Page 165 of Love Me Stalk Me

---

Your feelings are real regardless of where they come from. But taking time to understand them is important. There's no rush.

i think i need to talk to cal face to face about all this. figure out what we both want.

That sounds like a good plan. Remember, healing isn't linear. Be patient with yourself.

thanks for listening. for not judging me.

Always here for you, pretty girl.

oh btw, i got your gift.

What gift?

you know the gift.

Ohhh. The gift. Right.

yeah.

this whole week i just… i wasn't really in the mood for anything like that.

Understandable.

but maybe soon. when i feel more...in controlof my desires again.

Take all the time you need.

okay. i think i'm feeling better after talking this through. i'm gonna get up, shower, and wait for cal to come over. maybe have an honest conversation.

That sounds great, pretty girl.

Can't wait to hear about what happens later.

MAKE ME DINNER OR MAKE ME COME

IZZY

I dragmyself out of bed, stretching my arms over my head before shuffling toward the bathroom. My joints protest with each movement, my body heavier than it used to be. A hot shower is exactly what I need. The steam fogs up the mirror as I let the scalding water loosen my muscles, easing away the last remnants of sleep. My body still feels a little sore, but the evidence is starting to fade.

Which is good.

It means I'm healing.

It means I'm getting past this.

Right?

I towel off, wrapping my hair up and slipping into a fresh pair of sweats and a tank top that clings a bit more snugly to my curves than I’d like. By the time I step out of my bedroom, still rubbing at my damp hair, I smell it.

Food.

And not just food.

Really fucking good food.

I tilt my head toward the kitchen.

And there he is.

---