Joel didn't seem surprised to see me. He casually placed the panties and bra on top of the dress, picked them up, and carried them to me. Our eyes remained locked the entire time. A foot away, his arms came out offering me my clothes. I did the worst thing I could possibly do. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Joel looked at me for one long moment before doing the last thing I expected. He pulled me into his arms, my clothes pressed between us.

That's when I lost it. I sobbed ...