Page 9 of Finally, Our Forever

I ruffle his hair, and I crouch down in front of him. “I know, buddy, but we can finish the game at home. I’m tired, okay?”

“Okay, Momma. I love you.” My strong little boy knows when I’ve reached my limit. I hug him to my side.

“I love you too, Boo Bear.”

When we get home, Bennet finishes watching the game and plays in the living room. I put in a load of laundry, then fold the clothes that have been in the dryer for a few days now. After I’ve fed, bathed, and tucked my son in for the night, I curl up on the couch with my iPad. I bring up my Kindle app and begin reading where I left off this morning. After about an hour, I start to get sleepy and decide to head to bed. I promise myself that I will be more motivated tomorrow and will finish all my laundry. I might even get some cleaning done. Proud of myself for my adulting plans, I check the house to make sure I’m all locked up.

As I’m about to plug my phone in to charge for the night, I notice that someone messaged me while I was getting ready for bed.

Old Friend: I’m sorry, Maci Kate.

Old Friend: I shouldn’t have talked to you like that.

I guess this is Reece. Should I respond? I’m not mad anymore. Slightly irritated, and confused, but not mad. If I’m honest, I’m curious about this beautiful man.

Maci Kate: No, you shouldn’t have.

Maci Kate: Old friend, huh?

Old Friend: We used to be friends, Maci.

Maci Kate: I thought I was just the daughter of your parents’ friends…

Old Friend: I was so fucking stupid to say that.

Yeah, you were, jerk! At least he realizes it now, though.

Old Friend: It was a lie, all of it, what I said that day.

Maci Kate: Why say it then?

He doesn’t answer for a few minutes, and that pisses me off. I’m too tired for his bullshit.

Maci Kate: Never mind. It doesn’t matter now anyway. Goodnight.

I put my phone on the nightstand and turn my light off. I pull my covers up to cocoon myself in, and I hear my phone’s message tone. I debate whether to check my phone, but I’m too curious to leave it be.

Old Friend: Of course it matters. I didn’t know what to say to you. Maci, I was leaving for boot camp in a few days.

Maci Kate: So what Reece? You had to be a jerk because you were leaving?

Old Friend: It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Maci Kate: Really, that’s your answer?

Old Friend: Ask me again.

Maci Kate: Ask you what?

Old Friend: Ask me what happened between us.

Maci Kate: You remember what I said?

Old Friend: I remember it all.

Old Friend: Because it killed me to lie to you. It still kills me.

Maci Kate: What happened between us, Reece?

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