Page 47 of Luci’s Lullaby

“To clear your conscience.” I shrug. “You know, I’m an adult and didn’t do anything I didn’t want to do.”

He crosses his arms. “I’m not here to apologize for having sex with you and only knowing your middle name or because I didn’t remember you.”

“Then why are you here?” I cross my arms, putting my guard up.

He shifts from foot to foot. “It’s been years, maybe that’s why I didn’t recognize you.”

“Okay, fine.”

He slips his hands into his pockets. “So you’re okay with it?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” I give him the thumbs up. “Thanks for the orgasm.”

His mouth drops. “Seriously?”

“I’m not sure what you need me to say.”

He licks his lips and everything south of my border runs wild. “I was hoping we could start over and maybe be friends.”

“Friends?” I tilt my head.

He runs his hand through his hair. “Is that impossible at this point?”

“I’m confused.” I chew on my bottom lip.

Alden rolls his shoulders as the tension builds between us. “Do you think we can start over?”

“You want to pretend nothing happened between us?” A painful tightness forms in my throat, I place my hand on it as I try to swallow.

He looks away. “If we can, yes. I think that would be for the best.”

“Just friends.” I nod as tears threaten.

He rubs his lips together. “Yeah, I’m a man-whore. You know this, you said it yourself.”

“I didn’t mean it, not this way.” I choke back the bile that’s rising.

“It’s alright.” Alden smiles. “Anyway, I wanted to make sure we wouldn’t be awkward with each other.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t what you expected.” I think I feel my heart break, and I have no idea why it is. “I need to go, thanks for stopping by.”

He tugs on my shirt. “Hey, don’t say things like that and walk away.”

“I need to go, I have to work later.”

He yanks on my shirt again. “Will you text me?”

“Sure.”

“Good deal.” He slowly nods. “Later.”

“Yeah, see ya.” I wave and waste no time getting in my door.

My mom follows me through the house. “Why did Alden leave?”

“Probably for the same reason he showed up.” I lift my shoulders and let them drop. “And I still haven’t figured that one out.”

She stands at my door as I crawl back into bed. “Don’t allow him to make you regret this. Everything that happens has a purpose.”