Page 70 of Back to Me

Worried, Allison reaches her hand out as if to steady me. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “Thank you, Allison. It really was nice seeing you again.”

I run out the door, more than ready to go home.

It was difficult to keep myself calm on the way home. Between Allison’s mention of Julian, the alcohol burning in me, and the absence of Graham, I wanted to break down. I had time to think over every possibility, and by the time I make it to my apartment building, I chalk it up to a mere coincidence that Graham’s boss’ name was the same as the Julian I’ve come to know over the past few months. I force myself to believe there wasn’t a possibility they could be the same Julian. My Julian. Mine was evil, a man with burning green eyes. Graham’s was a highly regarded professional in the art world. No, our Julian’s were not the same.

When I reach the front door to my apartment, I insert my key into the knob. The key turns easily with little effort which means the door is already unlocked. My heart races as I turn the knob, slowly allowing the door to open. I step into the living room, finding the place empty.

If the door was unlocked, that must mean Graham came home. He’s here.

The apartment is quiet, just as it was when I left. I remove my shoes and place my purse on the end table. “Graham?” my voice echoes.

My eyes land on the kitchen island. Graham’s letter is missing.

“Are you home?” I ask again. Seconds pass in silence as I anxiously stand in the middle of the living room, waiting for him to appear.

“I’m home, honey.” My eyes immediately dart to my left, following his voice. Emerging from the opening to the hallway leading to my bedroom, I see him, the letter clutched between his clenched fingers. I inhale a sharp, quick breath, feeling it pierce the back of my throat.

“Julian.”

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