Southern Comfort (9781622863747) (15 page)

Saura clicked the long lighter until the flame lit. She lit the final candle she could find in the house. Saura paused when she noticed the lights in the driveway. She threw the lighter on the coffee table and ran to the bathroom. She checked herself out in the full-length mirror. She was happy with her look.

The living room looked so good it took Katrina a moment to close the door behind her. White candles were lit all over the place. The coffee table was moved and a blanket lay in the middle of the floor; on top, all her favorite types of sushi and a bottle of her favorite sake.

“
Konnichi wa.
”

“Oh wow.” Katrina laughed as Saura pranced out of the bedroom wearing a tight Japanese kimono. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” Saura took Katrina by her hand and led her to the blanket.

Katrina kicked off her shoes and sat down on a large pillow. Saura knelt down on her knees imitating the way she saw them do it on
Memoirs of a Geisha.
Saura poured sake in Katrina's small cup.

The couple laughed as they ate sushi. It felt like old times as Katrina listened to Saura talk about her time in Los Angeles and some of the women she lived with. She was especially obsessed with one roommate who ate only carrots for three days straight.

“So tell me about the trip. What was your favorite part?” Saura questioned as she poured more sake in Katrina's cup. Saura smiled when Katrina's eyes brightened.

“It was amazing. I had so many things I loved but I would have to say Rome was my favorite. Just being there felt like I was stepping into the pages of a history book.”

“How was the Coliseum?” Saura asked knowing it was one of the things Katrina wanted to see most of all.

“It was . . . Saura, it was amazing. It of course had issues, but to survive all these years and though a fire and earthquake it was still in amazing condition. They were working to preserve it, but just standing in there I felt like I could hear the crowd roaring for the gladiators. You probably think I sound crazy.”

Saura shook her head. “No, it sounds amazing. I wish I could have experienced it with you.”

Silence fell over the room.

Katrina picked up her cup of sake. “Well, you weren't there were you?”

Saura hesitated; she didn't know what to say. She wasn't there and another woman took her spot. “I can't apologize enough, Katrina. I was foolish. I thought I wanted something but I was wrong.”

“Saura, something just doesn't make sense to me. You wanted your shot at fame as much as I wanted to have my restaurant. That feeling doesn't go away just because you love someone. How am I supposed to know that one day you aren't going to wake up and realize you still want to chase fame?”

“Because, I won't. Katrina, fame, fortune, none of that means anything if you don't have someone to share it with.” Saura sat up on her knees. “I don't care about it anymore. All I care about is you.”

“But can you blame me for questioning you? Saura, you left me. You didn't say we could work it out. You didn't give us the chance to try a long-distance relationship.”

“That's because I didn't think it could work. Seldom do long-distance relationships work and you know this.”

“But you didn't even try!” Katrina felt the anger coming back. “Saura, I would have tried to make it work. You didn't give me the chance. You treat me like we are some broke bitches who can't afford a fucking plane ticket. I would have done anything to make us work!”

“Then why aren't you trying to make it work now?” Saura jumped up. “You are sitting here telling me how you would have done anything to make us work, but the second you meet some new girl you are questioning all of our love and our whole relationship.”

Katrina stood up. “That's not fair and you know it.”

“Why isn't it fair?” Saura walked closer to Katrina. “You caught feeling for this girl after a month. One freaking month! Do you know how that makes me feel, to know I'm that easily replaceable?”

The silence was back. The women stared at each other, neither knowing what to say next. Katrina sat down on her sofa. She put her elbows on her legs, clasping her fingers together over her face.

“Saura, I hate that you feel anyway about Willow. I didn't go to Europe looking to replace you, just like I didn't expect you to show back here. Things happen. We can't control everything.”

“I know, Katrina, I know everything you are saying. But I also know if you search inside of you the feelings you had for me are still there.”

“I'm not saying I don't still have feeling for you because I do. But I can't deny I have feelings for Willow as well.”

The words sliced through Saura's heart. She sat down on the couch next to Katrina, trying to hold back the tears forming in her eyes. Saura felt she was losing the woman she loved. She pulled the ribbon holding her kimono together.

“Well, tell me something, Katrina.” Saura stood up. “Do you really not want this anymore?”

Katrina saw the silk fall to the ground out of the side of her eye. She didn't want to turn her head. The beast inside of her was trying to come out, and she needed to keep him tame. Saura walked closer. She picked Katrina's hand up and placed it on her flat stomach. Katrina turned her face to see Saura standing in her birthday suit in front of her. She was the vision she always was.

“Saura, we aren't supposed to do this,” Katrina muttered with all the strength she had.

