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Chapter Twenty-Two
It’s been awhilesince I’ve had a slumber party.
When Olivia mentions that we haven’t spent as much time as we used to together, I felt guilty and talked Steph into one. Quinn has been spending the last few days working on the foundation for his custody case with his ex, and so I’m spending time to nurture my friendships.
We are sitting on the floor of our living room with the small tables we use as a coffee table pushed against the wall. I have Steph’s hand in mine as I paint her nails hot pink while Olivia has my right foot in her lap, painting my toenails, some random color.
We each have a face mask on and a hefty glass of wine.
The music is low, just enough for conversation and tonight was just what I needed.
“Alright, so why is it that we haven’t done this in forever?” Olivia asks concentrating on my big toe.
“Oh, I barely even see her. She’s always off with her boyf—” Steph pauses and looks up at me with wide eyes.
I breathe in and meet her frightened eyes, then look at Olivia who is staring at the both of us, expectant for an answer.
“Boyfriend?” she looks between us and asks.
“He’s just some guy that I’m testing the waters out with, you know, nothing serious.” I reply.
Steph doesn’t say anything, but I can feel the nerves and guilt radiating off of her. She knows that the relationship is a secret at work due to his title, and normally we speak freely about him—but this is a little different with Olivia. I forgot to mention the no talking about Quinn to others rule.
“Why haven’t you said anything?” Olivia asks.
“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it,” I shrug, trying to act unaffected by the statement, even though it’s a complete lie. “Especially if it didn’t pan out.”
“So, who is this mystery man?” She asks.
“Well, we met on the train after work one day. We sparked up a conversation and that’s about it.” That’s not a lie. I think to myself.
“What’s his name?” Olivia asks.
“Um, John.” As in John Doe.
“Well shit, when can I meet him? This John fellow?”
“I’m not sure, maybe I want to keep him all to myself.” I tease.
“Why would you want to do that? It’s always good to let your friends know who you’re dating.”
“Oh yeah and why’s that?”
“Well, if one day you are missing, we would be able to tell the police all about the gentleman who you have been spending time with.”
“Why would it be the guy that I’m spending time with?” I ask curiously.
“The police always look to the person that the missing is in a relationship with.” Olivia shrugs.
“I think John wouldn’t dare hurt a hair on Sidney’s head,” Steph steps in.
“You’ve met him?” Olivia asks with her jaw on the floor.
“Oh yeah, he picked her up here a few times.” Steph replies.
“We need some more wine, because I need to know a whole lot more about this John guy.”
Olivia gets up and grabs some more wine off the counter, opens it, and returns.
