Chapter 97: Who Dump Who?

Chapter 97: Who Dump Who?

Abigail 

While we waited for our beverages, we chatted about how our day had been while being away from each other. We usually spend every waking second together, often as close as possible, and for the past week, it has been the opposite. For a man who has never had a relationship more than some random chick, he picks you at some bar, he is just as clingy as I am. I know it sounds as if both of us are codependent on the other for survival but it was just how our relationship is and has always been.

“And if he had to do that, Ambrose would have to go away both weekends. I don't understand why he would make such a stupid decision.” Luciano said, fiddling with the ring wrapped around his finger. I might have gotten lost in my thoughts for a second.

“I am sure that…” I began but something behind him gathered my attention.

The smile on my face faded, and he seemed to notice my sudden change in expression. He frowned at me and then followed my gaze to a couple who was just walking into the restaurant. It can't be, I think to myself. His head is back to me but his familiar frame and light brown hair have their own hidden door in my memory. A door that had been locked for quite a while.

“Who is that?” He asked and my eyes darted back to his confused face.

“Umm, his name is Festus. His family is close to mine and we dated for a year back in Italy.” My voice was low and I glanced at his back as if I was afraid he could hear me.

“But I am not sure if it is…”

The second he turned his head my way, our eyes locked and he looked just as surprised as I am. He hasn't changed much, perhaps a little more muscular body, more facial hair that was shaved so that only the dark stubble shows. His lips form a smile and he mutters something to his date before they both walk our way and the waiter strolling behind. Are they coming here? Shit! When they reached us, he let go of the fair-haired woman and gestured to me for a hug.

“Abigail, I haven't seen you in forever.” He said cheerfully.

I glanced at a confused Luciano and stood up to embrace him carefully, but just as I remember, he tightened his arms around me before letting go. His hands moved to mine and he kissed them politely and instead of allowing me to sit down again, he kept a light grip on them.

“You look as beautiful as the last time I saw you. In nothing other than a friendly way of course.” He grins, his eyes dropping to my chest for a mere second. I didn't even dare to look at Luciano.

“Thank you, Festus. It is nice to see you again.” I said awkwardly.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” He exclaimed, letting go to wrap one arm around the woman next to him.

“This is Jane.” 

I introduced myself to her with a handshake and turned my attention to Luciano who was ascending from his seat to do the same. I watched with my breath caught in my throat as he steps closer to the pair and shook their hands with even a smile plastered on his face. Where is the man who would beat up anyone who looked at me wrongly? And why do I miss him? When they introduce each other, the waiter comes and we are just about to say goodbye.

“It seems you know each other, this table is actually available if you would rather want that?” The man said and gestured towards the table right next to us.

Yes, because who wouldn't want to have dinner with your current boyfriend right next to your ex-boyfriend.

“That would be fun.” Luciano said and I stared at him in disbelief, but he only grinned with mischief.

I have no idea where this sudden switch in attitude came from but it was not like I can say no, that would just be rude. So they sat down while I dread how this dinner would end.

When we all have decided and ordered our food, uncomfortable silence falls and drapes over our shoulders like an unwanted robe. I looked at Luciano, thinking I would see him shift in discomfort like I am but he was as calm as a bird. In a leaned back position, his conjoined fingers are drumming on his torso. Why the hell is so relaxed?

I narrowed my eyes at him, receiving a back-tilted smirk. He then leaned forward as he broke our gaze and eyes on the couple beside us. He was the first to break the silence.

“I don't think Abigail has ever mentioned you, how long did you guys date?” He asked, faking an interesting tone.

“About a year or so I believe, right?” He looked at me for affirmation and I nodded.

“Yes, it was when I lived in Italy. I am very close to my grandparents so I stayed with them for a long amount of time.” I explained.

“Oh, so who dumped who then?” Luciano asked again.

The conversation, actually the whole situation, was growing more awkward by the second, especially as I guessed where Luciano was headed with that. I didn't believe he had any good intentions whatsoever, despite his polite invited to them.

“Umm, it was Abigail actually.” Festus finally replied.

I remember our break-up as it was yesterday, I even remember vague parts of our relationship. For being as young as seventeen, we were actually sort of serious, we had a pretty normal relationship for someone that age, it wasn't the perfect romance but he always put me first and worshiped the ground u walked on. But it was never any thrill. Sure we were young but it didn't really do anything for me. Towards the end of our relationship, there were rumors going around that he had cheated on me at a party I didn't attend but I never found out if it was true. And when I finally broke up with him, his whole personality changed and he started getting defensive and rude.

“So you came back to this city to win her back or what?” Luciano pushed, the filter vanishing from his lips entirely. I cast him a warning glance but his smirk deepens and Festus chuckled.

“No, no, that was in the past. I found out I could do much better once I moved on. It was stupid how hung up I was honestly.” He said, gaining back some confidence all of a sudden. I looked at him in confusion, he chuckled at my expression.

“What? I am just saying, getting your heart broken by someone like you wasn't exactly worth it. It was practically a one-sided relationship.” He said.

“One-sided? How exactly was it one-sided?” I frown in irritation.

“You dated me as long as it suited you and even though I treated you well. You broke up with me for no reason at all.” He said.

I feel myself getting more annoyed with his presence. Not only is he lying, but he presents me as the bad guy.