Page 28 of Deep Gap

This morning was… ah, a moment I’ll never forget? Maybe because I haven’t been with anyone in so long I’d forgotten how someone else’s hands on my skin felt. Although, touching Byron at first was weird. I hadn’t wanted to come off as clumsy or the kind of inexperienced that consumed me the first time I was intimate with anyone. I didn’t want to be bad at fooling around when everything he was doing to me was perfect… And earth-shattering.

My core muscles tense and I realize my panties are all wet. All I can think about is bedtime tonight, and Byron only dropped me off two hours ago. It’s shaping up to be one long day. He hadn’t even had time to shower before hopping in the car. I have to wash my sheets when I get home.

Home. I sigh and a million happily buzzing bees launch themselves out of my throat. I have to drop the mop and go lean against the wall to get my belly to stop flip-flopping.

This is all just too good to be true. I would have settled for: Byron randomly complimenting Greer that she’s pretty. Greer moves into Mac and Karen’s house. Greer’s heart goes pitter-pat whenever she sees Byron at the training center.

My goals aren’t lofty anymore. I’d go as far as to say I’ve forgotten the ones I once had as a kid. At this stage, I’ll gladly settle for a full belly and not drawing any criticism.

The door swings open and Karen enters.

“I’m sorry. I was taking a break.”

“Are you kidding me? You’re impeccable. There’s going to be an unwritten rule that you cannot tidy up once you move in because my current housekeeper pales in comparison.” Karen puts her hands on her hips. “I don’t want to take advantage. I do want to talk to you about transferring your things between the houses.”

“About that.” I begin sheepishly. “I’m going to stay put at Byron’s… for a while.” I hedge when Karen’s brow creases.

“I thought moving was best.”

“That was… Byron and I had,” I search for an explanation that satisfies Karen. “A disagreement.”

“About what, sweetheart?” She rubs my arm sympathetically.

“Roommate stuff. It’s hard to live with someone when you’ve been on your own. Dishes in the sink. Shoes… Shoes are huge when there are dogs. Sneakers are expensive and the next thing you know, the soles are chewed and you have to replace them. And there’s never enough hot water.”

My rapid over-explaining leaves Karen blinking. “Well, I hadn’t expected to hear Jovie was a chewer.”

“Tallulah.” My head bounces on my neck.

It’s as if I’m ten and lying to Karen about where Ellis got the strawberry taffy from that busted his palate expander.

Spoiler alert: it was me.

“We’d still love to have you. Our offer is always open. Let me know whenever you change your mind.” My childhood best friend’s mother is crestfallen. My own mentioned they’d discussed ways to decorate the spare room I was taking. I deferred to their ideas. After all, it’s Karen’s house.

“I appreciate that. It means—It means everything, Karen.”

“So, have you melted the wax I sent over?”

“I’d been saving it, but Byron’s army buddy and his wife are having a gender reveal party for their twins soon.”

I’d been over the moon last night when Byron asked me to go with him. In all honesty, I hadn’t a clue anyone celebrated the sex of their baby before it was born. However, we’re supposed to bring gifts for the expectant parents instead of the babies. Byron saw a bunch of things at the bee shop that he’s encouraging me to try out.

My enthusiasm slips out before I can catch it.

Karen winces. “Are you going to the party with Byron?”

“Yes ma’am. Because I’ve met Trig, and it’s a chance to see Tallulah.”

“That’s lovely. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Keep your shoes on, though.”

“My shoes? Oh, yeah. I definitely will.” Oh, shit! “Is there anything else you need, Karen? I can come over after lunch?” I was stopping at the thrift shop, but that can wait if she needs to talk about Ellis.

Karen pats my arm. “There are things I need to see to today. We’ll get together soon.”

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“They’re dating.” Karen’s shrill squeak is audible from the hall.

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