Page 7 of The Missus
Serenity nodded and climbed off the bed. ‘Yep. Got to get to work.’
Keira couldn’t remember what she did, so she just nodded. ‘Are you sure I can’t make you a cuppa?’ she asked. It was a polite question that she fully expected a no to.
Serenity checked her watch. ‘Well, maybe I could squeeze in a quick one.’
Damn.
Keira jumped out of bed, slipping into a robe for modesty’s sake. She headed to the kitchen and put the kettle on, tea bag in a cup. She drummed her fingers on the countertop while she waited for the water to boil. Serenity smiled at her, and she smiled back.
Boil, you fucker.
At long last, the kettle boiled, and she made one cup of tea—pouring a shit load of milk into the cup to make it quickly drinkable—and handed it to Serenity.
Serenity sat down at the small kitchen table, getting comfy. Keira had little choice but to join her.
‘So, last night…’ Serenity said.
‘It was fun,’ Keira finished.
‘It was… Yeah. Fun. You’re… quite something.’
Keira knew she was good in bed. She’d picked up a trick or two and she liked to please as well as get hers. ‘Thanks. You too,’ she replied. She wasn’t sure where the hell Serenity was going with this. Keira wasn’t up for lascivious conversation this early.
‘So I thought… I wondered if you’d like to meet again?’ Serenity asked.
Keira’s smile faltered. ‘Well…’
‘I’m free tonight?’
‘Tonight?’ Keira asked, unable to contain her horror. ‘Can I just check something?’ Keira asked. ‘Your profile says you’re looking for fun, that’s all. Right?’
Serenity was shocked. ‘Is it? I thought I changed that.’
Keira paused. ‘So, you’re looking for…’
‘A serious relationship, yeah. What about you? Any wiggle room there for you on relationships?’
‘No,’ Keira said simply.
‘Oh.’ Serenity pursed her lips. ‘But, I mean, is that hard and fast, or…’
Keira felt panic flood her system. It was happening again. Whatever happened next was going to be sour and uncomfortable, in one way or another. Someone was about to be hurt.
At that precise second, she heard a sound from the hall. The sound of her opposite neighbours closing their door. She leapt to her feet, knowing she was taking a chance. It might be Alanna, or it might be Benjamin. Or it might be AlannaandBenjamin. But when she flung her door open, she saw Alanna, stood alone in the hall, putting her keys away. Luck was with Keira. She only had to hope it would hold out. ‘Alanna, oh my god, I didn’t think you were back till later!’ she said loudly. Alanna looked taken aback, and Keira threw her a panto wink mixed with a look of true pleading.
Alanna reacted with a speed that impressed Keira. ‘Keira, tell me you haven’t!’ she cried, pushing past Keira into the flat. Keira simply stood back and let her do her thing. ‘I don’t know what she’s told you, but she’ll never leave me for you!’ Alanna told Serenity.
Serenity’s mouth dropped open. Keira shrugged. ‘I’m sorry. I couldn’t control myself. I’m terrible.’
Serenity was appalled. But she didn’t focus that on Keira, rushing to Alanna and grabbing her by the shoulders. ‘I didn’t know, I swear! I swear it to you!’ she cried with high drama.
Alanna nodded. ‘I know you didn’t. They never do,’ she replied sadly.
Serenity looked at Keira. ‘Disgusting!’ she declared and stormed out.
Once she was sure Serenity was fully out of earshot, she turned to Alanna. ‘Shit, I’m so sorry to drag you into this again, but I panicked.’
Alanna chuckled. ‘It’s OK, I don’t mind. But I’ve got a client at nine, so...’
