32

I dropped the phone from my ear and continued to look inside my closet.

I’ll need more than just an outfit for our date.

I’ll need several in case I see him again after Friday.

Because I want to see more of him.

Because I like him.

Those thoughts were shaking me so hard.

My head dropped toward my chest, and my hands caught my attention.

I was holding them in front of me.

Squeezing them around the phone.

The large, round diamond was shining under the light.

The platinum band was leaving a dent on the side of my pinkie and middle fingers.

I’d put it back on when I was walking home after I threw up.

Rose couldn’t see it.

She wouldn’t understand.

So, I didn’t wear it when I was around her.

Or while I was at work because I didn’t want the questions.

And, now, whenever I spent time with Smith since that would just make things impossibly messy.

I’d just have to remember to take it off.

Thirty-One

Alix

Present Day

I got up from my workstation and went into the kitchen to grab the dinner I’d b