Free Scars of the Future by Kay Gordon

though.”
    “Nah, it’s okay,” I said as I went back to the bedroom to start getting dressed. “I’ll drop it off in about thirty minutes.”
    “You are the best. Thanks Manda.”
    I ended the call with Maddie and attempted to tame my hair that had dried during my nap. I pulled it back into a ponytail, put on a little make-up to hide the proof of my exhaustion, threw on a sleeveless blue summer dress, stepped into some sandals, and walked out the door with the ice cream maker under my arm.
    I parked at the curb in front of Linda’s house and walked up to the door, knocking softly when I got there. Craig opened it with a smile and he pulled me in for a hug.
    “Hey doll,” he said as he closed the door behind me. “I didn’t realize you were coming today, but I’m glad you’re here.”
    I held up the ice cream machine. “Maddie called and said your wife needed this.”
    Craig nodded, taking it from my arms and gesturing for me to head deeper into the house.
    “Linda wants to make some ice cream for Kristen’s birthday tonight.”
    My steps faltered at his words and I suddenly wished I’d made Maddie come and to get the stupid machine. Seeing Matt and Kristen together was always a very brutal form of torture, especially because they couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other. I tried to formulate an escape plan as I trudged down the hall. Linda walked out of the kitchen and gave me a tight hug.
    “Matt and Kristen are in the family room and dinner is almost ready. I’ll have Craig set another place.”
    I shook my head and forced a smile to my face. “I need to get home. I just wanted to bring that by.”
    “Nonsense. You need to eat and I know you’re not cooking with it just being you in that apartment. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.” Linda’s tone of voice told me the discussion was closed as she went back into the kitchen. Even though she wasn’t my mother she still had that motherly power over me.
    I slowly shuffled back into the family room and managed to interrupt Matt and Kristen in a passionate lip-lock. They were sitting on the loveseat and Kristen was molded to his side. One of Matt’s arms was wrapped around her back while his other hand held her face to his. My breath caught in my throat and I attempted to back out, but Craig came in at that moment.
    “Okay, I’ve got the place set for you, Amanda. What do you want to drink?”
    Matt and Kristen broke away quickly with surprise as Craig’s words boomed through the family room. Kristen gave me a small smile as a blush crept onto her cheeks, but Matt looked irritated at my presence.
    “Water, please.” I replied to Craig as I moved into the family room to sit in the armchair. “Um, hi guys. I brought over something Linda needed and have been harangued into staying for dinner.” I turned my eyes on Kristen and gave her the best smile I could muster. “Happy Birthday.”
    “Thanks Amanda,” she answered softly. “Apparently birthdays are a big deal around here.”
    I nodded, keeping my eyes on her. “Linda just loves to celebrate any occasion. I’m pretty sure she would have celebrated Matt and Maddie making their beds if she could have gotten away with it.”
    Kristen laughed quietly and leaned in to give Matt a tiny kiss. “I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”
    She stood and I hated how she looked so fantastic in a pair of navy blue leggings that accentuated how perfect her legs were. Her long white blouse was almost see-through, making her an equal mix between classy and sexy. Her long, brown hair was almost as long as mine and was stick straight down her back. The dark color of her hair only made her kiss-swollen pink lips stand out. I wanted to hate her so much but she was so damn nice.
    I chanced a look to Matt and he nodded to his girlfriend as he watched her retreating figure. The moment she was gone he set his gaze on me. His bright blue eyes were darker than normal and had a hardness