Page 49 of Luci’s Lullaby

She tries to smile but it’s useless. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” I take a steadying breath. “I never should’ve slept with him.”

She leans over and takes my hand. “It will all work out.”

“I guess it’ll have to, as long as I remain his dirty little secret.”

She pats my hand. “When you see him, treat him like you’ve never met.”

“Ha! Don’t I wish.” I giggle. “I didn’t want to marry him, Em. I wanted one night with him. Don’t I deserve to be happy? I’ve given up everything my entire life. I wanted this one thing. For me, to keep forever.”

“You’re an amazing woman and any man who can’t see doesn’t deserve you.” She smiles.

“The thing is, I think he believes he doesn’t deserve me.”

“Maybe so, he’s an odd man to get close to.” She wrinkles her nose.

“He lost so much so early, wouldn’t it scare you? I know it would me. It still does.”

She studies me for a minute. “You think he’s afraid of losing people?”

“I’m just saying, I know I am. After my dad left, I thought everyone did. I can’t help but think he believes it too.”

She frowns. “What are you going to do?”

“What he asked of me, I’m going to pretend it never happened.” As long as I can convince myself of it, I’ll be okay.