Fic: We Build Bridges (7&8/10)
Chapter 7:
A boisterous and impromptu after party at their house ended up with a bunch of coppers breaking it up, citing neighborhood noise ordinances or something to that effect (which was ten times better than arresting everyone for public intoxication and/or use of illegal substances). By that time Gina and Kieran were surprisingly already in bed and Naomi took it upon herself to clean up the lounge somewhat before any attempt to sleep. After all, she was still relegated to the couch and right now there were four unfamiliar guests passed out on it.
“Hey.” Emily walked into the lounge, dumping by the entrance a large bag with rubbish in it.
“Hi.”
“I just checked over the whole house making sure there are no spilled bottles and all the cigarettes are out.” It kind of reminded her of their old college parties at the Campbell home. “I ran into Effy and Cook… in the hall closet.” Her face screwed up in mock revulsion.
“In the-“ Naomi grimaced, “I don’t want to know.”
Emily laughed one of her throaty laughs, deeper than usual, due to the fact she was losing her voice from so much singing and talking throughout the evening. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. “What are you going to do about them?” she pointed to the four blokes sleeping on the couch, two of them in hilariously compromising positions.
“I dunno.” Naomi thought about this for a second before yelling in their direction, “OI! OI!” She gently shoved one of the men’s knees with her foot, “Party’s over. Thanks for stopping by. Adios.”
With mumbles and grumbles and confused expressions, the four drunkenly made their exit. Naomi smiled at Emily, raising her eyebrows, pleased it had gone rather smoothly. Emily’s return smile was so sweet, so innocent, Naomi had to look away. It’d been like that the whole night.
Emily sighed and began to clean up some of the bottles that were littered all over the lounge, thinking it was a great idea they’d requested extra recycle bins for the weekend.
Naomi joined her, “Emily, I’ve been thinking…”
“Scary thought.” she teased.
Naomi timidly smiled, “Maybe I’ll stay on a few more days. You know, help clean up the place.”
Emily looked at her from across the room, surprise unmistakable, “It’d be nice…” For a million and one reasons it certainly would be.
“…Yeah.”
Emily moved closer to where Naomi was, “That was a beautiful proverb you said in your toast.”
“I’ve got a whole journal full of them.”
Emily, exhausted, decided to sit on the couch for a few minutes, “Oh? Tell me another one, then.”
“‘One does not use a sword to kill a snail’.” Naomi quoted. She restlessly stood by the fireplace, still lit.
Emily grinned, “Cute.” She patted the space next to her.
The blonde joined her on the sofa. “They’re quite practical over there.”
“Tell me another one?” She sat facing Naomi, her left arm over the back of the couch to stop herself from reaching out and pushing Naomi’s bangs behind her ears. Or holding her hand. Or just touching her. Anywhere.
“Hmm… ‘Try not to fight a lion if you are not one yourself’.”
The redhead laughed again, “Go on.”
“Ok… Lets see… ‘Love, like a baby, needs to be treated tenderly’.” Her blue eyes connected with Emily’s, “Emily, I-“
Emily looked away, “I don’t want to hear it, Naomi.”
“But you don’t even know what I’m going to say.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No. I-“ Emily’s curious eyes looked at her. “It’s about Effy. And last night at the pub.”
“Oh, that.” She softly half smiled. “I know.”
“You do?”
“Yeah.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Eff winked at me before the third round. Plus, I noticed Cook doubling up Clara’s glass.”
“You knew what they were doing?” It didn’t make sense.
“Sort of. I think it’s rather funny.”
“Getting your girlfriend fucked up before my mum’s wedding and having her cancel on you is funny?”
“No. Everyone around us playing cupid is funny.” Naomi opened her mouth to speak but simply closed it again, ceasing a retort. “Besides, what do you expect of Cook and Effy? They like to create chaos. Preferably with each other but with the rest of us as well. Clara could have stopped anytime… And, besides, she’s not my girlfriend.”
Naomi didn’t believe her. “Have you kissed her?” Emily didn’t answer. “Well, have you?” the redhead frowned at Naomi’s persistence. “Truth, Em.”
Emily rolled her eyes, cursing Effy and her fucking truth cure all, “I have.”
“And?”
“And, what? You want a post assessment?”
“Have you slept with her?”
Emily’s eyes widened, “Of course not!”
“Why not?”
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yeah. Come on. Sharing is caring.”
“I’m not- This is-“ she wasn’t sure what to think, “Are you off your nut?”
