Ralph looked so pleased to see me. He put his arms out. “God, Chrysa . . .”
His face was in full color and detail: he looked completely different from what I had pictured. I had to consider he might be Bad Ralph.
I let him hold me, just, to see what he had to say. He sighed and nuzzled my hair as if he needed comfort. And murmured:
“Is Eddie gone?”
Although I knew in my stomach it was base treachery, and I had a sexual agenda, and I mustn’t, I admitted that Eddie was gone.
Then Ralph began to stroke me. His hand went all the way down my back. I was all choked up, I unconsentingly yelped but
“I love you, do you know I love you?” Ralph actually said.
I burned from these mere words and had no choice.