Page 73 of Luci’s Lullaby

I chew the inside of my lip as I pull into his complex. “Should I text or just knock?” I hate this.

Parking, I grab the bags I brought and walk to his door. I tap lightly, in case Luci’s asleep. I lean in, trying to hear if someone’s up. The door opens, and I fall forward.

Alden’s arms are around me before I can do a face plant in his front door. “Hey. Already drinking today, I see.”

“I tripped.” I stand, straightening my clothes.

He curls his lip. “I thought maybe it was because you were leaning against my door.”

“I-I brought you breakfast.” I brush past him as my face turns bright red.

“You did?” He holds his hand up, and I stare at him. “High five.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, yeah.”

He laughs. “I thought I was the only one with the Zombies.”

“The Zombies?” I walk around the couch, sitting down as I get our breakfast out.

“The Walking Dead?” His eyes are wide like I should know what he’s saying. “It’s a television show.” I smash my mouth into a thin line, shaking my head. He falls into the seat beside me. “That’s it, I will educate you on the best horror genre shows.”

I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t do horror.”

“You’re hangin’ with me, you do now.” He winks and pulls a container from the bag. “What is this?”

I watch his face as he opens the top and a waft of steam hits his face. “Biscuits and gravy with cooked apples.”

“Homemade?” There’s a twinkle in his eyes.

“Umhmm.”

He checks the table and jumps up. “We need forks!”

“Bring glasses, I have milk.”

“You even have milk?” He jogs back to the living room and stands peering down at the spread laid before him. “There is a God, and he sent an angel to me.”

“One with biscuits and gravy.”

“And cooked apples.” He smiles at me as he sets the glasses down.

We make quick work of fixing our plates and eating. I face him, sitting crossed legged. We talk the entire time we’re eating. I catch myself getting comfortable, and my belly flutters.

“Is Luci still asleep?”

“She should be up soon.” He picks up our plates.

I reach over, helping him to pick up. Our hands brush, and I’m in high school again as a current runs through us.

“Owe.” I bite my finger.

“Gotcha,” he turns to the kitchen, “again.”

I fight the smile playing on my lips as I follow him to the sink. “Hey, while I’m here, why don’t you go shower. I’ll get Luci if she wakes up.”

“Are you trying to tell me something?” He blinks rapidly.

I touch his arm, dropping my eyes. “I am. You smell.”