My Tomorrow by Megan Nugen Isbell

went to Times Square and I think some time together would be good.”
    “Just tell me where we’re going and we’ll go.”
    “It’ll be fun,” I said, the wheels already turning in my head as I thought about where we could go.  I pushed myself up so I was looking down at Ethan.  His eyes were still focused on nothing.  I reached up, moving some hair off his forehead. “I’m sorry you had to sell the Jeep.” My voice was low and gentle as I leaned down, pushing my lips against his, trying to stir any sort of reaction from him.  When he began kissing me back, I took it as my cue to go even further, thinking a distraction would be good for him, but when I started inching my hand under his shirt, I felt his kisses stop and he sat up.
    “I’m sorry, Nat,” he began quietly. “I’m just not feelin’ it right now.”
    I didn’t know how to respond.  Ethan never rejected me, but he’d rejected me twice in recent memory and it hurt knowing he didn’t want me and that I wasn’t what he needed to feel better.
    “Can I make you something for dinner?” I finally asked as he scooted off the bed, pulling a sweatshirt over his head.
    “No, thanks.  I think I’m just gonna go for a walk.”
    “Want some company?” I asked, afraid of what his answer would be. 
    “You just got home.  Relax for a bit.  We’ll watch a movie or something when I get back.  I won’t be gone long.”  And with that, he left, the door echoing loudly as he walked out.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Seven
     
    Ethan hadn’t stayed out long and when he’d returned, he seemed to be in a better mood.   I didn’t press him about it and we didn’t speak about the Jeep anymore either.  Life went on.  I was anxious for Sunday though.  I’d finally planned our day out: Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art and then dinner.  I still had to get through Friday until the weekend was officially here though.
    It was ten a.m.  I’d been at work for two hours and most of that time had been spent trying to organize a file for a presentation Drew would be giving in a couple of days.  I kept my eyes focused on my work, but I’d be lying if I said they didn’t drift around the room on occasion, looking for Drew.  He was supposed to return from his trip to Boston, but I had yet to see any sign of him.  
    I’d just finished inputting some data into a pie chart and stood up to get it from the printer across the room.  As I straightened my black slacks and indigo blouse, I wondered how much longer I could pull off the corporate look on my limited wardrobe.  I’d paired it with a chunky crystal necklace to dress it up a bit and left my hair straight and loose, but I knew I’d have to scrounge up some money or run up my credit card more and buy some new clothes.  And that would have to happen sooner rather than later. 
    “Good morning, Natalie.” 
    The voice startled me and I turned to see Drew walking into the office.  He slid off a black trench coat and hung it on the coat rack, revealing meticulously pressed black pants and a black button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.  Flashes of black and white images plastered high above Times Square popped into my head because he looked like he’d fallen from one.  I looked down at his shoes and realized his whole outfit probably cost more than mine and Ethan’s rent and I suddenly felt like I was wearing thrift store clothes compared to him.
    “Good morning.  How was your trip to Boston?”
    “It went well.  I’m glad to be back though,” he said, walking past me to his office.  He shut the door and I grabbed the graph I’d just printed and walked back to my desk. 
    “How’s everything going?” Anna Beth asked a few minutes later, hovering over my desk.  I liked Anna Beth, but I still wondered what she thought of me.  Anna Beth was smart and confident, a native New Yorker and I worried she thought I was just a country bumpkin.
    “I think this