Naomi burst out laughing at the sputtering, sighing once the hilarity died down, “You’re bloody adorable when you’re flustered.” Unconscientiously, she reached over for her hand, so soft, wove their fingers together, squeezed. “I love you so much, Emi. I really do.” She quickly sobered up once her actions and words registered. She didn’t take it back though or let go of their connection.
“I…” Emily looked at their linked hands, “I know.” She moved to stand up but Naomi held her back, “Naomi, please, we should head to bed- start fresh in the morning.”
“But -“ she pulled her closer, “I love you.”
Emily sweetly kissed the top of her hand, letting her lips linger on the skin. “Loving each other isn’t the issue.” The blonde had more she wanted to say, she could tell. Naomi’s eyes always gave her mental machinations away. Sometimes Emily wished Naomi would just tell her things rather than have her draw it out of her. No wonder she and Effy were such good friends. “Come on. You can sleep in my room. You shouldn’t have to sleep on the couch in your own damn home.”
Naomi, grateful, daintily smiled as they walked hand in hand to Emily’s room. After all, the couch did smell like stale beer and manly cologne.
Before opening the door Emily paused, hastily turning around to a far too close and perplexed Naomi. “First sign of funny business, though, and I’m chucking you to the floor, you hear?” she playfully added.
*
Emily woke up suddenly. Dazed, she came to realize she was still in bed, with tussled blonde hair against her closed mouth and a warm, familiar body burrowing into hers. Her arms were wrapped around Naomi whose face was nestled in the nook of her neck, her breath tickling her skin. The redhead frowned once she registered her neckline was wet.
“Nomi?” she looked down at her, noticing the girl was still sleeping. She gently shook her awake, “Nomi.”
“Five more minutes, Ems. Please.” Naomi replied, sleepily. She then kissed her collarbone and squeezed her tight before settling in again.
Even though she was relishing the contact, Emily moved back to see her, gently pushing Naomi’s upper body off hers to get a better look. Her eyeliner was messy; there were tracks on her cheeks. “You’re crying.” Emily tenderly wiped the trail of tears, concerned.
“I’m what?” Naomi asked, still sluggish. She began to rub her eyes, quickly realizing they were wet. “What the fuck?” she examined her hands, now blackened by her smudged make up.
“You all right?”
“Yeah.” She glanced at Emily, confused. “I- I’m… huh?”
Emily chuckled at the look on Naomi’s drowsy face, “What were you dreaming of?”
“I don’t think I was dreaming.”
“Everybody dreams, Nomi.”
“I don’t remember, then. Do you?”
“I was in the middle of something.” And in the middle of it she certainly was. She was dreaming about their first time at the lake and hoped her cheeks did not start blushing all of the sudden.
Naomi yawned and let out that little sigh at the end of it Emily loved so much. “Of what?” she asked, finally waking up and registering their legs were actually intertwined, her knee pressing up into Emily quite intimately. She quickly pulled away, and off, Emily. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize I-“
“No!” Emily giggled as she struggled to keep her close, “Come back. You’re all warm and cuddly.”
Naomi studied Emily, thinking, weighing her options. To break the tension, she wiggled her index finger at Emily, jokingly warning her, “No funny business, yeah?”
Emily sniggled as Naomi settled in again, “You sure you’re all right?”
“I think so.”
“Well, let me know when you know so.”
Naomi nodded against her neck, “I will. Goodnight, Emily.” she whispered.
“Goodnight, Naomi.” Emily kissed her head and closed her eyes. “Sweet dreams.”
*
The sound of clanking cups and silverware in her room woke up the redhead. With one eye open to the bright room, she watched as Naomi set down a tray on one of her beside tables. As always, the blonde was trying to be quiet and failing miserably.
“What time is it?”
“Jesus, Em!” Naomi flinched, surprised. “Half past twelve. I made you breakfast.”
Emily sat up in bed. “Why?” she asked, already knowing the answer. It was a tradition, after all.
Watching her do her adorable upper body morning stretch, Naomi had to stifle a smile, “Because.” It was the same reply she’d always given the redhead. She wasn’t going to tell Emily that she’d arisen unbelievably early and watched the redhead sleep for about a million minutes before deciding she needed to get busy doing something productive and less stalker-ish.
“Hmm… Smells divine. What is it?”
Naomi now carefully placed the breakfast tray on the bed, “It’s like Spanish bread pudding. Took me ages to get it right but I think I’ve got it now.” She’d actually tried making a few other things before finally getting one dish done correctly.
