Chapter Five
Seconds
“Move in with me.”
I sighed. We were in Carmen’s bed, our limbs entwined. I’d been rock-hard for an hour and she often had a teasing hand on me, ensuring I stayed that way.
“I need to take care of my parents.”
She seemed taken aback. “What do they need?”
“They don’t get out much. My father has arthritis and dental issues -- he’s in the middle of several surgeries -- and my mother has dementia and various other things. They both have heart conditions and take a lot of meds. I fix many of their meals when I’m here and keep them company, which seems to help. The dog-walking is as much for me as for Nicky; I’m planning a backpacking trip next month and need to lose weight and get stronger.”
She laid a hand on my shoulder, gently. “I’m so sorry. How old are they?”
“
