I bit down on my lip so I wouldn’t sob. He hugged me tight, kissing the sensitive spot just below my ear, whispering something I couldn’t quite hear.
I clung to him, not wanting to let go.
He pulled out of my grasp.
And then he was gone.
The Present
Iwoke up to laughter.
It was a strange sound that didn’t quite fit.
Deep and genuine, it filled the room.
I sat up in bed and looked around in a daze. For a minute, it was like every other morning.
Lonely.
But then I remembered Yoss and I had a momentary panic. What if he had left? What if he had slipped out while I slept?
I held my hand over my racing heart and tried to calm my breathing.
Then I heard the laughter again.
It wasn’t just one voice.
It was two.
I frowned and got out of bed, finding my robe and putting it on.
I could smell brewing coffee as I walked out into my living room. I wasn’t sure what I expected to see.
Yoss and Lee chatting in my kitchen was definitely not it.
Yoss was chopping onions with a smile on his face. The kind of smile that I hadn’t seen in far too long.
Lee was standing at the stove, dropping cut peppers into a pan. The smell of cooking eggs and vegetables made my stomach growl.
“I told her that Madonna was definitely not the look for her. She seemed to take it very personally that I didn’t appreciate the cone bra getup she had on,” Lee snickered, flipping the omelet.
“I can’t see Imi in a Madonna costume. Did you take pictures?” Yoss asked, chuckling. It warmed me to hear. Then I realized what they were talking about.
“Actually, I think I have some on my phone—”
“Don’t you dare, Lee Cutler,” I warned, stepping into the room.
Lee looked up and grinned when he saw me. “If it isn’t Sleeping Beauty,” he teased.
Yoss gave me a shy smile, which I returned.
“Yoss, can you get some plates? Imi keeps them in the cabinet by the sink,” Lee instructed, waving the spatula.
“Sure.” Yoss turned to me. “Uh, I made coffee. I can get you some. You still like it with milk and sugar, right?” Yoss asked.
“That sounds great,” I told him. Lee waggled his eyebrows once Yoss’s back was turned.
I returned his look blandly.
