I woke up to a text message from Reed. I kept reading it over and over focusing on one word, love. He didn't say he loved me. I was sure it was just a term of endearment. I still couldn't get my heart to stop feeling like it was going to beat right out of my chest.

The rest of the message was letting me know that Abby was up for lunch and he was thinking about me. Goodness knew I was always thinking about him. I was either daydreaming about him or dreaming about him in my sleep.

I was happy that Abby agreed to lunch. I was also nervous about asking her. I decided I would call her after I got off of work. That would give me time to prepare what I would say. I knew it seemed silly to be so worried about asking someone to lunch, but Abby seemed to have that effect on me.

***

When I called Abby to set up the lunch date, she sounded cordial. We decided on  Sunday brunch at one of the new spots downtown. Today was the day we were supposed to be meeting and my nerves were in full effect.

I'd offered to pick Abby up, but she assured me she could get a ride to the restaurant. Reed had to work, so I knew it wouldn't be him. I thought maybe their uncle would drop her off. I had almost decided to invite Noel as a kind of buffer but decided against it. It was best Abby and I address any possible issues alone.

A hostess greeted me when I entered the restaurant. I'd made reservations since it was a new place.

"The other half of your party is already seated. Follow me right this way."

We weaved our way through the busy dining room. Abby was seated at a booth that was by a big picture window facing the street. She had her head down typing something on her phone when we approached.

"Hi, Abby."

She startled and looked up.

"Oh, hi."

Okay, that did not go how I’d hoped.

I slid into the booth across from her. She still hadn't put her phone down. I grabbed the menu in front of me and started to look through the options. 

When I couldn't take the silence anymore I asked, "Do you know what you're getting?"

"Yep," she didn't bother looking up at me to answer.

I gripped my menu tighter trying to keep my anger in check. I knew that stooping to her level wouldn't help the situation. Our waitress came by and took our orders. I was excited to try this place before I got there, but had lost my appetite after seeing that Abby wasn’t going to make this easy.

I clasped my hands together on top of the table. Abby still sat tapping away on her phone.

"Abby, how have you been?"

"Fine."

"Are you getting settled into Reed's place ok?"

This made her look up. The look on her face wasn't warm or friendly.

"I'm settled in just fine. Reed and I are great roommates."

"That's really great," I offered her a smile.

She didn't return it. I was at a loss as to what to say or do next. I didn't think that asking about her treatment would be a good idea. I decided to stick to something light.

"Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do for fun?"

"There's the obvious one, but I had to give that one up. Other than that not really."

I could see that this was going nowhere fast.

"I know that must be hard for you. I think it's brave what you're doing."

Abby let out a huff mixed with a laugh.

"I don't know how brave it is."

Our food arrived, and we ate in an awkward silence. I had to force myself to take bites. I didn't really register if the food was good or not. I was too busy thinking that it would all be over soon. Abby's phone rang, and she answered it without excusing herself. She spoke quickly to the person on the other line.

That was the final straw for me. If she wasn't going to like me anyway I had nothing to lose by laying it all out on the table. When she hung up her call, I went for it.

“Abby, I know you don't like me. I don't have any idea why. I assume it has something to do with your brother. I could be wrong, but I don't recall doing anything to you personally. I want you to know that I'm not a threat. I don't want to take your brother from you. I not only can't, but don't want to replace you in his life. I care about your brother very much and I know he loves you very much. I would never want to come between that. I'm here to offer you friendship if you want it. I'm also asking that you show me the same respect I offer you. If you don't want to be friends, that's fine, but I'm a human being and I deserve respect just as much as you do."

Abby looked at me for what seemed like forever. I couldn't read her expression. I didn't break eye contact with her. I wasn't backing down. I got the sense that she wasn't used to people that challenged her. Finally, her eyes flickered to the window and back.

"You're right."

I was? I stayed quiet waiting for her to elaborate.

"The only constant I've ever had in life is Reed. I've always been his number one priority. I don't want you or anyone coming between us."

"Abby, that is not my intention. I understand how important your relationship with Reed is. I would never do anything to try to interfere. I'd like to build a friendship with you if you're open to it. I'm not your enemy."

Abby played with the rim of her glass. She was staring into it like it had the answer to all her problems. I took in what was going on outside while I waited for her to collect her thoughts.

"I don't trust many people. I guess if Reed trusts you then I can try."

"That's all I can ask for."

Albeit small, I felt like I had a mini break through with Abby. I hoped that with time she would see that I was not a threat. At least she said she’d try. That was a start. I wanted Reed to be happy, and I knew that having his sister back in his life made him happy. 

I paid for our meals with the money Reed had given me the night before, and then we walked to the door together. I wanted to give her a hug but figured I may be pushing my luck too soon. She assured me she had a ride that would be there to pick her up any minute. We waved goodbye, and I headed to my car. I felt like we made a tiny bit of progress today. 

I sat my purse on the hood of my car and sifted through it looking for my keys. They were nowhere to be found. I remembered sitting them on the table at the restaurant. I stuff the content back in my purse and went back in the direction I came.

On my way back down the street, I glanced down an alley. What I saw made my stomach drop. I hurried across and then peaked my head around the corner. Abby was standing with her back mostly to me. She was with a man. He looked like he hadn't eaten or slept in goodness knew how long. His hair was a greasy, matted mess.

Abby pulled a wad of money out of her pocket and handed it to the man. He handed her a small bag in return. Abby opened the bag and placed some of the content on the back of her hand. She brought her hand to her face.

I pulled back from the alley. I'd seen enough to know what Abby was up to. What the hell was I going to do? I had to tell Reed. So much for progress.