Eddy Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Edina came down the stairs to the kitchen. Saffy was folding baby clothes at the table as her mother walked to the sink. Eddy picked up a coffee mug, sniffed it and decided it was clean. There was a kettle in front of her, she clinked a spoon into the empty cup and glanced around in confusion.

"What are you trying to do?"

"Make tea, sweetheart."

"For you?"

"No, for what's-his-name upstairs." Saffy gave her a smug look.

"Don't look at me like that! Yes, I've got a man upstairs, back in business, big deal!"

"Who is it?"

"It's only Pete."

"I don't know Pete."

"He was my first boy friend, alright? He was the only thing I kissed that wasn't a hand, a balloon or a mirror."

"You still do that."

Suddenly Patsy appeared coming down the stairs and took a seat at the table.

"Mum's got a new boy friend!" She announced with contempt.

"Eddy?"

"Pete!"

"She's been seeing him for awhile now, didn't you know?"

"Darling, you're not going to get her to react. We went to school together, it's Pete."

"I've gotta go, babe. Don't worry about tea!" Pete shouted from atop the stairs. "Your mother isn't here, is she?"

"No my mother's not here." He sauntered down cautiously.

"Look, darling, here he is! He can walk and talk." She pointed at Saffron. "That's my daughter, don't laugh."

"Mum, stop it! Don't be so embarrassed."

Patsy disappeared upstairs. She couldn't stand seeing Eddy with anyone else. She should be with me, she thought. A tear ran down her cheek as she heard Edina coming up. Patsy quickly wiped it away as Eddy sat next to her on the steps.

"Pete and I are going to dinner later it you want to come."

"Nah, sweetie, you go ahead. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"You wouldn't, I just thought…" Before she could finish, Patsy stood and walked out the door. Concerned, Edina went after her but she was already gone. She sighed and returned to the kitchen to find that Pete was also leaving.

Edina relaxed on the sofa but changed her mind and headed up to her bedroom. She sat on her bed and wondered why Patsy would leave in a hurry. Without warning, it dawned her: Pats didn't want to go because Pete would be there and it's always just the two of us. She thought he was intruding, not her.

The sheets were still wrinkled from last night's intimacy. Just the thought of it was turning her on again. She leaned back on the soft duvet and trailed her fingers up and down her stomach, each time going further and further down until she felt the hot moistness between her legs. The room still smelled like Pete although he wasn't in her thoughts this time. As she began rubbing a little faster, breathing heavily and nearing a climax, she could hear footsteps coming up the stairs and her door opening. She quickly removed her hand as she saw Patsy entering. Edina immediately started blushing hoping Pats hadn't seen.

"You're back." She said breathlessly.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I just walked out."

"It's ok, sweetie. Would you like to sit down?"

"Cheers, darling. You're not going to believe this but they've kicked me out of my flat! I need a place to stay."

"Well, you know you can stay here as long as you want."

"Thanks, Eds! I'm really glad I have you." Patsy threw her arms around Eddy's neck in a tight embrace. Edina gasped in surprise and wrapped her arms around Patsy's waist, savoring the scent of her perfume. She glanced at her watch: 6:30pm. Although she needed to get ready, she couldn't bear leaving Patsy's arms.

"Pats, I have to get ready for dinner."

"Oh, you're still going to that?"

"Of course, sweetie. You can still come if you want."

"Thanks anyway, babe. I think I'll settle in here."

The doorbell rang an hour later and Edina left. Patsy remained on the sofa watching TV and sipping champagne. She eventually fell asleep. A little after midnight she was awakened by the front door opening. She got up and walked into the hall and saw them kiss good night. To her surprise, it was just a quick peck. Edina closed the door and was startled to see Patsy standing there.

"How did it go?"

"He asked me to marry him." Patsy's heart sank while she assumed the worst: that Eddy said yes.

"What did you say?"

"I told him I wasn't ready to get married again, if at all. I tried to let him down gently and I think he understood."

"I thought you really like him though."

"I do, sweetie, but sometimes I just like being on my own. He said we can still be friends."

They both walked up to the bedroom. Having changed into sleepwear, they climbed in bed. Edina rolled onto her side to face Patsy.

"Will you still be here in the morning?"

"Of course, why do you ask?"

"I just didn't want to wake up alone."

"I'll always be here, babe."

"Thanks Pats, I really appreciate it." Eddy reached over and stroked Patsy's face.

"This may sound odd but… would you hold me?" You don't have to if you don't want to."

"No, it's ok. Come here." Edina moved into Patsy's open arms and she felt them close around her. For once, she felt safe as she wished Patsy goodnight and closed her eyes.