Page 129 of Luci’s Lullaby

There’s a knock at the door and my heart is in my throat. “Get a grip! He isn’t gonna knock on his own door.” I roll my eyes and plod over. Checking the peephole, I see Reese and Emerson.

I yank open the door to faces that look as though someone died. “Well, gracious girls, did Luke Kuechly get married?”

“Hush your mouth, I would die!” Emerson giggles while Reese’s brows knit.

“Carolina football linebacker, gorgeous.” I glare at her. She takes her phone out as they walk in.

“What are you doing?” Emerson spots my bags in the hall.

I plop onto the couch with a sigh. “Getting my things out before Alden gets here tomorrow.”

“How do you spell his last name?” Reese peeks up.

“K-u-e-c-h-l-y.” Emerson rattles off. “Before Alden gets back?”

“Holy wowza! We need game tickets! I’m gonna marry him,” Reese interrupts.

“Keep dreamin’, Alice. I’m the single one here.” Reese sticks her tongue out at me.

“Alden’s already back, that’s why we came over.” Reese hits her leg.

I incline my head. “Come again? He’s already back. Where’s he at?”

“Chord’s.” Reese looks down.

My eye twitches. “Has he been with Chord all day?

Reese peeks up again. “Mhmmm.”

“He was with him earlier, wasn’t he! Alden was feet from me and didn’t even speak!” I jump up, rounding the couch. “He didn’t even want to see Luci!”

“Hang on, I’m thinking it was probably for your benefit.” Emerson leans back looking at me.

“How is that?” My mouth gapes.

Reese runs her hand through her hair. “They thought you’d flip if you were to run into him before knowing he’s back.”

“Uhh, yeah I would’ve, but for him to not want to see Luci. I have no words.” I’m so full of anger it boils my blood.

“He wanted to, believe me. I have, in detail, heard what he wants to do when he sees you and her, but you said it yourself—you would’ve flipped.” Reese points out.

“In detail?” I frown.

Reese rolls her eyes. “In ad nauseam.”

I wander the room finally sitting again. “I don’t want to see him.”

“But you love him?” Emerson quirks her brow.

“I do, but I’m scared.” I lean over, taking slow, deep breaths. “If things don’t change, I can’t be here for either of them.”

“He’s well on his way to cleaning his stuff up,” Reese insists, but she loves him too. She makes enough excuses for the both of us.

Emerson takes my hand. “You can’t dodge him forever.”

“I’m not dodging, I’m staying out of his way.”

“I’m sensing there’s something more going on here than just an argument.” Reese looks from me to Emerson.