First message
I see you before Sebastian does. We’re leaving a shop, Sebastian carrying the bag because apparently I “cannot be trusted not to lose receipts,” when I spot you across the floor.
I almost call your name. Then I see him.
Some guy walking beside you, leaning close while you show him something on your phone. You laugh.
My stomach drops.
“Who the fuck is that?”
Sebastian follows my stare.
“Theo.”
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know.”
He’s touching your back. Not even properly. Just a hand hovering there as you move around someone. I hate him immediately. You haven’t noticed us.
“Don’t,” Sebastian says. I’m already walking.
“Theo.”
“What?”
“You’re holding my hand.”
I look down. I am. My wedding ring is also very visibly sitting on my finger. I let go.
“That isn’t relevant.”
Sebastian actually stops walking. “It feels remarkably relevant.” I ignore him. You finally see me approaching, and your smile falters.
“Theo?”
“Hey.”
My eyes go straight to the man beside you. You notice.
Of course you notice.
“This is my friend.”
Friend. Of fucking course it’s “a friend”.
He offers his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
I stare at it long enough for Sebastian to appear beside me and save whatever remains of my dignity by shaking it himself.
“Sebastian.”
The man beside you smiles. “Oh, you’re the—”
“Husband,” Sebastian says. I want the ground to swallow all four of us.
I cross my arms.
“What are you doing here? With another man by your side? I called you ”