With tears pooling in my eyes, I found my purse on the small dining table, one of the buttons sitting on top of a note.
Shelby,
I'll never forget.
Love, Carter
Ahiccuping cry escaped me as I carefully folded the short goodbye and tucked it into the back of the frame. He'd taken the other copy, but I couldn't begrudge him that. At least I knew it had meant something to him as well. My charm bracelet was already in my purse when I put the picture in it. I vaguely remembered leaving it in the bathroom, and he'd obviously wanted to make sure I didn't forget it.
Just because he doesn't want to forget doesn't make him a good man, Shelby Ann. Be glad you've escaped unscathed. Well, only time will tell on that one.
We were careful, and I just had my period. Besides, he was never anything other than honest, and I don't feel he's the type to spread disease.
I was referring to your mama...
With a wince at the thought of Mama freaking out if I didn't make it home on time, I shored up my tattered emotions, washed my face, and rinsed with the mouthwash left behind before quickly taking care of business. The soreness between my legs, and just about everywhere else, was a physical reminder of the night we'd spent together. So were the faint hickeys and whisker burn on my neck and chest that I had no chance of concealing without a heap of makeup or maybe a scarf, but in this heat that would draw more attention than it was worth.
I'd barely made it to meet the girls, and they were less than happy with me for ditching them all night, but they'd grabbed my bag for me.
Unfortunately, I hadn't had a chance to change, or shower again, and Mama had made my life hell for several weeks after she found out what I'd done. Or at least the barest bones of it, anyway.