by Oliva Lucas
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Bella waited outside Leah’s apartment for over ten minutes, when she finally saw her stride in from the parking lot with a boxful of goodies.
“Sorry gorgeous. Freaking truck blocked my car spot again. Just had to yell at him to move. Look at my little cripple. Come here.” She laughed, and gave her a big hug and kiss.
Just as they finished embracing, they heard footsteps from the stairwell, and saw Jack and Sophie walk down. Jack saw them and waved, before walking over.
Bella felt her stomach drop to the floor, and her calmness unravel.
Well that didn’t take long.
“Jackster” said Leah.
“Hi Jack.” Bella smiled faintly.
“Hi ladies. You have both met the lovely Sophie I take it.”
“Yes. Hi.” Leah purred.
“Hey.” Bella looked at Sophie, and smiled. Her heart was doing that crazy thumping thing again and she was having trouble breathing properly. She should really ask the doctor about that.
“How’s your ankle Bella?” asked Sophie.
“It’s getting there. Looking forward to this coming off. It's like a lead weight trying to pull off my leg.”
Leah let out a laugh. “I love how dramatic you are.” She then turned back to Jack and Sophie. “Looks like you guys are going on a date?”
Sophie opened her mouth but Jack spoke first. “Yeah. Just a casual dinner and drinks. Get to know the neighbor thing.”
Sophie and Bella looked at each other. “Did you go away Bella? I didn’t see you for a few days.”
“I was on a writers camp. In the middle of nowhere. Lots of dust.” Again, she was unable to form full sentences so she just stopped talking.
She felt Leah eye her suspiciously, and Sophie just stood there with her mouth slightly ajar. Was she going to say something or not?
“Right cool.” Jack clapped his hands together, as Bella looked from Sophie to Jack, and back to Sophie.
Leah wrapped her arm around Bella. “Well, we are having a date of our own. A wine date, aren’t we gorgeous? Leah looked at Bella and smiled. “Just the two of us.”
“Yeah. We better let you guys get back to your date.” Bella said lowering her gaze.
Sophie was casually dressed in black jeans, boots, and a v neck top, but still managed to make her weak at the knees. She would look good in a paper bag. It was embarrassing the effect she had on her.
She was a grown ass woman.
“Okay great. See you girls later.” Jack turned and started to walk out.
“Bye.” Sophie smiled at Leah, then Bella, and followed Jack along the path.
Bella could barely look. She didn’t have the stomach to imagine Sophie with Jack, and all the things they may do. She didn’t think Jack was her type. I mean, he was good looking, but she was so intelligent, and worldly. Surely, she needed that mental connection that she had also craved her whole life.
When they were inside Leah’s apartment, Leah took her by the hand and sat her down on the chair.
“Right, sit down immediately. Tell Aunty Leah, what the hell was that all about?”
“What do you mean?”
“What do I mean? What just happened? How much time have you been spending with blondie?
“Not much. Just a couple of nights chatting about random stuff.”
“And you’re already all gaga over her?”
“I am not. I am on heavy medication!” Bella protested. “You know she almost knocked me out. So, she has been helping me out a little with things.”
Leah opened some wine and poured some glasses. “You looked like you were in a hypnotic state.”
“George!” Bella looked around and yelled. “Where’s George when I need him? I can always rely on George to have my back.”
“She looked a bit weirded out too, you know.”
“Oh, she’s straight Leah. She probably felt weird being eyeballed by a pack of hungry lesbians.”
Leah laughed out loud, her dimples lighting up her face. “Is that what we are now Bella? I’ll have you know that I am not all that hungry.” Leah patted her tummy. “I’m quite content.” She widened her eyes. “You on the other hand… massive problems.”
Bella jumped up on one leg and put Leah in a headlock, until they both started giggling.
After a few minutes of clowning around in the kitchen, Bella pulled it together and made a small admission. “You know Leah, I think I do have a weeny crush on my neighbor.”
“Oh, me darling? You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this.” Leah came up behind her and showered her in small kisses.
Bella laughed. “Blondie. Apples. Sophie. The newbie.”
“And this is why I am trying to protect you from those horrible straight girls that rip your heart out then smash it into a million pieces.”
“Can you set me up with one of your friends on a blind date?”
Leah started dancing in front of her with George in her arms. “Is this a drunk request? Or a serious request?”
“It is a drunk, and serious request.” Bella hung her head in defeat. “I need help. Please and you are the master. I submit.” She placed her arms in front of her and started waving them up and down.
Leah laughed. “You definitely have issues, but you are cute. Want to go for a swim?”
“Are you nuts? How am I supposed to swim with this?” Bella lifted her moon boot.
“Can’t you take that thing off?”
“I’ll drown with one leg.”
“Haven’t you ever heard of water therapy?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Sophie you are a pool shark.”
Sophie lined up the ball in the corner pocket and tapped it straight in with the pool cue. “I grew up with three brothers. It was either play pool with the boys, or play barbie dolls by myself.”
Jack laughed. “I see. You are whipping me. You could’ve told me before you know.” He winked at her. He was definitely a spunk but she just wasn’t feeling anything. And it wasn’t her style, hopping from bed to bed.
