Blinking, all at once able to breathe, like an ice cold sword arching to the bottom of her lungs, Lexi let him go. She wrapped her arms around herself and took the deep breaths, even though they hurt, even though the past and the present for the moment had gotten way too fuzzy in her head. It was like she couldn't quite push through the one to get to the other and she just had to stand there, eyes closed, counting the seconds between filling her lungs and letting the air ease out.
Finally she moved, to the kitchen, putting a kettle on and finding the menu for the Chinese place. She ordered far too much food because Buddy looked like he could use it, like he needed someone to take care of him, before settling into the couch and flicking through channels. Her legs pulled up to her chest, dark hair in soft waves to her shoulders, brushing her chin, Lexi told herself not to strain to listen for the sounds of Ben coming back.