Stevie took her phone back from Jennifer and stared at it for a moment before she took a deep breath and opened her mouth. "So... what did he have to say?"
"That he's sorry." Jennifer rolled her eyes, picking up Lily off the floor and into her lap to distract herself from the anger she was feeling inside. "He actually said that it was his sister." She scoffed, shaking her head. "I bet he doesn't even have one. Seriously, how do you pick-"
"He does." Stevie gulped. "H-he does have a sister, but she's much younger. I-I don't think it could have been her on the phone. The woman, who answered, she didn't sound like a teenager."
"See? I'm telling you, Stevie." Jennifer pointed a finger at her. "He's just a liar. Like the rest of them!" She added. "Honestly, I'm done with men. Why do they always have to play games with us, cheat and lie just to get us into their bed."
Stevie wasn't really listening to Jennifer's tirade. Was she too quick to judge? Maybe Lindsey was telling the truth? How could she possibly know, though? She could give in and talk to him. He would explain and she might even believe him until he fooled her again.
"Hey." Jennifer placed her hand over Stevie's and gave a gentle squeeze. "It's okay. You don't have to feel embarrassed for trusting a man. Again, it's just how they are."
"I'm not embarrassed." Stevie snatched her hand away and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm just... What if he's not lying?"
"Oh, come on." Jennifer sighed. "Don't do that. You want my advice? Give yourself some time, let your heart heal. This Lindsey isn't the only man on earth, there are plenty others out there, who will not hesitate to hurt you, when you're ready to start dating again."
Stevie remained quiet. She thought back to the time they spent together. Lindsey came across as a little arrogant, he even told her exactly what he wanted from her, but she believed, the more they were together, the more he allowed a different side of himself shine through. There were other choices, he could have easily charmed any other woman if she no longer interested him after they had slept together that first time. He didn't, though. He stayed. He was upset, when he had to let her go.
"Don't beat yourself up, he's not worth it." Jennifer spoke up after a lengthy moment of silence. "We should do something to take your mind off him."
"Thanks." Stevie gave her friend a weak smile. "But, I'd like to be alone for a while."
In her room, with the door closed and locked, Stevie crawled into bed and lay down on her back. She stared up at the ceiling, her mind racing. At some point, she closed her eyes and drifted off for a bit, until her phone pinged. She pulled herself up into a sitting position and reached for her phone. It was a text message from Lindsey, which didn't surprise her at all.
"I know, you're mad at me. I swear to you, I'm not lying. Why would I want to risk what you and I have started? I thought, I made it perfectly clear that what we have is a lot more than just sex. I hope, you haven't made your mind up yet and you're willing to hear me out. If you don't want me to call you, I won't, but I'd like to see you. I want you to be able to look at me, so you know, I'm telling the truth. I'll be home all day tomorrow. Here's my address..."
Breathing out heavily, Stevie put her phone away and lay down again. She had absolutely no idea what to do.
