Page 90 of On My Side
Piper nods again and shuffles away.
I glance at Audrey. “Is she okay?” I ask. It feels like something is stuck in my throat.
Audrey laughs nervously and lifts a trembling hand to push her glasses up her nose. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“Shescared the shit out of me,” I say. “But she’s okay?”
“Yeah. She got her period for the first time and panicked.” She exhales shakily. “Thanks for staying with her,” she says, wrapping her arms around herself and averting her gaze. “That was… thanks. I have to run out to grab supplies for her and…”
“I’ll go,” I interrupt, pulling my keys out of my pocket.
She looks up in surprise, “Ren, no. It’s okay…”
“You should stay with her, she needs her mom.”
She exhales. “Thank you. I’ll text you what she needs. Do you know how to find tampons and such?”
“Six sisters,” I remind her.
“Right. Right. You’re probably better at it than I am.” She still won’t look at me, and I don’t know whether I want her to or not. “Thank you.” She turns to walk away, but I grab her wrist before she can leave.
“Aud, are you okay?” I ask quietly, in case any of her staff is nearby.
She pulls her arm away. “I’ll be fine,” she answers tightly.
“That’s not what I asked.”
She shakes her head. “It’s the answer you’re getting.”
I nod curtly. “Got it. Thanks.”
I walk around her and towards the lobby to exit before I can be foolish and say something else.
Because that’s exactly what I am when it comes to her, isn’t it? A foolish, foolish man.
Chapter 29
Audrey
Playlist: Can’t Take My Eyes off You (Acoustic) | Nora & Will
Audrey
can you get piper light tampons, panty liners, overnight pads, and peanut butter cups?
Ren
sure, what brand of tampons/pads?
Audrey
honestly, i’m not sure. can you grab one you remember seeing a commercial for or something?
Ren
i remember the brands my sisters use, i’ll grab one of those
Audrey
