ELEVEN
AlmaAfter my tears cease, I make my way to the bathroom and step into the scalding shower. I allow the hot water to wash away the makeup, the curls and hair products, and mainly the shame. I’ve never been one of those girls who wanted to save all of my firsts until marriage, but I suppose I always thought that those moments, when they happened, would mean something.
Clean and dressed, I respond to Quinn’s frantic texts and let her know that I’m home safely and tell her to have a good time. Next, I call Amos. He picks up on the second ring.
“Hey, Mutt. How are you?” he greets me cheerfully.
“I’m okay. I’m good,” I add the last thought quickly so as not to worry Amos, but he knows me too well.
“What happened?” he asks, his voice concerned.
“Nothing. Something,” I stumble on my w
