Page 10 of Consumed By Fire

"Yes. Armstrong wasn’t my destination. When I had the miscarriage, I was already on my way. It took me days to recover and I still feel empty and guilty for not being able to protect the baby.”

"Honey, these are things that unfortunately happen and mark our lives. But you’re here now. You’re a fantastic woman. You have to move on, overcome the past. That doesn't mean forgetting it but you have to be brave and move on."

"Thanks, Leslie. You're better than a therapist," I say, wiping my tears.

"I know, right? Maybe I was one in my past life."

We both burst out laughing. I love her.

Lacey leaves shortly after, and I turn off the lights and go to bed. I’m tempted to text Dylan, but eventually, fear takes over and I put the phone on the nightstand. The night always brings good advice.

6

DYLAN

I can’t sleep tonight, either. I’d thought the nightmares were starting to subside. Instead, they always seem to be in a fucking loop.

I take a shower, trying to get rid of this feeling of guilt and the images of the explosion that have haunted me for years.

I hear the doorbell ring, so I put on a pair of pants and go downstairs to open the door.

"Good morning. You're awake. Awesome!" Charlotte says, entering the house, catching me off guard. After yesterday, I thought she’d avoid me. I know how annoying it can be when someone makes you feel uncomfortable. Sadly, even though yesterday it seemed like we had taken a step forward, I screwed it up, again.

"Charlotte, what are you doing here?" I ask and she freezes. I’d like to slap myself. I didn't intend to sound so harsh.

"I brought you breakfast. You need strength for today,” she says, placing the breakfast on the table as she takes off her jacket. I notice that she’s wearing her pink jumpsuit. I assume she has gone or will be going for a run.

"Strength? For today?"

"Yes, we have to paint, so the paint has time to dry before the furniture arrives,” she says while making the coffee.

If it weren't for the smell of coffee, I’d really believe this is a dream.

"We have to?"

"Yes, we have to. I came to help you. If we work together we will finish early,” she says and raises a hand to stop me. "I won't take no for an answer, Dylan. Tonight you're coming to stay at Paradise. You can't inhale the smell of paint at night, so pack a bag.” She walks toward my living room, passing me by.

"Charlotte, wait!" I say, turning her toward me. When her eyes are reflected in mine, I relax. "I can't accept your offer, but thank you."

"It wasn't an offer, Dylan. Just a dinner invitation."

"A dinner invitation? It seemed more like an order."

"Not an order but just an invitation from a friend."

"So, you’re my friend?" I ask.

"Don't you want us to be friends?"

"We are, Charlie. I will make it enough if it helps to have you in my life,” I confess and her smile warms my heart.

"Put on a shirt,” she says as her eyes caress my body. She licks her lips. "And have breakfast. We have work to do."

"And what exactly is the shirt for? I might get it dirty,” I teased her.

"It's for me to focus. You know you're sexy,” she says.

I smile and kiss her forehead, then run upstairs to put on a t-shirt.