Steph had spent the last two weeks at home. Her grandmother had died. She still had a hard time thinking it. Steph pulled up to Brad's apartment. She hadn't seen him since she left. She took a breath. It felt weird being back in the city. She felt the tears rush up and pushed them down. She knew her eyes were glistening. She didn't want Brad to see. Brad was the first guy she'd met that seemed to like her for her and she like him for him. Steph had a habit of dating narcissistic guys who made her feel bad about everything about herself. Her last relationship was all about her ex cheating on her. The situation had left her needy. She knew it. She didn't want to scare Brad off.
He met her outside his place. He wore a black sweatshirt and long shorts.
"Hi," he smiled.
"Hey," she managed to smile a little.
She felt a relief she hadn't felt in a long time. He wrapped his arms around her making her feel small, cherished.
"Shhh," he comforted her.
Steph barely remembered him bringing her inside. He kissed her softly, taking off her coat. Steph was pretty. Brad insisted she was beautiful, but she could only consent to cute. She wore dark denim jeans and a black tank top. Her hair hung straight around her brown shoulders.