Page 76 of Let Me

I say, “Married life is off to a great start.I’m still amazed at how fast everything happened.I’ll have to convince him to have some people over.”

“Wayment…he don’t even have none of y’allsnaturefriends over there?”

“Nope.His—our—home is his domain.It’s not to be tainted.”

Riley falls over laughing and says, “Girl, you almost made me spill my champagne.

“It’s your own fault for laughing at everything.”

I take out my phone when the text message sound plays.It’s my husband.

Eek!I crumble, elated to have that thought.

My husband.I love the sound of that.

Come home.

My heart races at the message.Something’s wrong.He’s never texted me like this before.And that’s all it says.Come home.

“Girl, are you okay?Your whole face just—”

“I’ll be right back.I need to step outside for a minute.”I take my feet out the water and slide into those flimsy foam sandals they provide.

I grab my purse and rush to get to the exit while dialing him at the same time.My heart is pounding in my ears.I almost tripped over the rug by the door.Fortunately, I caught myself.

“Hey.”

“Judah, are you okay?What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, baby.Calm down.Why are you breathing so heavily?”

“You—I’m at the nail salon with…” I huff to catch my breath.“With Riley,” I say in tears.“And I saw your message.”

I wipe the tears from my eyes.

He says, “Autumn, I didn’t mean to scare you, sweetheart.I’m fine.I just wanted you to come home.”

“Why?Are you okay?”I say in full tears.

“I’m fine.Please stop crying.You’re breaking my heart.Listen to me.”

“Okay.”

“I’m fine.”

“Okay,” I say, still in tears.“I love you, Judah.”

“I love you, too.”

“I’m coming home now.Okay.”

“Okay.”

I wipe my face, go back into the salon, and say, “Riley, I have to go.”

“Girl, what happened?Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine.I thought something was wrong, but it’s fine.”

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