Part 9
Paul went back into the bedroom and put on a black t-shirt before returning to the lounge room and sitting next to Lauren on the couch. She looked up at him.
"You haven't returned my calls. Why?"
"I'm sorry. Look Lauren I really need to explain some things to you. I hope you can understand them. I don't know how much Rich told you about me.."
"You can tell me anything Paul, believe me I'll understand."
"Well you know that Richard, Tim and myself are best friends right? Well Tim and I are a bit more than that."
"So why were you with me?"
"We had a fight and Tim stormed out. I was angry at him, but that doesn't excuse me sleeping with you and hurting your feelings by having to tell you all this."
"Paul it's okay."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is. I have a girlfriend."
"Excuse me?"
"I have a girlfriend. Her name is Joanne. We've been together for a few years, but we have the occasional fight and one of us ends up sleeping with another man."
Paul just shook his head in disbelief. Lauren could have been describing the relationship between he and Tim.
"Well I guess you can understand."
"I can. And I'm sorry too. But I don't regret sleeping with you, believe me I could never regret that."
Paul smiled and felt himself blush.
"Thanks, I think. I just wish I could be free of regrets."
Paul felt fresh tears building up. Lauren placed a hand on his thigh.
"Paul? What is it?"
"Tim was in a car accident a few days ago, the day we met actually. He's still in a serious condition, they don't know if he'll come out of it."
"Oh God Paul, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. Is there anything I can do?"
Paul looked up and saw the true sympathy etched on her face.
"Would you mind driving me back to the hospital?"
"No problem. You ready to go?"
"Thanks. I'll just grab my jacket."
part 10