“We are grown people, in our house. We can do whatever we damn well please. Take me, Katrina.”

The beast broke out of the cage. Nothing else mattered as she pushed Saura down on the couch. She couldn't think straight. She was on an erotic high and the sake didn't help the situation. Saura's leg draped over Katrina's shoulder as she sucked on her supple breasts. Their mouths met, dancing the familiar dance only they could do together.

Katrina's hand found refuge inside Saura. It felt like she was home, in a place she missed for a very long time. Saura nibbled on Katrina's earlobe, breathing soft moans into Katrina's ears. Katrina closed her eyes; she saw a kaleidoscope of colors in her mind as she took the woman who she loved for so long.

Saura's body twitched as lightning jolts hit her with each stroke. She arched her back, allowing Katrina to reach the deepest depths of her. Her essence flowed like lava trickling down on Katrina's fingers and hand. Katrina felt her body betraying her. She trembled, closing her eyes as tight as she could as she came in unison with Saura.

Willow's face appeared in Katrina's head.

She opened her eyes. She was on top of Saura who was still biting her lip from their moment. Katrina's head was spinning. She slowly got up, holding on to the side of the couch as she gained her balance. Katrina staggered to her bedroom leaving Saura on the couch.

She closed the bathroom door and locked it. The last thing she wanted was Saura coming in for seconds. Katrina looked at her reflection.

She hit the side of her head. Her head was still spinning. She made a mistake and she knew it. Katrina couldn't get Willow out of her head. She made a promise that she broke after a few cups of sake. Where was her willpower? Did Saura have that tight of a hold on her that she couldn't control herself around her?

Katrina swished cold water on her face alerting all of her senses. She took a shower to wash off any evidence of what just happened. She threw her robe on and walked out of the bathroom to see Saura lying across the bed, still completely naked. Suddenly Katrina wasn't enticed anymore. She walked over to her closet.

“Come on, baby, you aren't stopping on me yet?” Saura said playfully spreading her legs. She watched as Katrina threw on a pair of jogging pants and a T-shirt.

“I have to go.” Katrina put her watch on and her phone in her pocket.

“What do you mean? Katrina, come on.” Saura sat up. “Don't tell me this is because of her?”

“I just gotta go.”

Katrina walked out of the bedroom despite Saura's protest. She didn't want to go to Devon's because she couldn't see Willow yet, and she knew she couldn't stay there. She got in her car and just drove.

“Are you going to tell her?” Devon asked as she, Teri, and Katrina rode down the Green line.

“I don't know what I am going to do. I feel awful. I really do.”

“Well she knows something is up. You haven't spent the last two days with her and she's not stupid. There's only so much time you can spend at the restaurant.”

“I know.” Katrina sighed. “I just don't know how I am going to tell her that I fucked Saura. That was the only rule.”

“Well I said it was a dumb rule to begin with. Hell if it was me I would have a threesome with the both of them. Whoever you find yourself wanting to fuck the most is the winner.” Teri laughed.

“See there's my issue with the whole thing,” Devon interjected. “It's turned into some competition for your heart. This isn't some stupid reality TV show; this is real life. What are you going to do, hand the winner a freaking rose?”

The group pulled off to the rest point. They sat at one of the tables.

“I knew it was a bad idea to begin with. I don't know why I agreed.”

“Because you are selfish dog.” Teri casually sipped from her water bottle.

“What the fuck do you mean I'm selfish?”

Devon and Katrina looked at Teri.

“Come on, Tree, do you really believe you can't chose between the two? You are over here agonizing about telling Willow about Saura when you are single and free to do what you want. That lets me know you are really feeling Willow.”

“Yeah, but what if it's just the newness of Willow that's enticing her? Saura is old news; she's been there and done that. Willow is fresh, new, and still essentially a mystery,” Devon added.

“I am not trying to be selfish but yeah, a piece of me likes having both women there for me. Who the hell wouldn't?”

“Well why not admit that to the both of them and continue to date them both? Maybe you could have sister wives.” Teri smirked.

“I know one thing: all your drama is becoming exhausting. I'm playing tour guide to your exchange student all damn day, doing things you were supposed to do with her. You should have seen her face yesterday. She did not want to be at the zoo with me.”

“I know. I'm sorry about that, Dev.” Katrina was ashamed of her actions.

“Yo, and not to mention this whole fucking bike ride has been about you and your women. Have you asked either of us how our love lives are going?”

The women looked at each other.

“You are right, Teri, how is your love life going?” Katrina said sarcastically.

“For your information I am having the best sex of my life. Victoria just can't get enough. This week has been fucking amazing. Every day we are fucking at my house, her office. I'm leaving her ass print all over that hospital.”

