Page 20 of Promise Kept

She manages to twist off the cap.

Then comes the moment she tilts her head back and misses her mouth completely.

Purified water dripping down her chin, down her neck into the front of her top.

My hands ball up into fists for a moment.

Larissa starts to giggle, then looks at me.

Her bright eyes blazing.

“Whoops,” she says. “I missed my mouth!”

I can’t help but notice the way the water glistens on her chin and chest.

“Want some?”

She extends her hand.

“I’m okay,” I say.

I’m not okay. I’m not okay at all.

“Why don’t you find somewhere to get comfortable?” I ask.

“Want to take me to bed?” Larissa asks.

I really need some kind of plan here.

I’m sane enough to know she’s drunk.

And she’s my best friend’s daughter.

But I feel a little insane right now too.

My best friend is dead.

His daughter is drunk and needs someone.

The wires in my head feel crossed…

Behind me the door opens.

I turn my head and there’s someone standing in the doorway.

“Whoa,” she says to me.

“Love!” Larissa cries out.

“There you are! What the hell is wrong with you?”

This woman rushes by me and right to Larissa.

For a second I picture the woman kissing Larissa.

I imagine she and Larissa together.

Together… yes… like that…

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