“Bread pudding for breakfast?” Naomi nodded. Emily took in a deep breath again, her mouth watering at the delicious scents, “Is this hot chocolate?”
“Yeah. But, there’s coffee in the kitchen, too. And regular toast and jam, if you prefer that instead.” Fucking visiting vultures were eating everything in sight and she’d spent the best part of the morning smacking their hands away from her cooking.
“Always good to have backup since we both know your skills in the kitchen are severely lacking.” Emily grinned.
“Oi!” Naomi crossed her arms.
Emily laughed at Naomi’s adorable pout, “Come on now. You know it’s the truth.”
Emily’s room was at the back of the house, her window facing the garden. It made sense she picked this room to live in, “I love what you did with that side of the garden.” She said, facing the window, “Those plants are very pretty.”
After a quick sip of the hot chocolate, Emily looked behind her headboard, to see what Naomi was looking at, “It’s our herb garden.”
“To smoke or eat?” she joked.
Emily didn’t reply, she was too busy taking her first bite of Naomi’s creation… “Naomi?”
“Yeah?” It was obvious she was nervous, expecting a brush off that the food was bad.
“This is… impressive.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Have some.” She offered her a fork full.
Naomi sat in front of Emily and reached out to grab the fork. Emily shook her head, obviously wanting to feed her herself. She opened her mouth and watched attentively as Emily brought the food towards her. She loved torrijas. Especially the ones from the bakery two doors down her flat in Barcelona. “You don’t think it’s too sweet?” she asked, after chewing.
“Too sweet is never a bad thing.”
“I can make you something else if you’d like. There’s some wine and-“
Without thinking, Emily gently pressed a finger to her lips to shut her up, “It’s perfect, Nomi. Really.”
The action was so innocent, but with her breath trembling, Naomi closed her eyes, pursed her lips and kissed Emily’s index finger as she’d done a thousand times before. When she opened her eyes again, she saw Emily looking at her intently, too focused on her mouth. Her small fingers proceeded to softly trace her lips, and after realizing what she’d done, Emily tactfully looked away to her food, lowering her hand to her comforter.
Naomi bit her lip, wondering if Emily's heart was beating as fast as hers. A knock on the door chimed in.
“Emsy, darling,” It was Gina, “Sorry to be a bother but have you seen Naomi? The kitchen is a right mess and I’m afraid she may have been cooking something.”
Naomi, peeved by the interruption, yelled out, “I’m in here, mum!” as she stood up by the bed.
Gina entered, “Oh, how lovely. Breakfast in bed. Just like old times.” She checked Emily’s forehead for a temperature, “You alright, dear? No need to call the poison services?”
Naomi evil eyed her mother. That had been ONE time only. It wasn’t her fault the milk was off. “Tell her, Ems. It’s good, aint it?”
“It is, actually.” Emily held out a forkful of torrijas for Gina to sample.
“Are you both trying to kill me before my honeymoon?” Gina asked, sniffing the food. “There are a few sweet smelling poisons out there.”
“It’s honey. Just try it, mum.”
“All right, all right. But do tell my husband I was thinking of him in the end.”
Emily and Naomi looked at each other and rolled their eyes in unison.
“Wow...” Gina blinked, after sampling the food. “Good on you, Naomi. It’s… half decent.” She sipped from Emily’s hot chocolate after it was offered by the redhead.
Seeing Naomi was about to say something that may or may not be confrontational, Emily reached out and squeezed Naomi’s hand, tugging her a bit closer to the bed, to her. “I think it’s perfect.” She smiled up at Naomi who couldn’t help but smile back.
“Have I missed something?” Gina questioned, looking between the two and their coupled hands.
“No.” Naomi left no room for doubt though clearly there was.
“Not really.” Emily smiled, happily.
“All righty, then.” Gina dismissed it, remembering how those two got when they were up to something. “We’re finished packing and heading over to catch the flight. Come give your mum a hug.” Naomi did, awkwardly. “Put your back into it.” Gina goaded and Naomi hugged her good and proper this time, she was even starting to tear up. Gina looked at her sad face, “None of that, love.” She said, wiping the tears and kissing her daughter on her forehead. “I’m so very glad you’re home. It means the world to me to have you here.” Naomi nodded, sniffling.
Gina then motioned for Emily to get up from the bed and give her a hug, too. “This was the best wedding ever. Thank you for all your help." She kissed her on the cheek and whispered, "You've been a godsend for all of us.” Backing away she added, "Take care of my plants, will you, dear?” Emily nodded, tearing up as well. Gina motioned to Naomi, “This one, too.”
