Page 46 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I can’t believe this shit.” I leap from the bed, jerking out the first pair of shorts I can find. “Where’s my damn bra!” I spin around, looking everywhere when something at the door catches my attention.

“Were you looking for this?” Heat radiates through me as I spot my bra hanging from his fingertip, through a crack in the door.

I rush over, yanking it off. “For the love of Christ!”

He sticks his head in with a lopsided grin. “I love that you call on the highest deity when I’m around.”

“I said get out!” I put my hand in his face and push him backward.

“Charlee Rae, you be nice to that boy!” my momma yells from the kitchen.

A smile spreads across his face. “Yeah, be nice to me.”

“Alden, would you like to stay for lunch?” Mom asks.

I widen the door, glaring down the hall. “No!”

“Yes!” They say in unison.

I grit my teeth. “I said, no.”

“I want to stay, we need to talk,” he whispers.

“Fine,” I huff. “I’ll be right out.” He smiles coyishly as I shut the door and put my bra on as fast as possible. I peek down the hall as I step from my room.

“Where ya goin’?” Alden gooses me.

I scream and spin around to slap him. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“You’re not that much older than me.” He winks.

“Ughhh, what do you want?”

He follows me down the hall and into the kitchen. “I wanted to talk and apologize.”

“Come with me.” I smile sweetly at my mom as we stroll past her and into the backyard.

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” He mutters behind me.

I whirl around, staring at him. “I wish I could. What are you, a stage-one clinger?”

“No,” he frowns. “I want to apologize for the other night.”

“Okay, done. Bye.” I wave and brush past him.

He wraps my wrist and pulls me back. “Why are you so mad at me?”

“Alden, I’m not.” I release a heavy sigh. “I’m not, it’s just that, we went to school together and I’m surprised you don’t remember me.”

He nods. “I know you, I remember.”

“You know?” My stomach turns.

His brows draw together. “Reese told me.”

“So you only remember me because she told you.” My face turns blistering red, and not from the morning sun. “Listen, I know I lied about my name, and I apologize for doing that to you. But please understand, you owe me nothing. I’m okay.”

He stands there, studying me. “Why do you think I’m here?”