Page 15 of Dark Cravings

Thomas: Me too.

Kenley: Can we maybe just go somewhere private? I don’t feel like shouting over a bunch of people.

Shelby: Sure. Would you guys like to come to my place this afternoon?

Thomas: I’m free. Kenley?

Kenley: That soon?

Thomas: You have Raven there and she started this chat. It must be something important. Why wait?

Shelby: Why don’t you guys come for about 2?

Kenley: Okay. Thanks, guys.

Thomas: I’ll see you both then.

Shelby: I’m at 16942 Bayview. See you in a couple of hours.

I dropped my phone and looked back toward Raven.

“Great. Now I have to talk to them,” I grumbled.

“That was kind of the point,” Raven laughed. “When are you going?”

“We’re meeting at Shelby’s at 2.”

“Well, I’ll get out of your hair, then. Just be honest with them. They’re both amazing people. If they’re open to it, the three of you would be great together in my opinion.”

“Thanks, Raven,” I said, leading her to the front door.

She gave me a tight hug and took her leave. I slumped onto the couch, wondering what the hell I’d just done.

I walked up to Shelby’s door just before 2 and knocked. I jumped about ten feet when Thomas walked up beside me.

“Jesus, you need a bell around your neck!” I gasped.

“Sorry,” he chuckled. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

The door opened and she stood with a grin on her face.

“Well, will you look at that? A two-for-one sale,” she laughed. “Come on in.”

“Hi, Shelby. Thomas got here just after me. Scared the shit out of me too!”

Thomas walked in behind me and we followed Shelby into the living room. She sat in an overstuffed chair while Thomas and I sat on opposite sides of the matching couch.

“How are you?” Shelby asked. “You left rather suddenly last night.”

“I’m okay. Sorry about that, I got a little overwhelmed.”

“How come?”

“I… umm…”

“What did you want to talk about, Kenley?” Thomas urged gently.

“I’m not even sure where to start to be honest. I don’t feel exactly prepared for this conversation but, apparently, Raven thought I shouldn’t put it off.”

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