i booked our anniversary at the restaurant where we had our first date, wore the shirt she picked out, and arrived with flowers. she propped her phone against the wineglass before we'd even ordered. the screen displayed adrian, her ai boyfriend, apparently dressed for the occasion
i watched her ask adrian which pasta he preferred and whether he thought her dress was pretty. when the waiter offered to take our photograph, she moved me to the other side of the table so the phone could sit in the middle. i asked whether this was supposed to be a joke
she told me adrian was her emotional partner and i was her physical partner, as though i'd agreed to a joint custody arrangement. i pointed out that i had planned the dinner. she said adrian would have planned it better
i paid the bill and walked home alone. she messaged an hour later saying i had ruined our anniversary by being insecure. i still have the flowers on my kitchen counter. the restaurant sent me a survey asking whether our party of three enjoyed the meal