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mom's sometime later. I leave out the details of where I
am. I know she's going to figure it out, but I try to avoid it.
Texting my mom and Robert, I let them know I'm okay and I'll be
there later. When later, I'm not exactly sure. Curling back up into
the couch, I pull the blanket over me. I wish I could mentally turn
on the fireplace. It was so comforting earlier. Falling asleep as I
imagine flames dancing in the fireplace, I hope this fog I am in
lifts.
    Feeling the couch dip, I sit up. Theron is
sitting at the end of the couch. He's clean and dressed, casually
wearing a gray sweater and some blue jeans. I attempt a smile and
he returns a lopsided one. I'm sure I look like a hot mess. Running
my hand over my bun, I notice most of my hair has fallen out of it.
Great, just great. I need to freshen up at least.
    "So the bathroom is down the hall I take
it?"
    "There is a half bath in the hallway, but each
bedroom has its own bath. First door on your left is the spare
bedroom. You'll find towels and soap already in there for you. I'm
sure you didn't want to smell like a guy, so I borrowed some of my
gram's soaps. Don't worry, she doesn't mind. I also laid out one of
my t-shirts on the bed in case you want to change your clothes. I
thought my pants might be too long for you." Theron smiles at me. I
nod my thanks as I stand. It takes me a second to gain my balance,
but I'm okay.
    The bedroom is light grey with white trim.
There's a queen size bed in the middle with a white duvet on it.
It's adorned with way too many pillows. There's a small table
beside it and a dresser across from it. Grabbing his t-shirt off
the bed, I walk in the bathroom. It has a double vanity with light
colored granite countertops. The shower is huge. It could
definitely hold at least three people with room to move around. I
lock the door behind me and strip down. I fold my clothes as neatly
as possible laying them on the sink. It takes me a minute to figure
out how to work this shower. I'm not sure I got it right, but there
is a steady stream of water coming out of the ceiling. Stepping in,
I close the glass door and let the hot water pour over me. I feel
like I'm standing under a waterfall. I love this shower.
    Wrapping my hair and body up in towels, I
notice the comb and toothbrush on the sink. Has he thought of
everything? I quickly get dressed and start combing my long hair.
Days like this when my hair is full of knots, I always contemplate
cutting it, but I never do. I take a look at myself in the mirror.
My eyes are red and puffy, making the paleness of my face stand out
even more. I look exhausted.
    There’s an older woman sitting at the island
in the kitchen. She has shoulder length silver hair, beautifully
tanned skin and looks incredibly fit for her age. She looks up at
me as I walk in, giving me the world's kindest smile. I wouldn’t be
surprised if she smelled like cookies.
    "It's true. You are so very beautiful. Would
you like a coffee my dear?"
    "Yes, please, it’s my favorite addiction."
Pulling out a barstool, I make myself comfortable. I hear the front
door close and I know it's Theron without looking. I can feel that
buzzing sensation under my skin again. Standing behind me, he leans
over my shoulder and gently places a kiss on my right
cheek.
    "I see you have met my gram. Evelyn Davidson,
please meet Isa Bianchi. This is her guest house we are staying in.
She's one of my favorite people."
    "My dear sweet, Theron. One of your favorites?
Well, that’s just shit. I am your favorite."
    I choke on my coffee as I take a drink. I
can’t believe she just said that.
    "Now, see what you made me do. I made your
very beautiful girlfriend choke on her coffee. That's coffee abuse,
Theron."
    "Please, call me Eve and I couldn't agree
more." Even though I feel like I'm dying inside, I can't help but
smile at her. Patting my hand, she turns to face Theron who is now
making himself a cup of coffee.
    "You bring me home a beautiful girl and she
loves