THE GIRL NEXT DOOR – chapter three
Olivia was just leaving the lab when Peter rounded the corner.
"Morning." she said, enthusiastic.
O-k-a-y. Peter was confused. They slept together, he wakes to find a simple note that implied she wanted him gone and now, now she seemed happy to see him.
"Are we," Peter looked around, making sure Walter wasn't doing his usual peeping on the two of them, "are we okay? You know, after last night?"
"Yeah. Why wouldn't we be?"
"Well, you were gone. And I got the feeling that you wanted me gone."
"Well what do you write when your best friend, who you kissed in another universe, practically proclaiming your love, then subsequently slept with your alternate, walks in on you with another girl and then ends up sleeping with you?" she laughed softly, "I got called out so I just wrote something simple. What'd you think it meant?"
"I . . . just, ah . . . nothing."
"Okay. Well, I've got to go to the federal building for a few hours. But do you wanna meet me for lunch when I'm free?"
"Sure."
"I'll come get you when I can." She smiled as she walked to her car.
oOo
Lunch went by without a hitch. They talked and reminisced like they use to. It was like everything of the last few months hadn't occurred.
Olivia had agreed to come by his place later. She'd promised to finish "watching a movie" with Kate. Peter wiggled his eyebrows telling her he knew exactly what they were doing.
"Really, Peter?" she laughed as she tried to eat her food.
They had sat at their usual booth, eating their usual lunch.
"I know several words for that, but I've never heard 'watching a movie'."
"Well, you interrupted, so you have to wait."
There was a moment of silence as they continued to eat before Peter spoke again.
"What exactly is your 'relationship' with Kate?"
Olivia smirked at him, "You're not jealous are you?"
"No." Peter replied all too quickly.
"Re-ally?" Olivia laughed again. God, Peter loved hearing her laugh. She always looked so relaxed, unburdened when she did.
"It's more like friends-with-benefits. Well, neighbours-with-benefits."
"So no bitter break up if I do this," he leant over the table, tilting her chin to capture her lips.
"No bitter break up." She moved the extra distance, kissing him back.
They finished eating and Olivia reluctantly let Peter pay for the food. In turn, Olivia offered to drop him off before she left.
"So, how long will you and Kate be 'watching a movie'?" Peter asked as her as she pulled up to the side at the lab.
"I have the rest of the day off, case-permitting, so I'll be over around 5."
"What 'movie' takes 3 hours?" Peter asked slyly.
"The good kind."
"Ooh, re-ally. Well, I'll keep that in mind for when you come over."
"It's not a competition, Peter." She tried to sound stern, but she couldn't help the amusement she felt slip into her voice.
"Maybe not to you."
The thought made Olivia tingle with anticipation as she drove off.