Page 134 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Hey, what’re you doing?” His deep vibrato still throws me off.

“I’m not sure.” My voice cracks.

“I’m listening.” He’s always had this way about him that’s sweet and easy going. I take a deep breath. “Oh, that bad?”

“He’s back.” My body trembles. “He wants Luci.”

“Good, that’s what he should be wanting.”

“I feel so horrible for saying this…” I swallow hard.

“It’s me, say it.”

“I had hoped he’d want me too.” I break as the tears I’ve held fall unrestrained.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting that too.”

“He hasn’t even told me he loves me. Why do I love him?” The pain radiating through me takes my breath away.

“Charlee, love takes prisoners. It’s a bitch. But we all wish for and hope to find the one we won’t mind being a slave to.” Wow.

“Who are you?” I giggle cry.

He chuckles. “You’re little-big brother and I always will be.”

“I love him, Theo. Like breathing, I need him.” Words only my soul has ever heard.

“Tell him. He can take it or leave it, but at least you’ll know.”

“I told him,” I fib.

“You told Alden, everything?” He knows he’s calling me out.

I sigh. “No, but he should know.”

“Do you know how much it took you to finally give in and be with him? The courage and strength to rip it all off and just do it?”

“Yes, like it was yesterday.” My lip quivers with the thought.

“He has to find that before he can do the same, and let’s face it, he has a helluva lot more baggage than you ever dreamed of.” Damn, shut it.

“You’re right.” I roll my eyes. “You’re right.”

“So is he worth it to keep waiting for or are you giving up?” He nails me to the wall.

“I’ll let you know how it turns out.” I giggle.

“Love you, Charlee.”

“Love you, Theo.” I pause. “Hey, don’t fall in love.”

“Too late.” We end the call.

I drag myself to bed, hoping love will be nicer to me tomorrow.