Author's note: I'm thrilled to see so many people enjoying the story as much as I am enjoying writing it!
Chapter 8: Up In Smoke
Caroline had barely been able to concentrate since Saturday. Her mind kept drifting back to Fiona, that hot dress and the luscious curve of her breasts, causing her to get little to nothing accomplished at work for the past two days. They hadn't really seen each other much since that night, her Sunday having been occupied by an outing with her mum, Alan and Flora and a late work day yesterday preparing for yet another budget meeting at weeks end.
She took off her glasses and rubbed her strained eyes, sighing deeply before running her hands through her soft blonde hair. Again flashes of Fiona danced across her mind as she sat quietly trying to refocus her brain; images of the soft skin of her collarbone and the sashay of her sumptuous hips as she had walked out the door. I bet her breasts are amazing. I want to see them and feel the weight of them in my hands. She groaned loudly, in frustration, trying to force the visions from her head. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't push them away and she felt herself slipping deeper into her daydream. The warm buzz started first in her stomach, moved down further, and then grew into goose bumps that ran down her spine. She became aware of her nipples as they pushed ever harder against her bra.
She takes in a deep breath and releases it slowly before picking up the phone to page Beverly.
"Beverly, I think I'll leave a bit early today, I've got a few things to take care of. Could you make sure my schedule stays clear after four."
That's it; I'm talking to Fiona tonight!
oOo
At 4 o'clock Caroline hurriedly packed up her things, her anticipation pushing her to get home as quickly as possible. She knew Clare had picked up Emma early and her mum and Alan had taken Flora to the cinema and supper after; Fiona had sent her a text to inform her not fifteen minutes before she left work. Even better, we'll have the house to ourselves, for a bit.
Twenty minutes later Caroline found herself in her car, parked in the drive, suddenly unable to get out. She had never been good at discussing her feelings, especially romantic ones, and now she was nervous and unsure of what to say. She had always hated that quality in herself.
Finally mustering up the courage to get on with it, she gets out of the car and heads inside the house. She goes to the kitchen first and sees that Fiona is sitting in the garden, her back turned to the windows. She walks quietly, almost creeping, outside and towards Fiona. As she gets nearer she can see that Fiona has something in her hand; the undeniable odor hits her just as she reaches the bench.
"Is that…..cannabis?" she says in a confused tone, not yet able to process what she's seeing. Fiona jumps and drops the spliff, frantically stamping her foot to put it out.
"God Caroline, you scared me. I, umm, I…" she stammers like she's been caught by a copper.
"What the hell are you doing Fiona?" blind anger and shock taking over her senses.
"I was, I was just…" her own shock rendering her dumb.
"Christ Fiona, cannabis? You're smoking illicit drugs in my garden; anyone could bloody see you! What if mum and Alan…and God...Flora had walked up to see you? Did you ever sodding think about that?" A bright flush spreads across her chest as her anger continues to rise further still. Caroline has zero tolerance for drugs and is completely taken aback catching Fiona, of all people, using them.
A deep flush of embarrassment invades Fiona's cheeks, tears welling up in her eyes. She tries to find the words to speak, but Caroline interrupts before she has a chance.
"You know, I should have known. Isn't that what all musicians do anyway, sit around, smoking spliffs, writing music" using air quotes as she says the word music. The second the words have escaped her lips she regrets them, but she knows it's too late and she's still fuming anyway.
Hot tears break from Fiona's eyes and she bolts up from the bench, her blood now boiling with anger.
"You know, Gillian was bloody right when she met you. You are a snotty bitch. If you would just shut up and listen, I could explain…" she knows it's not at all the truth, but she wants to make Caroline hurt the way she just hurt her.
"No, you don't need to. In fact, I think it might be time for you to start looking for your own place to live," she turns curtly and stomps back across the lawn, slamming the door behind her as she storms inside.
Fiona stands shell shocked as the anger begins to subside, only to be replaced with panic and sorrow.
What if she won't listen, what if she won't believe me...