Page 101 of Glad You Exist

I should have atleast brushed my hair before coming out here.

I woke up, instinctively reaching for Liz, and found her gone. I panicked a little and after pulling on whatever clothes were nearby, I headed straight out here thinking I'd find her.

I found this knucklehead instead.

"Same as you, bro."

He starts the dishwasher, lazily leaning on his side. His arms cross over his chest and he appraises me with a look.

"Your hoodie is on inside out. And backwards."

I look down and sure enough, the tag is hanging right there. This time I curse out loud. I pull the jacket off and curse again. I forgot to put a damn shirt on. Of all the stupid—

His laugh cuts into my internal freak-out and I flip him off as I put my hoodie on the right way.

"I would ask where your shirt is, but I already know the answer."

I roll my eyes, "Where is that, jackass?"

With a satisfied grin, he cocks his head towards the bedrooms.

"Liz is wearing it."

I know better than to respond to that, so I head over to the espresso machine instead. I grab a mug and start the machine. I can feel Kyle's stare and grumble.

"Spit it out."

"If this were anyone else, I'd say congratulations on finally getting some," He clears his throat, "but this is you two and that would be inappropriate."

I nearly choke on the americano I just made.

"Pretty sure it’s always inappropriate to comment on someone else's sex life."

Kyle snorts.

"So, you admit you got laid?"

Well…Fuck.

I walk over to the breakfast bar, making myself comfortable on the barstool all while he watches me. I can tell he's torn between making fun of me and wanting to talk about last night.

Hell. I think I prefer the jokes.

My heart and head haven't found a happy medium yet.

My heart shattered last night. I know Liz is better now. I felt that in more ways than one last night with her. But my head is still reeling from almost losing her. I suspect the guilt will cause a permanent ache in my chest and the fear I now carry with me all the time will continue to gnaw until it gives me an ulcer.

But then what happened afterwards…The hope it instilled in my heart threatened to chase the fear and guilt away. The trust she handed to me last night gave me faith that everything is going to be okay. My insides are currently waging a war. I feel so exhausted, I could probably sleep all day if not for the need to see her. Hold her.

Liz.

"She's with Kim."

I say her name out loud.

I wrap my fingers tight around my mug. I felt cold even though the heat was blasting in here.

I whirl around in my seat remembering I didn't turn off the fire last night or—

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