Dinner

two [2]

SIGHING, ABEL STARED AT HIS COMPUTER SCREEN. There was no tabs or windows open; he was simply just staring at a picture of his ex and him. They were at a Hawaiian beach at the time. His ex was riding on Abel's back, their arms around Abel's neck. Both wore bright, brilliant smiles as if nothing in the world bothered them. And at the time, nothing did. They both wore their swimsuits and Abel wore a flower crown on his head, a decision he would have never have made if not for his ex.

Next to Abel's laptop was a small black box. On the same day as that picture was taken, Abel was supposed to propose. At the end of the beach, Abel had prepared a large romantic gesture (Abel and romantic? Shocking). There was supposed to be a cabana with rose petals scattered around. Morgan was supposed to ask what it was all about, and the two of them would run to the cabana. While Morgan's back was turned, Abel was supposed to get on one knee and take out the black box that was next to him right now.

Abel twirled the box around with his fingers, before he opened it. Inside, was a very expensive, custom made ring that had cost him half of his salary.

But before Morgan could turn around, they told him that they were breaking up with Abel, for reasons Abel still did not know to this day. Perhaps, Morgan did state some reasons, but Abel stopped listening. All he remembers was getting up from one knee, shamefully, and tucking the black box back into his swim trunks. Then he remembers Morgan running away from the scene of the crime.

And the crime? The breaking of Abel's heart.

Since Abel had already paid a hefty price tag for the cabana on the beach, he sat down in one of the comfy chairs and popped the bottle of champagne, that they were supposed to enjoy together in celebration, alone. He yanked the flower crown off his head and threw it onto the ground, in disgust. And instead of pouring the drink into the glasses, he took a swig directly from the bottle. Then, Abel cheered to no one in particular to an unsuccessful relationship, while swiping away silent tears.

A knock on his office door brought Abel back to the present. "Come in," he said dazedly. He was still in his dreamland where Morgan didn't break up with him and said yes.

"Hello? Mr. Abel?" The door cracked open and Abel's secretary, Emil, walked in. Abel shut his laptop down immediately and grabbed his engagement ring. Abel looked up to Emil and smiled.

Abel had always had a soft spot for Emil, even before they got to know each other. Emil was just an overall good guy. Abel pretended that Emil was like the sibling he never had.

"Good morning Emil," Abel said softly. "How is your grandmother?"

"Very well." Emil smiled. "She wants you to visit sometime. She wants to meet the man who got her grandson out of drugs and alcohol."

"In due time, in due time. I'm just so busy at the moment. So many projects..." Abel trailed off, clearly in thought.

Emil laughed. "So many projects," he said in agreement. "Excuse me, but a Miss Malloy demands to see you."

"Malloy?" Abel frowned. The name didn't ring any bells for him. Who was this mysterious character demanding to see him. "What's her first name?"

"Juniper." Emil said.

Juniper. Malloy? "Hm, I still don't know her." Abel said. "Tell her to leave."

"Yes Abel." Emil shut the door gently. Abel could hear Emil's footsteps slowly become softer.

Abel sighed and leaned back in his chair. I could really use a vacation, he thought. He leaned back further in his chair, until he heard a loud snap and fell, butt first to the hard wooden floor. "Shit!" He yelled, and started to get up slowly. Abel hadn't realized that his head was under his desk and bumped his head on his desk. "Fuuu," Abel groaned.