When love turns to ashes
“I need to go, or mommy will come looking for me. She doesn’t like it when I disappear.”
Xander nodded, his throat dry. “Of course. You’re right. But… can I see you again? Maybe tomorrow, around the same time? Just here. We could talk some more.”
Valerie hesitated again. Her mother’s warnings echoed in her mind, but there was something about this man gentle, sad, yet kind that made her nod slowly. “Okay. But only for a little while.”
Xander’s lips trembled with a bittersweet smile. “Thank you, Valerie.”