Page 65 of Stroked
“No. Not this soon anyway. I know she’s safe and that’s what matters for now. I don’t know if she’ll speak to me again.”
“Maybe you should try.” I opened my mouth to give a rebuttal, but he put his palm up. “Not today, fine. But in a few days. People get mad, but you don’t just stop caring. Not that fast.”
“Well, honestly, I can see why she’s mad.”
“Well, she should be mad at her mother, not you.”
I looked up at him with wide eyes. “James!”
“Where’s the lie?” He crossed his arms and tapped his toe.
“That’ll do, James. I’ll see you Monday morning. We have a crazy week ahead, so get some rest.”
Once home, I went to the kitchen and grabbed one of the Blue Moons still left in the fridge. Sipping it, I looked around. It occurred to me I hadn’t taken full advantage of my solo dwelling. All the nakedness I could have, being there alone.
Standing in the kitchen, I took my dress pants off, unbuttoned my top, and tossed it off, then stood in my bra and panties. I sipped some of the beer, then went all in. Tossing the bra and panties from the kitchen toward my door, almost making the shots, I stood with my hand on my hip, drinking a beer, naked in the kitchen.
This was the life. This wasmylife. Solo. The way it had been, even when Lucy was living here. Maybe this was all fine. Like Jaz said, it all would work out. I’d be fine.
Shut the fuck up, Amy.
This sucked. And was stupid. I was standing naked in the kitchen, drinking beer, like some creepy old man.
I put the beer on the counter and walked to my room to get some pajamas and pick my clothes up from the floor. I was grabbing the clothes from the floor when there was a knock.
Shit.Lucy. I told her I didn’t want to go to the club.
“Hold on!”
I threw my clothes in the hamper and grabbed my robe from the bathroom.
Pulling the door open once I tightened the belt, I started my argument. “I told you earlier, I–”
Except it wasn’t Lucy.
“Hi.” Valentina stood, arm in a sling, her eyes wide but puffy.
“Hi.” My pulse raced. She was standing in front of me,and all I could do was say hi?
“May I come in? I promise I won’t break anything.” She smirked.
I smiled and opened the door wider and stepped out of the way.
“Can we sit?” she asked.
I motioned to the sofa. “Want a beer, or some wine? Water?”
“Water would be great. My mouth has been very dry since the hospital visit.”
I poured a glass of water for her and grabbed my beer before heading to the couch.
Once again, we sat at opposite edges, barely looking at each other.
“Amy, I need to apologize.”
“No, you don’t. You were right and I–”
“No, I need to apologize for many things. Just let me finish.”
