Chasing Innocence | ✓

2 | unwelcome visitors

I step out of my heels, kicking them to the side of the door as I step into my darkened apartment.

With a sigh, I shut the door behind me, turning the lock as I let my bag fall from my shoulder with a thud beside the door.

"Ree? That you?"

"No, it's just someone breaking in," I deadpan, yawning, as I walk into the small kitchen.

Maia greets with a smile, standing by the stove as she steers a wooden spoon through a pot. The waft of bolognese fills the air as I sit down at the dining table.

Loudly, I hear the ruffle of feet bounding down the stairs as Layla enters the kitchen, walking towards Maia. "Hey roomies," she grins, standing over Maia's shoulder as she dips a finger into the sauce.

Maia turns around, whacking her with the spoon as Layla flinches back, holding her hands up in surrender. "I'm starved," she whines. "I had the longest day at work."

"Amen," I mumble, massaging the headache developing.

"Your internship!" Maia says. "So tell us; was it everything you hoped for?"

Layla turns to take the seat next to me, her vibrant green eyes shining with interest as she ties back her fiery hair. Two curly tendrils fall out of the high pony, framing her heart-shaped face.

"It was good," I nod, staring at the table.

"Good?" Maia bulks. "You've been talking about this internship for as long as you've lived here. That's two years worth of conversations we've had revolving around this dream."

Maia turns off the stove. She frowns at me as she turns around; her tanned arms folded across her chest. Unlike Layla, Maia's golden brown eyes watch me in concern. She tucks her pin-straight black hair behind her ear as she watches me closely.

"Did it hit too close to home?" she whispers, softly.

I drop my gaze, shaking my head. "No, not—not really. It was interesting. I just—one of Davina's cases unnerved me."

"Tell us," Layla urges. "You know I have a thirst for murder mysteries."

"Layla," Maia warns, frowning at her. "Really?"

"What?" she says, do-eyed. "It's true."

"Sometimes, girl, you need to realise when to keep those lip fillers of yours shut."

Layla scoffs, sticking up her middle finger as she walks from the room. "Call me when dinner is ready," she mumbles.

Maia rolls her eyes, sighing. "It's ready now," she remarks.

Layla humphs, flopping down into the chair beside me again. She rests her chin in her hand, watching me closely. "I didn't mean anything by—"

"I know," I nod, entwining my hands together. "It's fine, Lay."

Maia's long tanned legs carry her across the room in a matter of seconds. She produces two bowls of pasta in front of us and we both thank her as she grabs one for herself and sits between Layla and I.

"So," Maia speaks in between bites, "I want to know more about this internship. Did you like Davina?"

"She's great," I remark, picking up my fork. "I'm excited to work for her."

"What unnerved you?" Layla asks, quietly.

Maia sends her a look and I kick her under the table, lightly shaking my head. I know she's only trying to look out for me, but Layla means well. She's not trying to upset me.