“Ew.” Devon frowned.

“Okay, but what else? Is all you're doing is fucking?”

“You gotdamn right. No strings attached and it's amazing.” Teri poked her chest out.

“So let me get this straight.” Devon stood up. “You are finally messing with an intelligent, well-off, professional, and beautiful woman and all you do with her is fuck her?”

“But you can move the ratchet bitches in your house and shit.”

Katrina and Devon laughed.

“What are you trying to say?” Teri folded her arms.

“I am saying,” Devon said, looking at Teri, “that when you finally meet someone who you could be equally yoked with you turn her into a booty call. Did you ever think that maybe you should try to get to know Victoria, maybe actually date her?”

Teri didn't know how to tell her friends the truth. Even if she wanted to date Victoria it was out of the question. They had a specific thing going and it was too late to change in the middle of the game. “Maybe I don't want to be equally yoked with anyone. Tree thought she was all yoked and now she's in a love triangle, and when was the last time you even tried to yoke anyone?”

“I don't think you are using the saying right anymore,” Katrina pointed out.

“It doesn't fucking matter,” Teri hissed. “What is so special about being in a fucking relationship? I don't see relationships being the best thing since sliced bread for either one of you.”

Devon and Katrina both lowered their heads. Teri was right; relationships hadn't worked out in their favor.

“Look, I may not have found the right person but I do believe that there is someone out there for me. I'm not going to dismiss a person just because I don't want the work that falling in love can take.” Devon took another sip from her water bottle.

“Okay well, Katrina, it's the end of the week. You have been out with both girls. If you had to choose one today who would it be?”

Teri's question brought all eyes on Katrina.

“I . . . I don't know.”

“Well, Tree, maybe you should take some time to figure that out.” Devon patted her friend on her back.

The trio got back on their bikes to continue the trail. Katrina couldn't stop her mind from racing the entire way.

 

 

Willow dove into Devon's warm swimming pool. She stayed under, opening her eyes. The blue water had a calming effect on her. She swam up to the waterfall, climbing into the hidden grotto. Willow let the sound of the waterfall calm her nerves. She had only seen Katrina in passing in the last two days. She knew she had dinner with Saura, and it was killing her that she didn't know what happened. She wondered if she was really busy at the restaurant, or if she was avoiding her.

The whole situation was wearing on her spirit. Piper kept telling her to fight for what she wanted, but she wondered how much fight she had left in her. Although her heart was telling her that Katrina was the one, her brain was calling her an idiot daily. How could she be so invested in someone she had only known for a little over two months?

“I'm going to get her.”

Willow opened her eyes when she heard Katrina's voice. Willow perked up. She rushed out of the grotto and swam to the pool steps. Willow ran to the guest house to find Katrina standing in the room.

“Hey, I was wondering where you were,” Katrina said as Willow walked into the house wiping the water from her with the towel.

“I just decided to take a dip in the pool. What's going on?”

“We are going out tonight.” Katrina smiled.

A huge smile covered Willow's face. The truth was she didn't want to spend another day kicking it with Devon. Willow thought Devon was sweet, but she didn't come all the way from London to hang with Katrina's best friend.

Katrina sat on the bed contemplating her next move. She didn't know if she should tell Willow what happened. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Willow. Katrina decided to take a page from Teri's book and keep the little incident to herself.

Willow decided it was time to take Piper's advice. She pulled out her sexy black peasant dress that was so short she knew she had to watch it bending over. The dress hung off her shoulders, with only two small strings holding the dress up on her shoulders. The crystal embellishments on the bottom added an elegant touch to the flirty dress. She put on a pair of open-toed stiletto boots Piper gave her. Willow infused her hair giving her huge curls.

Katrina turned her head from the television when Willow walked out of the bathroom. Katrina sat up in the chair; she did a double take; her eyes widened at the vision standing in the bathroom. Willow was always beautiful, but she pulled out all her sex appeal in the dress. Katrina felt the heat rising. She didn't want to take her out; she wanted to keep Willow all to herself.

“What do you think?” Willow asked the drooling Katrina.

“I . . . I . . . um,” Katrina stuttered. “I . . . wow.”

Willow smiled. She had to remember to thank Piper later.

They walked into the main house to see Teri nursing some cognac on the couch. Devon walked out of the bedroom wearing a short black skater dress with a plunging neckline. She stopped in her tracks when she laid eyes on Willow.

“Damn, bitch, I need to go change,” Devon said looking at Willow up and down.

Katrina stood behind Willow. She wrapped her arms around her torso. Teri turned her head to see Willow. Her mouth dropped open.

