"Yeah, but still. We should've talked about this before—"
"I know." He rubs his hand over his face. "Shit. I'm sorry."
"It's both of our faults. I didn't even think to ask. It all happened so fast."
He sits up, facing me. "I don't have anything. I swear."
"You always used protection, right? With HER?"
"Kristen?"
"Yeah," I say, not wanting to think about that but still wanting an answer.
He sighs. "Not always."
"What does that mean? Like once or twice or more than that?"
"More. She said condoms gave her a rash. We only used them the first few times. She was on the pill."
"And you haven't been tested? What if you have something?" I get out of bed and go in his bathroom to clean myself up.
"Rumor." He knocks on the door. "I'd know if I had something. I don't."
I open the door. "How would you know if you weren't tested? You weren't the only guy she was with."
He tips his head back. "Fuck, you're right. I wasn't even thinking about that." He looks at me. "I'll see a doctor and get tested."
"Okay, but if you have something, it's too late."
"What about you? Did you always use one? With Axl?"
"No. He refused." I sigh. "Guess I should get tested too."
"Rumor, I'm sorry. I wasn't even thinking."
"Just remember the condom next time, at least until we get the results."
We shower, then watch TV, my mind filled with yet another worry. An STD. From Kristen. I doubt Jackson has anything but given my luck, it's possible.
I fall asleep on the couch in Jackson's arms. When I wake up, it's morning and he's gone. I search the house for him.
"Jackson?" I call out, but he's not there.
I go to call him just as the front door opens. He comes in holding a pastry box and two coffee cups in a cardboard holder.
"Breakfast," he says, smiling.
"You should've told me." I go up to him, taking the coffee. "I thought you were gone."
"I WAS gone."
"I mean taken. Like the cops came and took you away."
I follow him to the kitchen and sit at the counter.
"You'd wake up if that happened." He sets the pastry box down. "I got a little of everything."
Opening the box, I see donuts, croissants, apple danish, and four cupcakes.
