Chapter Six Willow

I got back to my apartment, ready to unwind. I was still damp and sticky from my run-in with Giles and I was in dire need of a cold beverage. I threw my tie onto the heap of crap that filled my second-best chair, followed by my hat and coat. Then I noticed a familiar musky perfume.

Xander! Oh, Xander, what are we going to do?

I unwound Willow's arms from around my neck and looked into her teary eyes. Hey, baby. Not that I'm not glad to see you, but I'm beat. And aren't you supposed to be at home about now? Playing the grieving widow?

Oh darling, you didn't have to do that for me. I could have found a way for us...

I looked at her hard, then. Precious, I don't know what the Hell you're talking about.

She opened her eyes wide, in that endearing way she always has had and her tears sparkled like rhinestones. Oz, Xander. Oh darling, you didn't have to....he wouldn't have found out. And even if he did...Oh Xander! What are we going to do?

I pulled her arms loose and held her hands loosely in mine.
Whatever you're thinking, you're wrong, Will. Oz was my partner. My friend. My best friend for ten years. No matter what else he was or what you and I were to each other.

She kissed me again, hard and deep.
I understand, darling. I'll go home now. We can talk later. Willow pushed her long red hair behind her ears and batted her long eyelashes coyly over dry eyes. I'll be at home tonight.

I'll be working, Will. Maybe another time. Maybe tomorrow. She smiled a secret smile and started out the door. I watched the slim figure wrapped in a smart new black suit sway down the hallway until she disappeared into the elevator. God, I needed several drinks and a thick steak, well-done. I had the feeling that Mrs. Harris' little son was getting into something more deadly than a pit full of scorpions.