As soon as I got through my front door I plopped down on the couch. What an exhausting 12 hours. Most of it wonderful, but the latter part of it, not so much.

I just kept going over it again and again in my mind. Choosing to go to Nate, being with him...multiple times, and then finding out just how much of a scum Brody is. On the one hand, I’m free of him and that’s great, but on the other hand, how could I have been so stupid? I felt like I had wasted so much time.

My mood wasn’t putting me in a good mindset. I just started feeling regret over not telling Nate how I felt sooner. I thought about all of the heartbreak that could’ve been avoided. I thought about all of the horrible experiences I had with guys while I was trying so hard to forget Nate for several years.

I cried. Long and hard. Partly from exhaustion and partly from just being so overwhelmed by so many emotions. I felt frustrated, happy, full of disbelief for multiple reasons... but the bottom line, I truly felt alive. For the first time in a long time, I felt like myself, I felt free, and I felt full and complete. I don’t think you ever realize how empty you’ve become until you find someone who fills you completely. I found that in Nate, and honestly, I think I always knew that.

My phone rang, startling me out of my thoughts. I didn’t recognize the number.

“Hello?”

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Oh, Nate, it’s you. God do I miss you already.”

“Likewise. Long morning?”

“You have no idea... wait, how’d you get my number?”

“You’re not the only one who can charm front desk workers.”

I smiled.

“Touché. I’m glad you called. It’s so great to hear your voice, I really needed it.”

“Everything ok? Need me to come get you early?”

“No, no. I’ll be ok as soon as I see you, but I do need to shower and do some stuff around the house first. We still on for noon though?”

“Yeah, absolutely! Can’t wait.”

“Me neither. I’ll text you my address. See you soon.”

“See you soon beautiful.”

I checked the time: 9:45am. I had a couple of hours to relax and get ready to see Nate. I looked around my house and was grateful to find that it was actually pretty clean and organized.

I went to my bedroom, undressed, and started the shower water. I looked in the mirror at myself. I looked different. My cheeks were rosy but not from makeup. My nipples were still slightly swollen and erect from this morning’s fun. The biggest difference was my eyes, they no longer seemed vacant and bored, they were bright and awake and energized. In just a few short hours, Nate had helped me return to who I used to be. I had missed this.

I took a long, hot shower. I made sure I was clean shaven and smooth for Nate, I knew that’s what he liked. I got out and went to my closet to pick out what to wear. I went with a pair of dark skinny jeans, a black t shirt, a red cardigan, and my black boots. Underneath, I wore a dark red bra and a black thong.

I put on my makeup and quickly dried my hair letting it go to its naturally wavy state. I made sure everything in my room was clean and straightened up. Then I heard a knock at the door. Finally, Nate was here.

To be continued.