Page 357 of Small Town Firsts

"Sterling." An odd feeling vibrates in my chest as I whisper his name, but I don't know why. "Where are we? What...what happened?"

"You don't remember?" he asks, his brow dipping in concern.

Little tidbits trickle in, falling like raindrops, slowly watering my brain with the missing pieces. "We were at a party."

He swallows roughly and nods.

The memories rain down a little harder, until finally, a full-on tsunami is taking place inside the dome of my skull.

Sex tape.

Sterling lied.

Pills.

These fragments come together, flashing through my mind like lightning. But the one that hurts the most is knowing the man seated beside my bed played a part in it all.

"Why are you here?" I croak, refusing to look at him.

"Little mouse, I'm so sorry."

"Don't call me that." I sniffle. "I want you to leave."

"I can't do that."

"I don't want you here." Tears gather behind my lashes; I don't bother to try to stop them from falling. "Please go."

"Baby," he says, right as a scrub-clad nurse walks into the room.

"Glad to see you're awake, Mrs. Price. How are you feeling?"

"Peachy," I deadpan.

"Good to see your sense of humor is intact. Let's see what's what." She pushes a rolling trolley in front of her, stopping at the side of my bed. After checking my vitals, she asks, "Do you know where you are?"

"Obviously in the hospital."

"Correct. You're actually in the intensive care unit. Do you know why?"

"Yes," I whisper. "Yes, I know."

She gives me a sympathetic look. "Do you know what day it is?"

"Saturday, right?"

"Almost Sunday. What year is it?"

I huff and rattle off the four digits she wants to hear.

"Great. How's your pain?"

"Everything hurts."

"I can get you some Tylenol…"

"No, thank you. I just... can I have some water please?"

"Very small sips." She nods as she passes me a cup with a straw.

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