Champagne Problems

part 6

February 14, 2022
6:13 pm
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My boyfriend, John, took me by the hand and picked me up at 6 for our Valentine's Day date.

After spending the majority of 2021 working on my mental health after the breakup, I finally got back into the dating game. John and I met at work. He asked me out for coffee one cold November morning and it slowly evolved into a relationship.

"Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart," he said, handing me a bouquet of red roses. How sweet, they're my favorite.

"Thank you." I leaned up to kiss his cheek. I shrugged on my coat, grabbed my purse, and locked the door. We walked hand-in-hand to his truck.

"So, you never told me where we're going," I stated.

He knew that I hated surprises. I'd never admitted it, but ever since that New Year's Eve, I have hated surprises. It's just better if I know what I'm getting myself into. That way, nobody gets hurt.

"I booked us reservations at Casa Nostra."

"Is that the new Italian place on Main Street?"

"Yep, it took forever to get reservations."

"Well, thank you. I've heard wonderful things about the food," I commented, wanting to show my appreciation for his thoughtful gesture. Italian food is my favorite.

— — —

After our food came, I heard a commotion a few tables over.

People started applauding. I heard the telltale sound of a champagne bottle popping.

"Congratulations Drew and Olivia!" The waiter shouted. I turned my head to see everyone raising their wine glasses in a toast.

John and I exchanged a small smile. We raised our glasses too.

I glanced over at the happy couple.

No fucking way. It's my Drew.

Well, not my Drew anymore, but my ex-boyfriend slash almost fiancé, Drew.

He looks healthier. Happier too. I haven't heard from him since a week after the proposal, when we exchanged boxes of things that were left at our apartments.

Looks like he did, in fact, find a girl to fix him up. Someone who could care for him in a way I couldn't even care for myself.

Surprisingly, I was overwhelmingly happy for him. There were no residual feelings of bitterness or anything. I wasn't even jealous that he moved on so quickly.

I squinted and saw the same type of Dom Perignon he bought for us a little over a year ago. He doesn't remember all my champagne problems.

I guess time really does turn flames to embers.

I pushed back the urge to go say hi and congratulate them. I didn't want to ruin his night.

I turned back to John with a smile, glad that everything worked out for the both of us.

THE END
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