fell hard and quickly. Before freshman year was out, Matty had already proposed. And because we were young and impetuous, I said yes. Riley tried to warn me, but I wouldn't listen. I was so in love, and I even accused Riley of being jealous of me. It nearly ruined our friendship.
Anyway we decided to set the wedding date for after college. I wanted to really get to know Matty before we got married. Halfway through sophomore year, there were rumours floating around that Matty had been cheating on me with several members of the college cheerleading squad. I was so in love that I ignored the rumours and red flags." Linda had a sip of water and carried on. "Matty never denied the rumours. Riley never said anything about the relationship after we nearly lost our friendship. She was so supportive when I needed her, though. At the end of sophomore year, Matty suggested that we get our own place and I jumped at the chance. It meant that we could be together all the time. But it was nothing like I thought it would be. Matty would stay out all hours. He barely had time for me. When I asked him where he was, he would say I was a nag. The closer it was getting to the wedding date, the more awful things between us got. I had decided that enough was enough, and I wanted to end things. I asked Matty if he could come home one day as I needed to speak to him.
I told him how I was feeling and that I was ending things. Well, Spence, I had never seen anything like I did when I said that. Matty had a full-on tantrum. He pleaded with me to give him another chance. I felt my heart breaking for him, so I forgave him and gave him another chance. For about 3 months, he was the attentive perfect fiancé. He helped with wedding planning and everything. Then, after Christmas junior year, things gradually started to go downhill. He would be late for dates or wouldn't show up at all, saying he was studying in the library. Eventually, our wedding day arrived. I had doubts about going through with it. But my parents had spent a lot on the wedding and I didn't want to let them down. I was in my dress and veil. I was waiting with my bridesmaids and father to walk down the aisle. Then someone knocked on the door and told one of my bridesmaids who had to tell me that Matty hadn't turned up. He had jilted me at the altar. In one way, I was relieved, but in another, I was mortified that he had humiliated me like this." Linda said. Spencer sat there, not sure what to say. "So now you know."
"Wow." Spencer said, exhaling. "Look, Linda, I can't promise that everything will be like a romantic comedy. But I love you, and I see a future with you. A future where I see myself marrying you. I see us sharing our lives together. I can give you some space and time. As much as you need."
"Thank you, Spencer." Linda said and kissed him. Spencer got up and left the bedroom. Linda went and washed her face and joined her friends in the living room.

Brendon left Linda's along with Spencer. Riley sat with Linda, and they both watched Netflix and avoided wedding movies at all costs!
Gradually, Linda started to feel a bit better. Having to relive a time when someone who was meant to love you destroys you is not easy to get over. And having to drag it all back up again doesn't help either.
That night, Riley slept in Linda's bed with her. She didn't want Linda to be alone.
The following day, they carpooled together. They made a decision to go and have some pampering after work. Riley had to drop the tiles off for the kitchen, too.
Work went by quickly today. After dropping the kitchen tiles off, Linda and Riley headed to the spa.
They went to reception and were signed in. They went to get into their white fluffy robes, provided by the spa.
They had a hot stone massage each a foot massage and a head massage.
After the treatments, they were so relaxed that they had to wait a little while before driving home.
Riley and Linda had a lovely time together and cooked dinner as well. Chicken parmajon.
The day ended with them being even closer and happy and relaxed.