Silently, I exited the venue as the final wave of emotion within me calmed into total serenity. The thought of saying goodbye now seemed pointless.
Arianne didn't come home that night.
...
At dawn, she finally returned to change clothes and pick me up for the event.
When I opened the passenger door, I froze for a moment.
A pair of men’s underwear, clearly worn, lay on the seat.
Arianne snatched it up immediately and tossed it to the ground, her words tumbling out in a rush.
“Hudson got his clothes dirty yesterday, so he used my car to change. Nothing happened.”
At that point, the only thing on my mind was catching my flight.
I answered casually, “Okay, just drop me at the mall. I want to buy a watch to go with my suit.”
She looked like she intended to follow me inside, but her phone rang before she could move. She answered, and Hudson’s voice came through clearly.
“Arianne, there’s a small issue with the venue…”
She paused, then turned back to me with a smile that looked almost rehearsed.
“Clyde, something came up at the company. I need to handle it.”
She softened her tone. “It’s our sixth anniversary today. I planned a surprise for you, so once you get your watch, come to the Caesar Grand Hotel.”
I nodded, turned away, and slipped my hand into my duffel bag, double-checking that my passport and ID were still there.
A moment later, she called after me again.
“Clyde...”
The mall’s broadcast announcement swallowed her voice, and I didn't catch what she said.
I simply lifted a hand in a small wave.
'Arianne, goodbye...'
