Roderick was home early last night and this was new. For some months now he's been working late at the office, and she knows too well where the office is.

Allyson paid no attention to all of Roderick's tantrums last night, she's already had to deal with sitting by herself for a date, waiting for a man who's broken her heart once before.

She read somewhere about an article. Moth to the flame. It's a fatalistic proverb that describes the self destructive nature of the moth. A moth will fly, flickering its way towards the flames and will inevitably burn itself.

Just like the moth she keeps going back to the same people who hurt her. Her husband and her college sweetheart.

Sitting down to have lunch with Cassie, was a break she needed. All she wanted was wine and vibes. She needed to apologize to her friend for going off at her at the fashion show.

“I can't believe the food still hasn't come,” Cassie complained. “If that waiter wasn't hot, I'd say something.”

“It's a pretty day Cas, enjoy it.” Allyson smiled at her friend.

“Did you see those men behind you? The good looking one in the Armani jacket keeps looking over here.”

“Why don't you go over there and introduce yourself?” Allyson kept looking down at her phone, still no message from Liam.

“What if he's just looking at you?” She pressed.

“Tell him I'm married.”

Just then, the waiter walked in a tray on his hands. “Sorry ladies, the kitchen's is a bit backed up.”

“No problem, it's fine.” Cassie said coquettishly.

He set a bread bowl in front of each of them. “Two plates of butternut squash soup, and a plate of chicken salad. Can I get you anything else?”

“The mind reels,” Cassie said.

Allyson shook her head. “ No, we're fine, thank you.”

“Enjoy.” The waiter hurried back inside.

Cassie looked at her and she noticed Allyson was paying too much attention to her phone, and she looked oblivious. Maybe she was expecting an important call.

Trying to cheer her up, Cassie said. “That waiter is the most attractive man I've seen today.”

“Cassie I thought you were seeing someone? Don't tell me you guys broke up before I got to meet him.” She waved her spoon as she spoke.

Cassie has never been married, although she's been engaged three times, and has had dozen other relationships. She gave catch and release a whole new meaning. Again and again, she would reel in Mr right, then proceed to bash him over the head, scale him, guy him and throw him back into the late for not measuring up.

Whenever she'll introduce her latest boyfriend, Allyson would always smile and ask him the usual questions, while a part of her would want to whisper in his ears, “Run you fool, run now while you still can.”

“Who said I can't see more than one person? Men do that all the time.” Cassie spoke.

Allyson sipped her drink, men do that all the time, why can't she? Cassie was right.

“I had a date last night,” Allyson blurted out. She knew she wasn't supposed to say that.

“Girl, now that's some real badass move. Spill.” Taking a big gulp from her iced tea, Cassie looked at her friend, she wanted all of the tea.

Smiling at how dramatic Cassie was being, Allyson straightened her dress and continued.

“There's really nothing to spill. He stood me up.” She sighed and slumped back in her seat.

“Wait, you mean he asked you out to dinner and then decided not to show up?” Cassie wasn't having it.

“That's what it looked like. I had dinner by myself last night. It wasn't that bad. That's what I get for trying to be cool with a guy that broke my heart once before. I deserve to sit by myself and feel the guilt of meeting up with my ex without the knowledge of my husband.” She said, staring into nothingness.

“Don't be like that Ally, maybe something came up or there was an emergency. I don't know but I think he has a good reason for not showing up.”

“I really don't care, I'm married now.” She responded, trying to sound unruffled.

Cassie didn't say another word, she knew whatever it is Allyson is feeling right now, she's been there before and she needs time.

Both ladies talked about other things and Cassie ended up going home with the cute man who smiled at them, from across the room.

They were both walking contractions.

…………

Stepping into the mansion she calls home, Allyson noticed the house was unusually quiet, but she saw Roderick’s car in the garage, which means he was home early from the office.

Slowing and quietly making her way upstairs to the master’s bedroom, Allyson could hear Roderick's voice. He was on the phone with someone, she strained her ears to hear what it is he was talking about. To her surprise, whoever it was on the other side of the phone, is really stressing him out. He was pleading for more time. This was unlike him, Roderick Chester never begs anyone.

He didn't know Allyson was back home.

Hazel wanted him over tonight. He knew Allyson wasn't going to be okay with him leaving the house, and he didn't want to turn Hazel down. The last thing he wanted was for Hazel to call Mike the hot bloke from the gym. So after going back and forth, he promised her he'll see her tonight.

The sound of footsteps coming from the door startled him, he turned around and saw Allyson, walking leisurely into the room. How long has she been at the door? Did she hear him talking on the phone?

Turning to her, she was already taking off her shoe and jewelry.

“Hey,” she called out to him.

“Hey, ahmm I will be going over to Pete's, we have work to do.” He said, picking up his laptop and coat, and left the room. It feels like her presence was upsetting to him.

Allyson, who had been at the other side of the door, listening to his one-sided conversation, knew he was talking to Hazel. Feeling defeated, she laid on her back and sobbed.