“Fuck why does this bitch get all the hot girls?” Teri stood up, taking the last of her drink to the head.

The group headed to one of their favorite lounges. The cover band was live, packing the dance floor with people two stepping to the beat. The group made it to their reserved table where a bottle of Grey Goose was sitting on ice.

“Willow, come on, girl, let's dance.” Devon stood up.

“You better keep the men off of her, Devon,” Katrina warned.

“Hey you snooze you lose,” Devon yelled as the two headed to the dance floor.

Katrina watched as Devon showed Willow the basics of how to two step. The band went into a cover of “Baby I'm Scared of You,” which only filled the floor more. Willow made her way back to the table while Devon danced with an attractive bald brother.

“I don't know any of these songs,” Willow said as she sat on Katrina's knee. “But I like it.”

Katrina kissed Willow on her cheek as they moved to the music at the chair.

Teri headed to the bar to grab something to mix in the Grey Goose. She rolled her eyes, annoyed with the bartender who kept bypassing her for men she felt would tip better. Teri turned around to check out what was happening on the dance floor. She noticed a face that looked too familiar.

Teri made her way through the crowd. She was right; toward the stage was Victoria dancing with a tall white man. Teri couldn't help but laugh at the man who was struggling to keep up with Victoria. Teri walked over tapping Victoria on her shoulder. Vitoria turned around. Her expression was quite haunting.

“Hey.”

“Um hello, Ms. Teri. Daniel, this is Teri Howard, she works in pharmaceuticals. Teri, this is Daniel, my husband.”

Teri wanted to blow the spot up but she resisted the urge. She held her hand out, shaking Daniel's hand. Victoria clung to Daniel's jacket for dear life.

“Well I just wanted to come over and say hi. I thought it was you I saw.” Teri looked Victoria in her eyes. She wanted her to know she was pissed.

“It's great seeing you. I will see you at work Monday.”

“Yes, you will.” Teri walked away.

Willow noticed a man staring at her and Katrina. It wasn't the usual stares she got for being sexy. This man looked like he was angry about something. Devon came back from the dance floor and plopped down in her seat just as Teri arrived with a tray of glasses with cranberry juice in them. Willow glanced back at the man; he was staring at her, folding his arms. Uncomfortable, she slid off Katrina's knee and into her own chair.

“What's wrong,” Katrina asked as Willow's energy seemed to shift.

“Nothing, I'm all right.”

Katrina turned her body completely to Willow who wouldn't stop looking down at the table.

“It's nothing.” Willow shook her head.

“No, Willz, tell me.”

Willow motioned her head in the direction of the man. “I am probably overreacting but he just kept staring and it made me feel weird.”

Katrina slowly glanced at the guy who was making no attempt to hide his distaste for their table.

“Just try to ignore him but if you feel uncomfortable we can leave.”

“No, I'm okay. It's nothing; I am sure of it.” Willow smiled; the last thing she wanted to do was ruin the night before it really got started.

The club reached maximum capacity. Teri felt like a fool but she couldn't stop staring at Victoria and her husband. How did she not know the woman was married? There were no signs of a husband in her house or office. She never wore a ring and never mentioned anything about any type of partner. Teri felt some kind of way as she continued to stalk the couple through the club. She took her moment when she saw Victoria heading to the bathroom.

Victoria came out of the stall to see Teri staring at her through the mirror. Victoria walked up to the sink next to Teri. She began washing her hands.

“I know you are mad,” Victoria said as she lathered the foaming soap on her hands.

“I'm not mad.” Teri shook her head. “I'm fucking furious.”

“Teri, you can't be that mad. We aren't in a relationship or anything. Well we've been fucking for a week.”

“It's not about what we have been doing or how long we have known each other. You lied to me.”

“I didn't lie. I omitted.” Victoria showed no signs of remorse.

“Did you ever think that maybe I didn't want to sleep with a married fucking woman?”

Victoria shrugged her shoulders. “Exactly. If I would have told you we wouldn't have had fun this week. But we did and we still can.” Victoria tried to put her arms around Teri who quickly pulled away.

“Okay, you are trippin'. I'm so done with you.” Teri turned to walk away until Victoria called her name.

“Teri, this isn't over. You will want me again, and I'll be waiting, with open legs.”

Teri shook her head and walked out of the bathroom.

Devon and Willow were completely wasted. The women draped their arms on each other.

“Katrina, I like her, keep her,” Devon slurred.

“Okay, I think you are cut off,” Katrina said taking the glass from Devon.

“You know I'm right. She's so cute and sexy.” Devon held both sides of Willow's face. “Look at this face; you could just kiss her.”