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move in. He made a raspberry sound. Rent? Live here. I'd take good care of you. My girls, he murmured.
He became dead weight as he passed out in her arms.
* * * *
Sunday morning. He was guessing it was Sunday morning. He'd started drinking Friday after work, trying to
numb the pain he d been carrying all week and knew he'd passed out sometime after sunrise. So that would
mean... He counted on his fingers slowly. Saturday then, Sunday now.
By the time he had that much figured out, his head was pounding with a dozen or so freight trains making
circles between his ears. And none of their schedules were late.
Hey, a gentle voice said from beside his shoulder. A sweet angel's voice.
Avery? He closed his eyes before they hit cracked, breathing carefully because if he did more, he knew he
was going to die.
Yeah.
What are you doing here?
Making sure you don't kill yourself with alcohol poisoning.
Shit, he mumbled. Stupid.
You're okay. You've been asleep for about eighteen hours now.
He grumbled to let her know he'd heard her. Moving wasn't an option yet.
Here. A click and the light he was hiding from disappeared. Is that better?
Yeah. He opened his eyes, surprised he could see even a little as much as they hurt. They felt dry and hot.
What time is it?
One in the morning.
Sunday? Just in case.
Her laugh was light and airy. Yeah. Sunday.
He almost nodded, glad he wasn't losing his sanity along with his brains.
Do you remember the last drink you had?
Travis tried to think back. It really did prove to be a throbbing challenge. I think it had been awhile before
you showed up. I was about to find something else.
Good thing I showed up, then, she told him. Her next words were much firmer, her worry too clear to be
missed in the admonishment. Don't do that again.
Never like that. I promise. It hurt too fucking much. He would be paying for this for quite a while. Why
are you here? It's late...
Tender hands swept over his forehead then landed on his shoulder. A moment later her head rested against
him. Shh. I'm not going anywhere. We'll talk in the morning. You need to finish sleeping this off now that I know
you're going to be okay, alright handsome?
His hand automatically curved over her waist, tugging her sweet curves flush to his body. Anything
sweetheart. He laid there on his back breathing, thankful he could when he asked her, Are we going to get
Kaitlyn back?
We're going to give it our best shot, babe. We're going to give it our best shot.
He nodded, holding her close, then he drifted back off to sleep.
* * * *
Avery knocked on Kaitlyn s new door on a Friday evening. Come in! Avery turned the knob and let herself
in. Hey, Kaitlyn called cautiously, walking from the back hall. There was a stilted nervousness in her step.
Avery wasn t exactly ready to let her off the hook yet. She guessed that was where her bedroom was now. Their
last places had been identical layouts. This was her first trip to Kaitlyn s new place. It was nicer, but it was lonely.
She felt the absence of real energy as soon as she walked in the door.
Hope I m still welcome, she asked the woman standing in the apartment, closing the door quietly behind
her.
Of course! Kaitlyn rushed up and immediately drew her into a hug. You re always welcome baby. You
know that. Avery s arms slipped around her friend.
I missed you, she breathed.
I missed you, too. I m glad you called.
Avery hoped she felt that way ten minutes from now. Can you do me a favor?
Sure. Anything. Kaitlyn was curious, but not concerned.
Avery tipped and brushed a kiss to Kaitlyn s lips. Go to the bedroom and undress. I have a surprise for you.
A new toy.
Really! Kaitlyn searched her. Avery wondered just what it was she was looking for and if she found it.
You ve forgiven me?
No.
Oh. Kaitlyn s shoulders sagged.
You never explained
It s hard.
Avery ran a hand up and sifted it through Kaitlyn s hair. I want to save our friendship too.
Kaitlyn s relief was palatable. I m glad.
Go, Avery pushed her gently. I have to get it from the car. I didn t want to assume.
Kaitlyn swallowed, shaking her head in misery. I know. This is my fault.
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