Emily smiled, “Always.”
Gina left them after one last look over at ‘her girls’. “I love you, both. Very much.”
Naomi wiped her eyes as her mother exited the room. “So… I’m going to go start with the kitchen. I did make an awful mess.”
Emily looked up at her, also emotional, “Thank you, Nomi. This is the best breakfast I’ve had in months.”
Naomi was pleased, “Anytime.” She meant it.
Chapter 8:
“Oi!” Naomi grabbed the bottle of sherry wine vinegar out of Effy’s hands. “That is for cooking!” she reprimanded. It was getting frustrating, really. The brunette wasn’t helping at all in the supper preparations and it was driving her bonkers. Instead, Effy was sitting on the kitchen counter, smoking a joint whilst trying to swipe a taste of the wine Naomi was using to make her dish.
Emily carefully lifted the lid off the pot, peeking inside. “What is this called, again?” she asked, as Effy passed the joint to her, missing her fingers the first go around.
“Zarsuela.” Naomi answered, taking the lid out of Emily’s hand and covering the pot. “Dont touch, Emi. It needs to stay covered. Otherwise it won’t cook properly.” It was the third time she’d done this; making a saucy mess and tittering all the while like a five year old.
Effy laughed at Emily’s antics, “Have the take away menus handy just in case, Emsy-poo.”
“Funny. You know even I can’t fuck this recipe up.” Naomi responded, before she began to take out the ingredients she needed for the salad from the refrigerator. And truly she couldn’t mess it up. It was a seafood stew served on a bed of rice. How hard was that?
“I must say, Nai, you’ve turned into quite a cook over in España.” Effy’s accent on the Spanish word had the faintest of lisps on the ‘s’. Her eyes wandered over to Emily, catching the redhead openly eyeballing Naomi’s bent form with a baked out smile on her face. How that girl kept her knickers on was mind boggling. She was a male version of Cook when it came to the blonde, especially after vodka and spliffs. “You should see her in Spain, Emily. Very domestic.”
The redhead slightly jumped at the sound of her name, wide eyed. She knew from Effy’s smirk she’d been caught staring. Trying to act nonchalant, she cleared her throat, took a hit of the joint as coolly as possible and passed it back to the brunette. “How’d you like Barcelona, Eff? Nomi says I’d love it.”
Effy inhaled slowly and exhaled just as fast, “You would, but not just for the city.” Her eyes darted to Naomi and back. The blonde was busy washing the head of lettuce and tearing apart the leaves by hand, oblivious to Emily’s prying eyes. “The people there are rather nice. You should go.”
“Maybe someday I will.”
Naomi turned, surprised by Emily’s response, but a person by the doorway caught her eye before she could say anything.
“Hi, everyone.” It was Clara.
The room was hushed except for the music coming from Effy’s iPod speakers. Naomi eyes flashed over to Emily, seeing the shock there, and Effy, whose joint was half hanging out of her mouth.
“I stopped by to see you. I didn’t know you were having a party.” Clara nervously smiled at the redhead.
Emily walked over to her and gave her a timid kiss on the cheek, “We’re not. Everyone just showed up.”
And they had. After the multitude of guests staying the weekend left, and about midway through the clean up, Effy and Cook dropped by unexpectedly with vodka and beer and some giggle weed to enjoy. JJ followed with Panda and Thomas after that. That had been five hours ago and countless card games, board games and Nintendo Wii. One hour ago Emily decided it was time for some supper and dragged Naomi off with her to the market, just as she done a hundred times before.
Effy and Naomi could feel the tension between the two girls. They looked at each other and, then, Effy took another drag of the joint, her wary eyes on the newcomer.
Naomi didn’t know what to say, “How are you feeling, Clara?” she asked, surprisingly.
Clara gazed at Effy before turning to the blonde, “Alive. I’m sorry I missed the wedding though.”
“Well, I’m sure they’ll be plenty of photos to see.”
“I bet. I thought you were heading home today.” she expressed, curious by the fact she was still in Bristol.
“It’s an open-ended ticket. I’m not sure when I’m leaving.”
Emily stared at Naomi trying to understand what she meant by that. She glanced over at Effy who just half smiled at her before smoking the joint once more.
“Oh.” Clara was also stupefied by the answer, “A few more days with your mates. That’s nice.”
Naomi nodded, apprehensively. “Yeah.”
The uncomfortable silence was pretty unbearable. Sensing everyone’s disquietude, Clara turned to Emily, “I think I left a pair of scrubs here last time, did I? I’m changing clinics tomorrow and need to take them back.”
