Page 107 of Someone to Watch Over Me

“I didn’t even get to ask you how you were feeling about it all before I screwed it up.”

“I’m feeling okay. I’ve heard other widow friends say it’s a relief to get the first time with someone else out of the way, but this didn’t feel like a box being checked or anything like that.”

“That’s good, I suppose.”

“It’s very good. Some of my friends have had casual hookups to check the box, but I never could’ve done that with someone I didn’t care about. I’ve never been casual about sex. Jim was my first, and you’re my second.”

“I wondered if that was the case.”

“Now you know.”

“Does that mean I have to share my history with you?”

“Absolutely not! Dear God, don’t you dare.”

He laughs at my emphatic reaction. “Phew.”

“I’m sure it’s in the high double digits.”

“It’s not even in the teens, so put your claws away, Cujo.” He turns so he’s above me, looking at me like a man in love. “And not a one of them could compare to Lexi Nelson, the ultimate dream girl. Or I should say woman. The beautiful, sexy dream girl grew up to be one hell of an amazing woman.”

“Okay, if you insist. I’ll do it with you again.”

“Is that all it takes?”

“Pretty much.”

He moves so he’s fully on top of me, our bodies aligned as he gazes into my eyes. “That’s good to know.”

We sleeplate in the morning as neither of us has anywhere to be since his cardiac rehab is canceled today for staff training. Who said being laid off and in recovery from a heart attack didn’t have a few perks? My ringing phone wakes us shortly after ten.

The caller ID shows Joy’s number, which is odd. We mostly talk by text. I experience a moment of trauma-fueled anxiety as I take the call. Please God, don’t let anything be wrong. “Hey. What’s up?”

“Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering if I could stop by for a minute. I have something for you.”

I’m ridiculously relieved that there’s nothing wrong. “Um, sure. What time?”

“In about thirty minutes?”

“That sounds good.”

“Fantastic. See you then.”

“What’s going on?” Tom is facedown on the bed, his face crushed into the pillow.

“My friend Joy is going to stop by in half an hour. I’m going to take a shower.”

“Want some company?”

Like a lightning bolt summoned from the heavens, I instantly recall showers with Jim.

Because he gets me, Tom says, “Feel free to say no.”

“I’m not saying no. Just taking a second to remember other such showers.”

He reaches for my hand. “If you’ve made enough new memories for a while, that’s totally fine.”

“I’m ready to make some more new memories, but we need to hurry up.”

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