She just couldn’t go there.
In the end, they had ditched the dinner plans and headed to a bar with pool tables. They had ordered a few slices of pizza and knocked back a couple of beers. Neither of them felt like a formal sit-down dinner and well that’s not why Sophie said yes.
She just needed to take her mind of everything. Work, her ex, and for some reason Bella was also included in her mix. She had a lot of confused thoughts lately.
“So, what’s your deal Jack? I have heard you are quite the player.”
“Not from my bestie Bella? She has it all wrong. Looks like you guys have been spending quite a bit of time together.”
“Actually, I worked it out myself. I have a radar for these things. Bella hasn’t said a word. Apart from the fact that I didn’t need to steer clear of you. She gave you the thumbs up. And yes, we have hung out a bit.”
“She’s a cool girl. I had a bit of a thing for her when she arrived, but she told me she swings the other way so that was that. Besties ever since.” Jack held up his hand and crossed his finger and middle finger.
Sophie paused. “Leah and her looked like they had something going on.” Oh, for god’s sake, why did she say that? She was going all detective on Bella.
“Think Leah will always try her luck but not sure if Bella would go for it.”
“Oh right.”
Sophie recounted their meeting in the courtyard. She was excited, and nervous again to see Bella. But why did she feel like she had almost betrayed Bella by going out with Jack?
She was almost certain she saw some pain in her expression. Or maybe she just wasn’t feeling well. And why did she feel weird when Leah put her arm around Bella? It was almost like she was jealous. This overthinking needed to stop. She would just need to steer clear of Bella. She couldn’t handle anymore drama.
Sophie actually had fun hanging out with Jack and she did manage to switch off for the most
part. Now that they were going home, her thoughts were back to her neighbor and her date.
As they entered the courtyard, they could hear giggling and Sophie felt the muscles around her jaw tighten a little.
“Oh, look what we have here.” Jack crouched down by the edge of the pool. “Two little drunkards swimming in the pool.”
“Hi Jack, I am giving Bella’s ankle water therapy.” Leah stood on her feet.
Jack sniggered. “I’m sure you are giving her something.”
Sophie saw Bella laying on her back without her moon boot. Her ankle was still dark and swollen. She smiled at Sophie but when she rolled over, she fell out of Leah’s hands and started to sink. Leah rushed over and picked her up while she coughed up water. Leah to the rescue again.
Leah looked across. “You guys should come in.”
Jack raised his eyebrows. “Are you crazy? It’s freezing. And keep an eye on the invalid.”
“Aye, aye captain.” Leah saluted Jack with her hand.
Leah and Bella laughed.
“I can look after myself Jack.” Bella yelled. “Ow. That hurt.”
Leah whined. “Bella! Don’t leave me.”
“You almost drowned me. I am probably going to die from water in the lungs. I am getting out.”
Leah splashed water playfully in her direction. “You suck.”
Sophie looked across at Bella getting out of the water. Underneath all those sweats hid a really slim and toned body. She could really pull off a bikini. For such a non-athlete, she sure looked athletic.
Jack wrapped her up in a towel. There was certainly a lot of love in this complex for Bella.
Sophie had enough for one night. “Guys, I am going to head off to bed now so good night.”
“You don’t want to join us for a drink?” Jack called out.
“No, I am pretty tired. Need to sleep. Thanks for a nice night.”
“Sure, any time. Good night.”
“Good night everyone.” Sophie smiled as she turned and walked back to her apartment.
Sophie was so mixed up that she had no idea what she was feeling right now. She was just a hodgepodge of emotion. Sleep would be the best remedy no doubt.
After a shower, she lay down on the couch and aimlessly flicked through the channels. She saw the silhouette of the two girls walk past her window. Bella was leaning on Leah, and she heard the front door open and close. This was followed by crashing into furniture and raucous laughing.
Bella had such a cute infectious laugh that it was hard not to smile. Hopefully Leah would be gone soon so everyone could get some sleep. They were both pretty drunk so it was only a matter of time.
Sophie headed to bed and got underneath the blankets. She could hear talking and laughing, and someone was banging their head into the wall. If this was their idea of foreplay, she was sleeping on the couch.
She rolled onto her back and sighed heavily. The last thing she wanted to hear was them having sex. In fact, the very thought made her sick to her stomach. She saw Leah eyeing Bella like a prized piece of meat.
Just when she thought she could take no more, the noise stopped and thankfully she drifted off into some semblance of sleep.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Bella woke early in the morning and kicked Leah out of her bed due to excessive snoring. She was snoring like a banshee. Nobody could cohabitate with that noise.
Her thoughts drifted to Sophie and wondered what she had thought about her late-night expedition into the pool. Luckily, they had clothes on or the whole thing could have been mortifying. She wondered if anything had happened between Sophie and Jack, and pushed that thought aside as she turned on the taps of the shower.
Bella really needed to get a life and stop obsessing about her straight neighbor. After she jumped out of the shower, she slipped on some jeans, rolled up the bottoms, and put on a fresh t shirt.
She brewed herself a strong cup of coffee and walked outside into the brisk morning air.
