Page 17 (1/2)

So s

My sto He ht take me out and decide I’m not his type at all He may pawn my last session off on someone else to avoid me Hoould that be?

Maybe he’ll be the weird one Conversation ets too touchy? What if he has soe kink that I’m not ready for? What if he wants anal?

I shiver

Or what if he likes ain? And then what if they end up not working out, and I have to pull myself out of a mental hole for the second time in my life when I didn’t think I’d be able to do it once?

“Breathe,” Haley says, laying a hand onto be fine”

“I know” Kind of

Anna presses a rough kiss to my cheek and then heads for the door “Knock him dead, Mom” She stops in the doorway “Is that what old people say?”

I just shake my head

She shrugs “Or whatever Have fun I’ll be at Johanna’s if you need me” She looks at Haley “You ready?”

“Yeah Go on out to the car I’ll be there in a second”

Neither Haley nor I speak until the front door opens and closes We both exhale at the same time

“Tell oing to embarrass myself”

“You are going to have the best time, and I can’t wait for you to tell me all about it toan “I’ll tell Anna that if she doesn’t hear froht, to call me, and she can sleep at my house”

My heart tugs in my chest I smile at my friend

“I appreciate you, Haley”

“I know you do I also know you’d do the same for me”

“In a heartbeat”

She winks and heads for the door “Call me if you need me Otherwise, have fun Relax Enjoy the handsome devil”

I take a deep breath “Okay”

“Okay” She blows

The house feels empty as soon as the front door latches shut The unexpected quiet and space give hts

I pick up a picture frarandmother and reen beans for the winter