“I love you too. You don’t have to worry. I’ve already told Conrad that I’m with you. That’s not going to change. ” She stands on her tip toes and gives me a soft kiss. “We are just talking and catching up. It’s no big deal, trust me. I was out with him yesterday.”
I step out of her embrace again. “Emily, it’s two people who love each other spending time together. One of those people is you. The other one is not me. How is that not a big deal for you? It’s a big deal!”
She shrinks away from me and I feel a touch of shame. “I’m sorry Sweetness. It just blows my mind to think of you out with him.” My phone rings and I answer, “What?”
“Jake? It’s Tommy’s mom.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Ms. Smith.”
“It’s okay. I was just
going to let you know that we were back. Drake can stay here tonight, if you don’t mind. Tommy has been asking me about it all day.”
“Sure, that’s fine. I’ll run some clothes by later.”
“Alright. See you then.”
I slip my phone in my pocket and pull Emily into my arms. “I love you Sweetness.”
“I love you too,” she whispers into my chest.
I leave Emily’s and go home to get Drake’s clothes. I don’t waste time and go ahead and take them over. Back home, I pop a pizza into the oven for supper. Todd calls and wants to me to meet him at the rink. I eat my pizza and leave to meet him.
Todd and I have been friends for a long time. Emily spending time with Conrad is really bugging me. After missing a clear shot, Todd fusses at me. “What’s up with you man?”
I rest my chin on the end of my stick. “Would you let your girlfriend hang out with an ex, one she loved?”
Todd raises his eyebrows and whistles. “Emily had a boyfriend before you?”
“Todd, of course she has. Answer my question.”
“Do you love her?” The question coming from Todd caught me off guard.
“Yeah.”
“Do you trust her?”
“Yes.”
“Then what do you have to worry about?”
Emily
Thursday morning I wake up with puffy eyes. I cried during my dream, but I couldn’t remember what it was about. I climb out of bed and brush my teeth and hair. I wasn’t even going to change. I felt horrible and I just wanted to be comforted.
I called Jake and was relieved when he answered. “Can you come over?”
“Sure thing Sweetness. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I think I’m coming down with something though.”
“Okay. I’ll be there in a few to make you feel better.”
I hang up and bring my covers up to my neck. Remembering that Dad would have locked the door, I hop out to go unlock the door. I return to my bed and close my eyes. I had the worst headache ever.
“Hey Sweetness,” Jake says from the foot of my bed.
I throw back my covers and invite him to climb in. I rest my face in the crook of his neck as his arms wrap around me. “How are you feeling?”