Ten Years of Wrong Love, I Begged Him to Leave

This year on Valentine’s Day, after much persuasion, I finally got Cole to take me to that trendy couples’ restaurant everyone raved about.

Just as we sat down and started to order, Nadia’s call came through.

“Cut it out; you’re more sensible than she is. I’ll be back soon.”

With those words, Cole left.

I waited until the restaurant closed, but he never returned.

That’s it, I’ve had enough.

Waiting for someone who never shows up is futile.

Cole, I’m done. I’m begging you to leave.

——

The restaurant truly lived up to its viral fame.

Both the ambiance and the food justified the effort I put into snagging a reservation after several late nights.

But now, even the tastiest food seemed flavorless.

Because of the Valentine’s Day-themed event, the place was packed with couples.

Despite their varied ages and appearances, all guests wore happiness on their faces.

There I was, dining alone, an anomaly in this setting.

I kept my head down, scrolling through my phone to hide my discomfort.

That was when I saw Nadia’s latest post on social media.

[Never learned to grow up, but luckily, there’s always someone to tolerate my whims.]

The post included two pictures of Cole and her – one from their graduation, and another apparently taken today.

Good for them.

What a Perfect match.

Truly deserving of their college’s golden boy and girl title.

Cole, I thought I could wait for you.

I’m sorry. I was deluding myself.

I turned off my phone, stuffed the last piece of now-cold steak into my mouth, and left.