Chapter 48

2. Finding Lust Again

Not until she realized it was booming from the next-door neighbor’s room did her racing heartbeat tempered down.

It was a strident rock song, probably one from the 90s, the detestable type that made her want to scream at both the artist and the listener to shut the fuck up.

Joel used to love those in his teenage years, a small voice reminded her, and she grabbed a pillow, tossing it at the window facing the neighbor's.

“Take that! Loser.” She yelled, grateful that the music was loud enough to mute hers.

No wonder she despised rock songs.

Stomping off to the kitchen to check on the pizza, she forgot to use a napkin for a second, scorching her fingers with the hot food, and she flinched.

“Shit.” Rushing over to the sink, she opened the running water over the affected fingers, and then her phone beeped on the counter, causing her to startle.

Screwing her eyes shut, she clicked her teeth.

“Today's defi