N I N E T Y - N I N E

The bed squeaked as Kate shifted, one arm sleepily reaching out for the solid mass that was Colton. Her palm hit cool linen, the empty space beside her in Paloma’s small spare bed feeling gigantic. There was no lingering scent of cigarettes, no woody leather or mint from his toothpaste drifting in her direction, no soothing touch from his callused fingertips… It always took her being away from him to realize just how prominent his presence was in her life. The memories of yesterday morning came flooding back; the envelope, the photograph, Colton kicking her out again.

From beside her, her cell vibrated – almost off the nightstand where she’d precariously balanced it before she fell asleep – and she jolted upright, scrambling to answer the call. She’d planned to be furious at Colton, but the lack of his presence had made her far too forgiving… already. 

“Hello?”

“Hey, sorry I missed your