“What do you meanmyroom?” Isla’s confusion is palpable.
With a laugh, Bel leads her around the corner into the hall containing the third bedroom. She explains, “Well, I figured that since you’ll be visiting so often, this should be designated pretty much just for you. I’ve got your favorite candles, a white noise machine, sheets from that place you like so much. Oh, and there’s a desk coming next week so you can work whenever you’re here, too. It’ll be like a little slice of home.”
“How did you even have the time to do all this?” Isla’s steps slow, presumably looking around in disbelief.
“Oh, it was mostly Fritz. Whenever he’s not working, he’s ordering furniture or paintings. Caspian had to forcibly remove his credit card from his hand the other night.”That’s not entirely true. I asked very nicely.
They continue their conversation about what Bel’s been doing since her arrival, their work, and how she likes it here. I do my best to respect their privacy, turning on some music to do so. They only have a few days to spend together. The last thing I want to do is intrude on their time.
I proceed to work on my recipes, focusing on them until I hear Fritz working the front door open. As he walks in, he takes a deep inhale, giving me a silent thumbs-up followed by a finger over his lips in a signal to be quiet. I give him a confused look, unsure why he’s being sneaky.
He’s forgotten Isla arrived this afternoon.I should probably remind him before he does something foolish, but I’d rather let him make an ass of himself. With a grin, I spin back to my work. I only have a few hours before the rest of our guests arrive for Christmas dinner, and everything has to be perfect.
I pause the radio, hoping to hear the madness that’s about to occur more clearly. Sure enough, within a few seconds, a bloodcurdling scream breaks the silence, sending me into a fit of quiet laughter.
“What the fuck?” Isla shouts angrily, which is not what I was expecting at all.
Walking around the corner to investigate, I’m stopped in my tracks.
Those are Fritz’s pants.
On the hallway floor.
Oh, fuck.
Entering the bedroom, I’m met with the sight of Isla covering her eyes with both hands and Bel rolling on the floor, clutching her stomach. Fritz is bright red from head to toe, using a pillow to hide himself, looking properly mortified.
“What the hell happened?” I ask through stifled laughter.
He points at me with one hand, “You knew she was in here. You set me up, fucker.”
“Oh, my God. Please just put itaway,” Isla pleads, sending Bel into a new fit of cackles.
He storms back to where he left his pants, shoving one leg, then the other, into them, still bright red from the embarrassment. Muttering to himself, he glares at me and pushes past me into the bedroom.
“I’m so sorry. I swear I didn’t know you were in here. Caspian was playing music and I just felt Bel, and I figured she was in here getting last minute preparation done for you, and…” he trails off, eyes on the ceiling.
“Is it gone?” Isla asks.
My mischievous little Dove laughs from her spot on the floor, rolling herself to a seated position, “It’s put away, Isla.”
Isla uncovers her eyes, disgust morphing her face as she avoids making eye contact with Fritz. He looks at me again, ready to verbally tear me to shreds, but I hold up a hand to stop him, “I am sorry I did not warn you. But I did not expect you to sneak up on Belissenda completely nude.”
“Jesus Christ,” Isla mutters to herself, eyes on the ceiling.
“Merry Christmas?” Fritz tries, shrugging on a shirt.
“That was the funniest fucking thing I’ve ever seen,” Bel announces, standing and wrapping her arms around Fritz, placing a soft kiss on his cheek while he tries to rein in the pink stain still filling his face and ears.
I’ve rarely, if ever, seen him embarrassed. But I guess flashing your genitals to your girl’s best friend will do that to anyone.
Now that the initial shock has passed, both Isla and Fritz begin to have trouble stifling their laughter. Bel covers her mouth with one hand, keeping her own trapped inside. Fritz stares at her, silently daring her to laugh again so he can punish her for it later. Looking around at them, I realize we may need to start the festivities early.
“Who needs a drink?”
???
By the time there’s a knock at the door, the girls have already consumed several cocktails. Fritz made the recipe to match the theme, some cranberry and pomegranate sparkling something.
