Valentine's in New Orleans, Without Me

The day before Valentine's, my boyfriend told me he had a three-day work trip to New Orleans.

I offered to come along, but he said:

"It's a company project. Bringing you wouldn't be appropriate."

The very next day, I saw Chloe—my best friend—post on Instagram: a nighttime shot of St. Louis Cathedral.

The caption read: "NOLA is stunning. Thanks Ethan, for showing me these lights tonight."

I called him. He picked up right away.

In the background, Chloe's flirty voice chimed in, "Ethan, this skewer of shrimp is for you."