Page 10 of Be With Us: An Urban Foursome Love Story

‘Have you set some?’

‘No, well, sort of,’ she said, concerned that she’d done something wrong.

‘Probably for the best, if you want to really enjoy yourself. But if you do set boundaries, stick to them. Make them a golden rule, never to be broken and then don’t break them. Once the trust goes, it all falls apart. I’ve been there, and it’s shit.’

‘Thank you, I knew I could talk to you about this,’ said Emilia. ‘Wait, will you be there?’

Alice shrugged, ‘Maybe?’ she said. ‘Perhaps me and Cass could finally get it out of our system, eh?’

‘I’d let you,’ said Emilia, without hesitation.

Alice’s eyes widened again. ‘Wow, and on that sex-bombshell, I’d better go back to work.’

She stood up and downed the rest of her Mocha and then hugged her sister tightly, kissing her on the cheek and then holding her shoulders.

‘You ever need to talk about this, don’t hesitate. Nothing is taboo between us, okay? I love you.’

‘I love you, too. Thank you.’

Alice winked and turned to leave and then spoke loudly.

‘Even if it’s about bum stuff,’ and with that she walked out the door of the cafe, to silence, save for the tinkle of crockery.

Emilia went bright red and sat straight down, desperately trying to shrink into her seat but failing miserably.

*

Alice delivered the tickets in person a few days later and Emilia had excitedly opened the door to greet her.

‘I haven’t asked Cass yet,’ she whispered conspiratorially, as her sister stepped over the threshold. ‘Do you think I should surprise him?’

‘Surprise him? With an orgy?’ said Alice. ‘Maybe one step at a time, Em.’

‘Oh, ok. Are you coming in?’

‘No, I have to dash. I’ve got to meet with a client. In fact I’m going to be away for a few days in Germany.’

‘That’s not too far,’ said Emilia, relaxing a little. She always became anxious when Alice travelled.

‘No, thankfully. Had to pull two all-nighters this week, although a long plane journey would’ve been nice to reset the clock.’

‘When are you back?’

‘Saturday, just in time for the ball.’

’So you’re going?’ said Emilia, hopeful.

‘Maybe,’ said Alice. ‘It all depends on how knackered I am when I get back.’

‘Let me know if you’re up to it,’ said Emilia.

‘I will not,’ said Alice, winking and shushing her fingers to her lips. ‘I've got to go, take it easy, Em and don't rush things.’

Emilia closed the door as Alice drove away, then walked back into the living room where Cassian was watching morning television.

‘Who was that?’ he asked, looking up as he turned down the volume.

‘Alice, she popped by to give us some tickets for an event next weekend.’

---