Episode 334: Whisper Your Name

"Hey, so are you okay then?" The redheaded stranger asked, swiveling side to side in an office chair, forehead clutched in his hand, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers.

She averted her eyes. Though she’d apparently seen everything, it had happened in such an out of body way, that it hardly seemed right to stare. "Um, if you’re worried the police will bust down your door, don’t be. I mean, I’m not old enough to have drinking. I so shouldn’t have been drinking. But I am old enough for, you know. So don’t worry."

"That’s good to know at least. Thanks." As she slipped on her heels, hands gently ran the length of her arms. His scent, coffee and spring-scented soap filled her nostrils creating a sense memory of her time in his bed. Nothing else of it remained thank goodness. Just his scent. Like this never happened. She still didn’t know his name and wanted to keep it that way. "I have to go."

His fingers curled over her elbows, keeping her there, though a loose enough grasp to assure her she could leave if inclined. "Are- are you sure you’re okay? Don’t girls like to talk about this stuff? I- I could do that with you if you want."

"I don’t. It’s embarrassing. I was too old to be like this - like that. If you’re feeling guilty, don’t. You were... gentle or whatever, you didn’t take advantage. It’s fine." She clomped to the door, near tears grabbing her bag from where it must’ve dropped at the start of this terrible mistake.

"Could you at least tell me your name?" He asked, as she clutched the door handle. "It’s not really Michelle, is it? I’m Ryley Vance, just so you know who..."

She cringed. Just so she’d know she hadn’t lost it to a complete stranger. "Adria," she whispered.

"Adria. Pretty. No last name?"

"No."

Episode 335: Notorious