Page 53 of Our Final Encore

Opal’s been dealing with this all on her own, for years now. I can’t imagine how hard that must be. A weird combination of guilt and adoration pour through my veins. She’s always been so gentle and loving towards everyone around her. It’s unbelievable that I’ve managed to push her to the point where she’s anything less than kind to me. Of course, I obviously deserve it.

“I’m fine, you don’t need to worry about me.” She gives me a warm grin.

I feel like I shouldn’t just leave her here. “Is Opal here?” I glance over at the little brick house, still in the exact same condition it was five years ago. Nothing has changed except that there aren’t as many flowers in the beds as there once was.

She squints her eyes at me like she’s wondering how much information she should divulge. I have no idea what all Opal has told her, but I can only assume she doesn’t have the highest opinion of me anymore. “She is. She’s still asleep.”

I wonder what time she wandered home, I hope she waited for the rain to stop at least.

“Gotcha. Well, I’m right across the street if you need me.”

“You’re back for good?”

I stuff my hands in my pockets, unsure how to answer. “I think so.”

She cocks her head and gives me a slight grimace. “I think you oughta figure it out before you come and see Opal, you understand young man?”

Shit.This woman has always intimidated me, and I can tell exactly where Opal gets her feisty streak from. I respect how much she cares about Opal though, she has every right to be wary of me.

“Yes ma’am,” I nod and try to fake a smile, but she doesn’t return it. “C-can you let Opal know I came by? I’d like to see her.”

She eyes me up and down again, and a slow smile creeps over her face. “Mhm, sure will, Alex.”

THIRTY-FOUR

Opal

I’m furious with myself.

Maybe that margarita had a few extra shots of tequila in it.

Who am I kidding? I wasn’t even drunk, I’m just an idiot. There’s no other way to explain what I did last night.

I still feel his touch everywhere, and fuck if I don’t still have a rush of adrenaline in my veins from it. The sight of his naked body above me, his golden hair falling over his closed eyes. It still feels like a dream, but now that I’m fully awake, I’m sure that it was very, very real.

It cannot happen again. It won’t. My momentary lapse in judgment was just that, momentary.

It happens, right? Sometimes people hook up with their exes. No biggie. My stomach dips and I take a deep breath, trying my best to calm my racing thoughts.There’s nothing you can do about it now, Opal.

I push myself out of bed, wishing I could just stay there and go back to sleep, back to a world where I didn’t make such astupid decision. But alas, duty calls and I have to be at work in less than an hour.

I hop into the shower, turning the water as hot as it’ll go. Steam pours out from behind the curtain as I slide my pajamas off and throw them into the laundry hamper. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, my feet stuttering when I notice a purplish-red blotch on my clavicle.Jesus Christ.I have a hickey.

I’ve officially reverted back to my teenage self. Waking up with hickeys from the dumb boy across the street that doesn’t really care about me, and never has.

I step into the shower and quickly wash my hair, trying not to let memories of last night creep into my mind’s eye.

After my shower I get dressed and comb my hair. I do my best to cover the purple patch on my chest with foundation and concealer. It doesn’t work, so I have to change into a crew neck shirt that completely covers it. I hate this shirt, it’s hot and scratchy, but I’m going to have to deal with it. I guess this is my proverbial punishment.

“Morning,” Mamaw eyes me from behind her coffee mug, her legs crossed as she sits in her rocking chair on the porch. Lately she hasn’t felt well enough to walk very much, so I’m actually shocked to see she made her way out here all on her own.

“What are you doing out here, Mamaw?”

“Drinking my coffee, girl. What’s it look like?” She smiles at me, and I see a hint of sarcasm behind her eyes.

“Ask me for help next time.”

“Oh hell, you act like I’m completely incapacitated.” She rolls her eyes and then returns her gaze to the Homes & Gardens magazine on her lap.

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