Mom gave a muffled laugh, reminding both of us of her presence.
A chagrined expression crossed Saylor’s face.
I shook my head. “You hungry, Ma? I’m pretty sure the kitchen is empty, but we can order in.”
“No, and don’t think you can just change the subject that easily.” She shot me a suspicious glance then turned to Saylor. “So tell me about yourself, Saylor.”
“I, uh, met Mal in Fiji where I was on my honeymoon.”
Mom’s eyes widened.
“Alone! I was on my honeymoon alone because I broke up with my ex. Turns out he was lying to me for years, had a huge gambling problem, and owed people all over Vegas money. But anyways, I met Mal at the resort in Fiji and eventually we hit it off.”
I appreciated that she’d left out our awkward first meeting on the airplane.
Kinda sad that we didn’t get to recreate it on the flight home.
And then I remembered.
Gio.
My best friend died, and that was the reason we hadn’t joined the mile high club on the flight home. I’d been too busy mourning my best friend.
I’d forgotten about him during that back and forth with Saylor.
I’d forgotten my best friend wasdead.
Tears filmed my eyes and clogged my throat.
Grabbing Saylor by the waist, I moved her over to the couch between me and Mom and hightailed it out of the room with a mumbled, “Excuse me.”
“Mal? You all right?” my mom called distantly.
No. Nothing was right. My best friend was dead, and I’d missed all the fucking signs.
I shut the bedroom door behind me and headed for the bathroom to splash some water on my face.
It didn’t help.
My hands shook, and when I looked at my reflection, I saw the same red eyes and gaunt expression that I’d seen so many times when I was using.
The thought of not feeling anything but bliss sounded really good right now.
Just one little hit.
I bet with a few calls, I could get my hands on—
“Mal?” Saylor’s tremulous voice came from the other side of the door. “Your mom and I are going to get some groceries delivered. Do you want to weigh in on the order?”
I closed my eyes and had to clear my throat before I could speak, “No, baby. I’m good with whatever. Ma knows what I like.”
“Oh.”
I winced at my less than stellar reminder that despite being married we’d just met.
“Okay. Let me know if you change your mind. Or if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else.
