I snort and then wince because it hurts.
Oh yeah, you’re gonna feel that in the morning.
Lola
Worth it. I’m glad I unblocked you.
I sigh. She probably won’t be so glad about that in the morning either. But I don’t want to stop talking to her.
You miss me?
Lola
Every day.
God. What is happening?
You never stopped loving me?
Lola
Never. And I never will.
What happened, Lola? Why did you leave me?
I wait for a response, but it’s quiet…not even little dots moving. But instead of it making me madder, I have this seed of terrified hope taking root in my chest.
She still loves me.
It’s not enough to go on, especially since she still hasn’t texted back, but I don’t feel like I’m bleeding out anymore.
What is she not telling me?
I wait a few more minutes, set the phone on the charger, and turn off my light. I’ll text her again tomorrow.
It’s time for me to get some answers.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
WEAKNESS OR CLARITY?
LOLA
My headache has its own personality when I wake up the next morning. I groan while my eyes are squeezed shut, and when I open them, I hurriedly clamp my hand over my lids.
“What was I thinking?” I moan.
I shuffle to the bathroom and take a pain reliever. It’s a good thing I’m off today. I never would have had that much to drink otherwise, but this has never been the norm for me, whether I have work the next day or not. I got drunk once in college and didn’t like how out of control it made me feel, so I made sure to never let that happen again.
I wish I’d remembered that lesson.
The pills are already dissolving in my bloodstream when it hits me. I’m halfway back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling fan as it turns in slow, lazy circles, when I remember Tully’s words.What happened, Lola? Why did you leave me?
My stomach tightens.
Tully said that last night. Didn’t he?
I frown at the ceiling. Wait. Last night?
