quickly, quickly

7

The steady hum of the engine filled the car as I merged onto the highway, the familiar route to work stretching out before me. I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel in time with the music playing softly from the radio, but my thoughts were far from the road.

Josh had been... distant lately. Not in an obvious way—he still kissed me goodbye, still thanked me for the little things I did for him—but there was something beneath the surface, something unspoken. I'd felt it last night when he brushed off my attempt at sex, and again this morning at breakfast. It was a quiet, creeping tension, like a room where the air felt just a little too heavy.

But as the skyline of the city came into view, I shook my head, forcing a smile. I'm probably overthinking it. Josh had the gala tonight, and I knew how much pressure he was under. It wasn't just an event—it was a showcase, a chance to impress donors, artists, and critics all at once. Of course he was distracted. Who wouldn't be?

I glanced at the clock on the dashboard, calculating how much time I'd have after work to finish everything I needed to do before the evening. It wasn't much, but it was enough.

Enough to surprise him.

The thought sparked something in me—a mix of excitement and determination. Josh had been working so hard, and I knew he wanted me to be part of his world, even if he didn't say it outright. He'd asked me to come to the gala this morning, and while I'd brushed it off at the time, the truth was, I didn't want to miss it.

What kind of husband would I be if I let him face something so important alone?

The idea of surprising him brought a small smile to my face. I pictured the way his eyes would light up when he saw me walk into the gallery, the way his whole demeanor might shift knowing I was there to support him. Josh might not always say what he needed, but I knew him well enough to see it in his eyes.

As the car slowed to a stop at a red light, I pulled out my phone and shot him a quick text:
"Hope your morning's going okay. Don't stress too much about tonight—it's going to be amazing. Love you."

I set the phone back in the cupholder, imagining him reading it during one of his countless tasks at the gallery. Maybe it would bring him a moment of calm, even if it was fleeting.

By the time I pulled into the parking lot at work, I felt lighter, like I'd made the right decision. Whatever worries had been tugging at me earlier, I decided to leave them behind. Tonight wasn't about overthinking or second-guessing—it was about showing up for Josh, for us.

He deserves that, I thought as I grabbed my bag and headed inside. We deserve that.