Chapter 64 Go Out More
The rain didn't look like it would stop anytime soon, so Matilda decided to duck into the nearby FreshMart to grab something to eat.
At the deli counter, she picked up a mac and cheese with grilled chicken breast combo meal, had the staff member heat it up in the microwave, then took it to a small table by the window.
As she was eating, one of the workers came over and recognized her. It was Martha, a friendly woman around forty who usually worked the deli section. The moment Martha saw Matilda, she smiled and asked, "What brings you here for dinner tonight? Your husband not cooking for you anymore?"
Matilda paused.
Martha continued chatting, "Your husband used to come here almost every week to buy ingredients. All of us know him—tall, handsome, and so thoughtful. He mentioned you love BBQ ribs, and sometimes he'd even call ahead to have us save the fresh front rib cuts for him."
Matilda managed an awkward smile, but her eyes began to well up.
Martha kept going, "You don't know how envious we all are of you. Though he hasn't been around for a while now."
"He's on a business trip," Matilda said quickly.
"That explains it. Our prepared meals are actually pretty good too—you should try more varieties." Martha headed off to attend to other customers.
But Matilda had lost her appetite completely.
She'd always thought Wentworth had approached her purely for physical needs, but if that were all, why would he have bothered with all those thoughtful details?
He'd genuinely wanted to build a real life with her.
Tears slipped down her cheeks again.
Whatever. She'd just accept that they weren't meant to be. Whether she divorced him or not, it was already over.
Thinking about divorce reminded her that she and Wentworth still hadn't formally processed the paperwork.
Though with a family like his, they probably didn't need to handle it personally. His mother was so powerful—a single word from her could probably have someone take care of all the formalities.
...
Matilda drifted through the next several days in a fog.
Despite her efforts to adjust, she kept making little mistakes—like using toothpaste as face wash, or reflexively using the self-defense moves Wentworth had taught her when someone tapped her shoulder from behind.
Once, when Irene patted her shoulder from behind, she instinctively threw her in an over-the-shoulder flip. Irene immediately complained to Wesley about it.
Matilda could only explain it was a misunderstanding, but nobody believed her.
Of course, everyone knew about her breakup. Women going through heartbreak always acted a bit strange. Wesley just criticized her briefly.
However, Wesley was concerned her emotional state might affect her work, so he told her, "Matilda, you can't just work and go home during this period. You need to participate in more activities."
"Activities?" Matilda asked, confused.
"Don't you have any friends?" Wesley asked. "Like class reunions or something? That's got to be better than just shuttling between work and home. Being cooped up too long will cause problems."
Matilda understood—Wesley wanted her to find distractions. More social interaction would keep her from constantly thinking about Wentworth.
After work that day, she happened to run into Ethan, who was also getting off at the same time.
Ethan hadn't been deliberately approaching her lately. Since they lived in the same apartment building, they'd occasionally bump into each other, so Matilda didn't think much of it.
Ethan greeted her, "Matty, just got off work too?"
Matilda nodded.
"Have you eaten dinner? I bought some steaks and salad—want to share?"
Matilda shook her head. "No thanks, I picked up ingredients too."
"Alright, I'll head up then," Ethan said.
Matilda called after him, "That... didn't you mention there was a wedding to attend?"
Ethan's eyes lit up. "You want to go?"
"Where's it being held?"
"How about I add you on Facebook and send you the location? Plus the wedding schedule so you can check it out."
Matilda didn't overthink it. Actually, when they were in Brookford City, Ethan had sent friend requests before, but she hadn't accepted. Now she just saw Ethan as a regular neighbor—adding him on Facebook was no big deal.
After Ethan added her on Facebook, he said casually, "I'll send you the details when I get upstairs. Time to make dinner now."
Matilda nodded, and they both headed to their respective apartments.
...
On the day of Skyler's wedding, Ethan messaged asking if she wanted to go together.
Matilda said no thanks, she'd go on her own.
Ethan stared at her message for a while, lost in thought. Not yet. He had to keep waiting.
Matilda took a taxi to Skyler's wedding venue.
The ceremony was being held on a large lawn at a popular wedding estate in Phoenix City's suburbs—lots of people held outdoor weddings there.
From a distance, Matilda saw the bride and groom standing under a heart-shaped balloon arch decorated with flowers. For some reason, tears sprang to her eyes again.
She regretted coming.
She was technically a married woman too, but she'd never had a wedding. Who knew if she'd ever get another chance?
Matilda turned to leave.
But several people at the event had already spotted her.
"Isn't that gorgeous Matilda? You actually came!"
"Matilda, why aren't you coming over? You're already here."
A female classmate came over to pull her along—Lally from the neighboring class.
"We were just talking about you the other day," Lally said. "You're working back in Phoenix City now, so why don't you ever come to our get-togethers?"
"I often have to work weekends and holidays—conflicts with your reunion times," Matilda replied.
"You're being antisocial, aren't you? You never liked talking much in school either, but now that you're out in the working world, you can't avoid networking. Besides, we're all old classmates—none of that office backstabbing drama. Just relax and have fun."
Lally pulled her into the group.
Soon about a dozen classmates had gathered around her. Some looked exactly the same as in school, while others had changed so much it took her a moment to recognize them.
But regardless of gender, everyone was enthusiastic, surrounding her with questions.
After a while, someone else called out, "Look, there's Ethan! He came too!"