“Oh, yes. Come on.” she began to lead her out of the kitchen.
“Hey, Clara,” Naomi called, “Wanna stay for supper?” she asked, not really knowing why. She sucked in her lower lip after Emily looked at her strangely. Effy, too.
Taking it all in, Clara looked over to Emily, her smile hard to decipher, “Eh, sure. Thanks.”
As soon the two were out of sight, Effy glared at her friend, “Naomi… you slept with her.”
Naomi was caught off guard by Effy’s blunt declaration, “Jesus! How do you do that?!” Effy raised her eyebrow. “It wasn’t like you think.” She added, contritely.
“What do I think?”
“Fuck if you even know…” Effy was patiently waiting for a real answer. “We just slept in the same bed. Nothing to email home about.”
“Did you cry?”
Naomi was visibly taken aback by that question, “What?”
Effy just sighed, “I’ve slept in the same bed with you, too.”
“And you what?” Naomi almost yelled at her, “You just watched me? Fucks sake, Eff. Why didn’t you say anything?” She gave her friend a fouled look.
Effy shrugged, “I figured you’d work it out.”
Naomi leaned against the counter, her arms crossed over her belly, her mood crabbier than two seconds ago, “Yeah, cause you know all about working things out. Fucking hell, Effy.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I just figured you were stressed or something.” Effy paused a second before asking, “Have you told her yet?”
“No.”
“Christ in crutches, Naomi. Why the fuck not?”
“Because.”
“That is not an answer, Campbell. You need to tell her. She should know.” Effy knew it would change just about everything.
“Why do you bloody care so much? Jesus.” Naomi walked over to the other side of the kitchen and grabbed a new bottle of vodka from the cupboard. She was about to scream or cry, not sure which. She’d been rolling with the punches all weekend long but was getting tired of fighting it. Her reservoir of strength was drying up. She was discombobulated, overwhelmed by everything since the moment she saw Emily at the flower shop. After all, she’d lost the only thing she’d ever really cared about and being so close to the redhead these past few days was gut wrenching. “It’s fucking pointless now.” she twisted the cap off and took a long swallow, her face scrunching up due to the alcohol. “She’s with Clara.”
Effy wanted to strangle her. “Why’d you invite her to stay for dinner, you twat?”
“Dunno.” she ran her left hand through her hair. “I felt bad for her.” She didn’t know why but that’s how she felt.
“What… the… fuck?” Effy asked, in disbelief, “She’s mingin’ your girlfriend, Naomi.”
Naomi shook her head. “They’re not. Em said so. And, hello, Emily is not my girlfriend anymore, remember?”
Effy rolled her eyes at her, rumbling, “Right. And I’m the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord. Clara’s filling a gap, you stupid git. Your gap.”
Before Naomi could answer back, Thomas entered the kitchen, taking in an enthusiastic lungful of air. “Naomi, the scent carried throughout the house is divine. I look forward to tasting your dish.” The obvious strain in the room did not register, “Panda is calling you over, Effy. She asks you bring another bottle of pinot noir.”
Effy, glad to get away from Naomi, jumped off the counter and walked out of the kitchen with the requested bottle but not before one last, sad look at the blonde. It wasn’t often they argued but Effy knew Naomi was being an idiot and couldn’t figure out why. It was maddening. What the hell was she so afraid of?
Naomi rubbed her temples as she watched Effy leave before turning back to the vegetables she needed for the salad.
“May I help?” Thomas offered, grabbing one of the tomatoes and a knife. “I would spend hours in the kitchen with my mother when I was a little boy. I like to think it was training because Pandora cannot even cook oatmeal.” He smiled at Naomi, “Please, do not tell her I told you.”
Naomi found it a little amusing no English boy she knew would ever admit to helping their mum in the kitchen. “Thanks.” She said, still a bit deflated.
“Are you all right, Naomi? You do not seem yourself.” He said, chopping up the tomato like a pro.
“I’m fine, Thomas. Really. Just didn’t sleep much last night.” She replied, getting the sliced country bread to make the second appetizer.
“It was a lovely wedding. Professor Kieran is a lucky, lucky man.”
“He is.” She agreed, throwing the slices in the oven to toast as Thomas started chopping an onion.
“I have always wondered what my wedding will be like.”
Naomi stopped herself from chuckling, again not something any boy she knew would say, “Will it be big or small?”
Thomas smiled widely, his face lit up thinking about it. “Big. Very big. The whole village is invited. My friends from England, too.
