“Hi, Mom.” “I went to church this morning and lit a candle for you.” “Great, Mom, thanks.” “I lit one for Keith too.” “I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to hear it.” “Well, let me tell him then.” Valerie’s eyes blinked open. Yes, her mother knew she was living with Keith, but still. “Uh.” “Give him the phone, Val.” She rolled her head and looked at Keith, sleepily eyeing her distress with amusement. “She wants to talk to you,” she said and nearly laughed when his amusement turned to fear. Biting her lip, she handed the phone to him. He glared at her but put it to his ear. “Hello, Mrs. Patrelli.” Abandoning her lover to his fate, she got out of bed, slipping on one of his button-down shirts but fastening only the middle button. She walked down the hallway, breathing in the wonderful aroma drifting in from the automatic coffeemaker, the low rumble of his voice behind her sending shivers down her spine. She flipped the light on as she entered the kitchen, scrunching her eyes up to keep out most of the brightness.
