Page 35 of Luci’s Lullaby

“What the fuck was that?” I slam the door, turning to Reese.

She crosses her arms. “I’m not sure what you expected.”

“Huh? Are you implying this is my fault?”

She places her fists on her side. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“How in the hell is it on me that she didn’t tell me who she was?”

“Have you ever considered keeping that thing in your pants long enough to talk to these women?” She narrows her eyes.

“Why are you mad at me?”

She shakes her finger at me. “I like her, she was one of the first people I met down here. She’s always been good to me, but if you mess with her.”

“She’s great, that’s what she is,” I mumble as I grab my shoes.

Reese tilts her head. “Come again? Are you saying you had an actual conversation with her?”

“Surprise!” I flip her off. “Yes, Reese. We talked, I guess that’s why I thought I knew a little about her. She was with Aksel and Em; why didn’t they call her out when she said her name was Rae?”

“Would it have mattered? It was obvious you had no clue who she was.” She glares at me. I hate when she ‘mom’ talks at me.

“It would’ve,” I snap. “It still matters.”

She watches me as I tie my shoes. “Wait, were you showering with her?”

“What’s your point?” I stand, shrugging.

A smile creeps on her mouth. “Did she get in with you?”

“No.” I hang my head. “Why does that matter, Reese?”

“You never shower with them.” She shifts her feet. “Why would you get in with her?”

“To save time, which I need to do now.”

“One of these days, you’re gonna have to put someone else before yourself.” She jerks her purse from the floor and heads toward the door.

“How did you know who she was?”

She stands with it open, ready to leave. “She works at the grocery store.”

“The one down here?” I point in the direction behind her.

“That would be the one.” She nods.

I rub the back of my neck. “For how long?”

“Since we moved here, Alden. So I guess a couple of years now.” I frown, and she goes on. “She moved down here her junior year because her mom had cancer. Her uncle lives close to town, and it made it easier for the family. She got a job and helped to raise her brother.”

“So that’s why I never saw her after I knocked her down?”

“Did you think it had anything to do with you?” She quirks her brow.

“No.” I roll my eyes. “Something she said last night but decided she didn’t want to talk about it, so I let it go.”

“Don’t you dare hurt her.” Reese stares at me. “I mean it. You bed hop, and she’s a great girl.”