Three times in one night.
I didn’t even think that was possible.
“Besides, like I told you,” I say, heading for the sofa as she follows me. I sit down, curling my legs up underneath me and leaning my elbow on the armrest. Iris mirrors me, sitting across from me. “It was just one crazy night. A huge mistake. I went out with Anya after I’d signed those damn divorce papers, and I wanted to just forget everything for one night. He was the perfect candidate. Except the fact that I found him standing in my office, with his daughter, asking for my help. Who would’ve thought it?”
“I never knew much about him after he moved away. I bump into his mother from time to time, and I always ask how he’s doing – but she never goes into detail.”
“And you don’t read the gossip columns.”
“Of course not.”
“That poor girl,” I say, sighing. “She really needs help.”
“And I’m sure you’ll give it to her; to them both.” She winks at me.
“Not the type of help you’re thinking of.”
“How do you know what I have in mind? Anyway, you seem to have decided on this plan, and I can’t see another solution.”
“Exactly,” I say, trying to convince myself.
“Then why are we still talking about it?”
I place my mug down on the coffee table and get up.
“Nothing. Let’s stop talking about it, now.”
I slip on the shoes I’d left on the carpet.
“Are you leaving already?”
“It’s only Monday. I have to be up early tomorrow.”
“Take some biscuits. You can eat them later, in bed.”
I smile as she heads into the kitchen to put some biscuits in a tub for me. Iris knows all of my bad habits.
“Here you go.” She pads back into the room and passes me the container.
“Thanks for tonight.”
“You’re always welcome, dear.”
I plant a kiss on her cheek and grab my jacket from the back of the sofa, putting it on and turning towards the front door. Iris opens it for me and I step past her, stopping in the hallway.
“I’m sure you’ll do the right thing,” she says, trying to calm me down. She must have noticed that I’m still not certain on what to do.
I smile warmly at her. “Goodnight, Iris.”
“Goodnight, honey.”
I go down the stairs that lead to the ground floor, open the door and step out onto the street. I cross the road quickly and head towards my building, which is only about a hundred metres from Iris’. I wave at the guys who work in the pizza place downstairs, who are bringing in the furniture for the night, and climb the stairs to my small, silent apartment. As soon as I open the door, Caramel comes trotting towards me, winding her way around my legs. I bend down to stroke her, as she pushes against my hand, and step inside my apartment. I go into the kitchen and grab a little bowl from the cupboard.
“I know, I know. Sorry I’m late,” I say to her, as she purrs against my ankles. “Here you go,” I say, placing the bowl on the floor and waiting for her to eat. I watch her for a few seconds before standing up and taking off my jacket, heading towards my bedroom. I kick off my shoes and slide out of my skirt, before standing in front of the mirror and unbuttoning my shirt. The bruises from Friday night are still there, marking my skin, reminding me of everything that happened; my legs begin to tremble again.
I let my fingers trail from my neck down to my shoulder, reaching my breasts. I watch my reflection as I take down my hair, ruffling it with my hands.
His breath on my neck, his hand slipping slowly up my side.
