Page 46 of Little Twisted Things

“No?” How come?” He brewed himself a cup of coffee.

“I don’t know. Just one of those nights, I guess.”

“I have a remedy for that.” He grinned.

“Oh yeah?”

“When I’m not around, read a chapter before bed. It always helps to calm the mind.”

Read a chapter before bed. That was exactly what he told DaisyMae22 to do.

“Maybe I will.”

“Man, it’s really raining. Is it supposed to let up anytime soon?” he asked.

“No. It’s supposed to rain all day. That new restaurant opened on Duval Street. I was thinking we could go and try it out tonight.”

“As much as I’d love to, I can’t. We’re having a faculty meeting tonight.”

“That’s odd. Why at night?”

“Well, we professors are all busy during school hours with our students.”

“We can go after your meeting,” I said.

“It’ll be too late. Those meetings can last for hours. But tomorrow for sure.” He kissed me. “I have to run. I love you.”

I didn’t respond.

“I said I love you.”

My lips formed a small smile. “I love you, too,” I choked out the words. I took my coffee upstairs and got ready for work.

After showering, I wrapped a towel around my body and wiped the steam from the mirror with my hand. Standing there, I stared at myself.

“So, now you know,” The Librarian said.

“I don’t want you right now. Go away.”

“I’m afraid you need me, Dahlia.”

As I stared in the mirror, I saw her standing in the doorway, a leather book clutched to her chest.

“He’s cheating.”

“You believe he is.”

“I’ve seen enough to know,” I snapped.

“What are you feeling?” she asked.

“Betrayed and humiliated.”

“And?” she asked.

“Angry. I’m very angry. He’s been lying to me this whole time.”

“I need you to listen to something important,” she said. “If you let this decide your next move, it won’t be out of certainty. It will be because you’re wounded.