Page 101 of Lust For

I think about this morning when he took me in the shower. I’d been so busy lost in thought after reading a comment that stated if I hadn’t been born, then Serena and Derek would be so happy right now. Derek’s really good at that. He can tell when I’m getting in my head too much or when things are bothering me. He knows when to pull me out of my funk or let me stew in it. I’m not sure how he’s so perceptive. Maybe it comes from knowing me for some long or it could be just some gift he has. Either way, I’m glad he’s with me now. I hope things will be back to normal when I’m in Cary. Being here in LA and with Derek probably makes me an easier target. Derek stands out, being so tall and covered in tattoos. His look is very distinct. In Cary, I’ll fade more into the background.

“You sound like you might need several girls’ nights,” Emma says. “Do you want me to stay with you for a bit? Make sure you’re okay?”

I love Emma. She’s the best friend a girl could have.

“I don’t want to put you out. I’ll also have my security guy with me if Derek has his way.” I’m pretty sure he will. I might as well admit defeat now. It might be nice to have her there, though, because I feel like it will be awkward living with a complete stranger like that. But Derek has assured me that the security guy will be a professional or Derek will break his face.

“Oh, I just might have to live there if he’s hot. Then I’ll need to see if I can seduce him.” She giggles into the phone.

I howl with laughter. “You are something else.”

“It’s good to hear you laughing.”

“Thanks. I had no idea how much I needed that.”

“That’s what you have me for, babe.” She makes a kissing noise into the phone, causing me to laugh again. “Text me when you know your flight information.”

“Will do.”

We say our goodbyes, and I’m instantly glad she called. I lie back on the couch and doze until the door opens. In walks Derek, Aiden, and Brent. They look tore up. Aiden’s clearly been crying.

“What happened?” I spring to my feet as they all walk over to me.

They carefully make their way over like they’re approaching a cornered animal. Their steps are light, and even their hands are held out before them.

“Somebody start talking to me,” I demand.

“Have a seat, Aud,” Derek tells me gently, patting the couch beside him. “Please.”

He’s been crying too. Brent isn’t coming close enough, so I can’t tell if he’s been crying or not.

Aiden takes a seat on Derek’s coffee table, directly across from me. I can’t fathom what he could be about to tell me. My mind runs through a million scenarios until it lands on the one I don’t want it to be…but I know in my heart it is.

Dad.

“Aiden, just say it.” A lump is forming in my throat, and tears are starting to form behind my eyes. I close them, blinking them out.

Aiden sighs and looks up for what I’m guessing is strength. He lets out a sigh and prepares to shatter my world the same way his has been. “Audrey, Dad went to the hospital because he was coughing up blood. There was a tear, and unfortunately, they didn’t get to it in time. Dad passed away early this morning.” Aiden breaks. He slumps over and sobs rack his body.

“No!” I howl.

I lean forward and lay on Aiden. We sit there sobbing, clinging to each other. I hear another sob break out in the room, and strong hands are placed on my shoulders. It’s Derek; he’s crying right along with us. I’m not sure how long we’re like that, and I have no idea what Brent is doing, but eventually the door opens, and I recognize Dale’s voice.

“I got the security and tickets all figured out. A car will be waiting to take you all to their parents’ house.”

I assume he’s telling Brent, who replies, “Thank you.”

“Audrey and Aiden,” Dale says, “I’m so very sorry. Please know that I’ll take care of whatever is needed. Say the word and it’s done.”

“Thank you, Dale,” Derek croaks out.

I don’t want to move from this spot. I know we need to get home, but I don’t know how to even consider a world where my father is no longer in it. I just saw him. He seemed fine. The thought makes me cry harder. I wonder if he died hearing the awful things that were being spread about his daughter. I never got to talk to him.

My mom is all alone in Cary. I’m sure family and friends are going to see her, but Aiden and I should really be there too.

“We gotta move,” I say, extracting myself from Aiden and Derek. “Mom is at home alone, and we need to be there with her.”

“Aunt Ellen is there,” Aiden tells me.

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