After she hopped up the stairs to the rooftop, she took a seat at the small, wooden table pitched by the edge and stretched out her legs in front of her. She cupped her coffee with her hands and sighed as she looked over the city below.
She loved the serenity and smell of the early morning. The sun was peeking out over the horizon and a warm, yellow glow started to envelop the morning sky. She sipped at her coffee and watched a few birds playing catch in the nearby oak tree.
Half way through her coffee cup, she heard some light footsteps coming from behind. She dipped her head back and saw Sophie. Upside down, though nonetheless striking.
Was there no way of escaping this girl? She was seeing her every day and this certainly was not healthy for her well-being.
Bella smiled.
“Morning. Thought no one would be up now.”
“I love this part of the day. It’s my favorite. Take a seat. Pretty isn’t it?”
Sophie pulled out the chair and sat down. “Yeah it is. I’ve been meaning to get up here since you recommended it.”
“That’s right. How are you today?”
“Good. And you? Hung-over?”
“A little dusty but I am okay thanks.”
Bella sipped at her coffee. “How was your date last night?”
“Yeah it was okay.”
“Cool, glad you had fun.” Bella recognized that her tone was flat and distant.
“Yeah Jack’s a nice guy.”
“That he is.”
“You guys seemed to be having a good time in the pool.”
Bella let out a small laugh. “Yeah not sure how we ended up in there. We had a few drinks. Think Leah wanted to fix my ankle.” Bella looked down at her foot and frowned. “But may have done more damage. It’s too swollen today to put on the moon boot.”
Sophie leaned forward. “Hmm I see. It looks painful. You really should elevate and rest it. How did you end up sleeping?”
“You mean with my foot? It was okay. I slept pretty well until the morning.” This conversation was really awkward. It was probably her fault.
Bella felt her defensive walls strengthen after she saw Jack and Sophie together. She knew she wasn’t being herself, but self-preservation was paramount at this stage.
“I think I heard you crash into some furniture last night,” said Sophie.
“Yeah Leah helped me inside. But think she was more of a hinderance. She was falling into everything like a sack of potatoes. Sorry if we woke you. I told her to be quiet. I am pretty sure she headbutted a wall at some stage.”
Sophie let out a small laugh. “I may have heard that. She stayed over?”
“Yeah. I think she passed out. I had to kick her out early. My whole brain was vibrating with her snoring. How a little person can make so much noise I will never know.” Bella shook her head.
“I did hear the wall vibrating at some stage during the night.”
“Sorry I hope you could sleep.”
“Yeah I did for the most part.” Sophie looked out to the skyline. “So, do you and her have a thing?”
“A thing?”
“Like do you, you know, have a casual hook up thing going?”
“Ah no. I love her like my sister.”
“Does she know that?”
“We don’t have a thing and I haven’t asked.” Bella furrowed her brow and turned to Sophie. “Where is all of this coming from?”
“I’m just making conversation. Sorry too many questions.” Sophie groaned internally.
Why was it so important for her to establish the exact nature of their relationship? Bella wasn’t hiding anything. Yes, she stayed over and if something had happened, she would’ve said. More importantly, why the hell was she fishing for information?
“She is one of my best friends.” Bella turned to her. “When’s your next date with Jack?”
Sophie looked flustered. “I’m not really ready for that Bella. My head is still all over the place.”
“So, just a hook up for you t
hen?”
“No, actually I am not really like that.” Sophie stood, and turned to leave.
Something had hit a raw nerve. “Sophie. I didn’t mean that. Sorry about my tone.”
“No worries. I am going to head back down. Have some things I need to do.”
And just like that, the conversation was over. Bella knew she pushed a little too far, but hadn’t Sophie done the same thing.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Sophie got back to her apartment, and leaned back against her front door after she closed it. Did she really just snap at Bella?
She had just drilled her about Leah, and the second she asked her a question about Jack, she suddenly had the right to shut down and walk away? She had to work out what the hell was going on and why it was affecting her judgement so much.
First things first, she liked Bella, and she really wanted to be near her all the time. There was no denying that part, but was she possibly attracted to her and wanting more? I mean, she was in a new city and in a lonely space right now, and Bella was intriguing, intelligent, funny, and wonderful companionship.
Being around Bella made her happy. But she was starting to act hostile towards her for what reason?
Maybe she was just lashing out at her because she felt the closest to her, which was even more frightening. After a week and a half, she felt closer to Bella than she had felt to anyone in a long time. Maybe forever.
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Bella went back to her apartment and collapsed on the couch. What just happened? Did she and her neighbor just have their first fight? Sophie had just got up and walked away when she made a comment, well perhaps a crass implication, about her and Jack. Maybe her choice of words was a little too aggressive for the polite Sophie.
Seriously, she knew this morning that she should refrain from all human contact. Somehow, she had managed to unintentionally put her foot in her mouth and now she would be stressing about it all day.
She definitely needed to speak to Leah about an apartment swap. As she hobbled over to the kitchen, there was a knock at the door. Must be Abbie. A little early but that was just like her. She would tell you what day she was dropping in. Never a time.