“In French or Kikongo?”
Thomas was delighted by her question; appreciating the fact Naomi understood the intricacies of cultures and language in Africa. “Panda does not speak either. It would have to be in English.”
Naomi’s eyes widened, “Are you…?”
“No, no.” Thomas negated the insinuation, “Not yet. I still have some more money to save up.”
“For a flat?”
“Brideprice.” He whispered.
“But, we don’t have dowry’s here, Thomas.” Naomi pointed out, not really knowing if he was serious or not.
“I’ve learned it’s best to be prepared when dealing with the Moon women.” Naomi heartily laughed at that. “What about you? What will your wedding be like?”
Naomi checked the bread broiling in the oven, “I’m not sure. I don’t know if I’ll ever get married.” She turned back around to help Thomas cut mushrooms and peel carrots. “It’s silly to think about it anyway.”
“Why?”
“You kind of need a partner and all that, I guess. I’ve only really been with Emily and... that’s kinda shit right now, isn’t it?”
Thomas didn’t miss the pseudo optimistic way Naomi’d said ‘right now’, as if she knew one day they would be together again (which he, too, hoped they would). “All relationships go through their good and bad periods, Naomi. I’ve been there as well.” He smiled at a thought, “Remember when I was introduced to Panda’s mother as her boyfriend and not yours?” Naomi nodded; it was a day she would never forget, just like Panda’s slumber party and her second kiss with Emily. Instead of being drugged out on MDMA and passing out from it, this time Mrs. Moon actually fainted after threatening to call the police and ship Pandora to a nunnery. “I had faith my love for Pandora would overcome her cheating and Angela’s fear. Now here we are four years later happy as batty clams.” He looked at Naomi’s crestfallen face. “Don’t give up now, friend. We must fight for what we want. It only makes the getting sweeter.”
She half smiled at Thomas as Emily joined them in the kitchen. “What are you talking about?” she asked, seeing Thomas and Naomi chatting closely.
“Love.” the African grinned.
“Crop circles.” Naomi stated, turning back to the oven and getting out the toasted bread. Unlike Emily, Thomas laughed at her answer. “Where’s Clara?” the blonde asked as she cut another tomato in half and rubbed it all over the slices.
“JJ is showing them a new magic trick. Can I help?” Emily wondered what the hell Naomi was doing to the toast- she was destroying the tomato. Even if the experiments were usually disastrous, she loved being in the kitchen with Naomi- watching the focus on her serious attempts at cooking. It was one of the few things she was truly rubbish at and it was endearing to see her try over and over again.
“Peel the pears whole and leave the stems.” Naomi told her, without looking at the twin. She then looked up from pouring olive oil on the tomato bread, sheepishly, “Please.”
Emily didn’t really know how to react to her moodiness and so she just simply stepped over to the counter and got to work, seeing a recipe book open to the exact page for pears in red wine and followed the instructions. Thomas, finishing up the salad, watched peripherally as the two wordlessly knuckled down as a team, dancing around each other, well rehearsed. Whenever one needed to reach something the other backed up to give them space, when one needed a utensil the other held it out without a sound, when one was stepping somewhere the other got out of their way. Before Thomas knew it the dessert was baking in the oven, the appetizers were ready to be served and Emily was looking at Naomi with a playful little smile.
“By the way,” she broke the verbal silence, watching Naomi take a large gulp from a bottle of vodka, “JJ is allergic to shellfish.” She lit up another spliff and took a long drag before handing it to Thomas who smoked it happily fast.
Naomi almost dropped the bottle, “Emi, why didn’t you tell me when we were buying the ingredients?” she whined. They had spent at least ten minutes gathering all the different types of seafood Naomi wanted to put in the stew and leave it to Emily to leave out such an important detail ‘til the last minute.
“I just remembered. But don’t worry, I’ll make him a pb and j sandwich.”
“No, I’ll make him some pasta with vegetables. He does eat vegetables, right?” she felt like a parent trying to feed their picky child.
Emily lightly giggled, “Certain ones.” She was pleased to see Naomi’s demeanor change to one less sulky. She’d been like that all weekend long, one minute smiling the next minute so lost in her thoughts that she was beginning to wonder if Naomi was bipolar. It reminded her of her dealings with the blonde their first year of college.
Naomi rolled her eyes, her mouth curved in a slight smile, “Well, what kind of veggies, Em?”
With a smile and the joint secured in between his lips, Thomas quietly backed out of the room knowing the two would not even register he’d left with the starters.
TBC