Catherine lay on her back beneath the soft orange light, feeling Chloe's bare skin pressed against her own. They watched one another in silent affection, fulfilled and relaxed as their bodies recovered. Seconds later, Chloe leaned in closer.

Both closed their eyes while kissing the other, their lips parting with an audible smack.

Chloe lowered her head right next to Catherine's, cuddling with her as things went quiet. This was the third night that Catherine had come to visit. As usual, there hadn't been much talking between them.

After about an hour had passed, Catherine sat up while gathering her thoughts.

Chloe was sprawled out just behind her, watching her lover with gentle eyes. "Do you still love me?" she calmly asked.

Catherine lowered her gaze to her lap. "Yes," she murmured, feeling no doubt about it.

Chloe hesitated, simply staring, then brought herself to speak again. "Do you still love him?"

Catherine glanced back up at the wall. She found herself falling utterly silent. She didn't want to answer that particular question — because the answer would surely leave Chloe hurting.

Chloe turned her gaze away from Catherine, recalling the first time she'd ever asked her that. "I keep waiting for the day when you'll answer no."

Catherine frowned a little, moving her thoughts elsewhere. She began to reflect on the past few weeks. She and David were living together again. Right now, he thought she was visiting Marlene — or she certainly hoped that he did, at least.

Then she realized how late it was getting. She didn't want David growing too suspicious.

Catherine glanced at her clothes, and began moving toward them.

Chloe reached out, stroking Catherine's shoulder. "I miss getting to spend all night with you."

Catherine lingered in place, letting her eyes drift closed.

"Stay," Chloe whispered in a soothing tone. "Please..."

Catherine paused a few seconds — then brought her hand over Chloe's.

Soon afterwards, the two were cuddling once more.

Catherine briefly thought about David again. When they talked in the morning, he'd probably assume she'd fallen asleep at Marlene's. In any case, she didn't want to focus on tomorrow right now. She wanted to enjoy this moment with Chloe.

Catherine awakened to a distant knock. Chloe had a visitor at her door.

She glanced at Chloe, who remained asleep.

After squinting a little at the morning light, she donned a shirt, put on her panties, and walked to the living room she knew so well. Upon looking through the hole, she spotted the very last person she ever expected to see.

Catherine eased the door open, sporting an awestruck look. "Mother," she uttered incredulously.

A crimson-haired woman, with looks similar to Catherine's, stood at the doorway in a long wool coat. "Hello, darling," Susan said with a grin.

Catherine's lips parted a little as she stared. How had her mother known where she was?

Susan knew about Catherine's divorce from David. She also knew of their apparent reunion.

She didn't know of Catherine's bond with Chloe — unless that had somehow changed recently.

Susan flashed a look of confusion. "I tried to surprise you at David's," she said. "He got all quiet, and said I should look for you here."

Catherine winced in a bit of surprise. David knew what was going on after all.

Susan glanced around behind her daughter. "Is this where you're living?" she wondered. "Did something new drive you and David apart?"

Catherine licked her lips. "I...I..."

Suddenly, a voice called out from within the home. "Catherine?"

Susan turned in the voice's direction, seeing a young blonde woman walking forth half-clothed.

Catherine fidgeted once again. She glanced at Chloe, then turned back to her mother.

Susan's jaw fell open slowly. Over the next few seconds, she watched Catherine in silence with a curious stare.