Page 7 of Riley

I laugh a bit at that, thinking she’s joking, but then she asks: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Because that’s totally what this is.”

“Lils,” I start, growing serious. “It’s one thing to have a crush, or even a boyfriend, but in love? You’re only nineteen, kid. Love is a hell of a strong word to be throwing around.”

Lily deflates a little at that.

“Look, talk to the guy, get to know him, but don’t jump into anything serious too quickly. There will be plenty of time for that.”

“Yeah, I understand. Even though I know this is a different feeling than some silly crush, I won’t rush into anything. I don’t even know if he’s attracted to me.”

“He’d be stupid to pass you up, Lils.” She smiles, and I pull her in for a hug.

“Well, I just wanted to say hi! I need to get started on homework. See you guys later!”

After Lily heads out, I have entirely too much time to think, and my thoughts keep circling back to Adam. I was drunk last night and acted on my lust for the man. It doesn’t mean I like him, though – I’m feeling reluctant to get involved with someone I have such a volatile past with. I grab a broom and start sweeping up the lobby. It’ll be time to close soon, and I honestly just want to head home, have a bath, and get some sleep. I feel torn, and I don’t know what to do. I glance toward the back room where Shay is getting some paperwork done. Maybe talking to my sister will help.

I knock lightly on the door, and Shay looks up with a smile.

“What’s up, Ri?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” she says and waves me in to sit on the old sofa in the corner. “What’s going on?”

“I slept with Adam last night,” I blurt out, and Shay’s jaw drops.

“Wait…What?”

“We went out for drinks, got a little tipsy, and he invited me back to his place. It was good and everything, but now I don’t know what to do. It’s not like I can just get involved with someone I have such a rocky past with, right? And what will Krista think? God, I’m never going to hear the end of it.”

Shay leans her chin on her fist and thinks for a moment.

“Ri, do you think that maybe you and Adam have such a rough past because you’ve always had strong feelings for each other and just didn’t know how to express them?”

“If by strong feelings, you mean hate, then yeah, sure.”

“Look,” Shay says. “All I’m saying is that maybe it’s worth having a conversation with him. Who knows, maybe you guys can start a real relationship.”

“I really don’t see that happening, Shay.”

“Just think about it, okay?” she asks, and I nod.

“Yeah, I’ll think about it.”

“Great! Okay, let’s get out of here. I’m exhausted.”

***

Abby is in the kitchen when I get home.

“Something smells good,” I say and sit down at the kitchen table.

“Thanks! I’m making stroganoff. Mom’s recipe,” she replies.

“Oh man, I haven’t had that in years.”

“Right! Me either, but I’ve been craving it all week, so I called her up for the recipe this morning. How was your first day at the shop?”

“It was good. Shay said it was a slow day, so it was mostly just training and playing with puppies. How was your day, Abs?”

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