Old Windows

Frienships

* 1 Month Later

Mr.Rainey and Ms.Brown had taken a great liking to each other after that night. From nights after work to days off, they were together. Something about Mort's mysterious and riveting demeanor kept Claire coming back for more. Most of her weekends were spent in Mort's cabin, rather than her own house. Occasionally checking up on him and his writing's progress.

One saturday night, while Claire was lounging in Mort's tattered, multi-colored robe, helping herself to his spare L&M's, she received a call. 'Incoming call from: Elise' her phone screen read, "Sh*t," Quickly, she forced the left over smoke out of her lungs and sat up, as if Elise would be able to tell she up to absolutely nothing.

"Claire?"

"Yeah? What's up?" she asked while fiddling with the cigarette in her hand.

"I've been trying to call you for like half an hour, where are you? Is your line down?"

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry. I'm uh-" she took a quick glance up at Mort in his loft. He gave her a small smile and she contemplated whether to tell Elise the truth or lie, "I'm at a friend's house," she rolled her eyes to herself.

"Ah okay, I just wanted to check in, I know it's been a while since we last talked. How about dinner tomorrow nigh? Just you and I?"

Claire took a quick puff to help her decide, "Yeah that sounds good," it didn't sound like a plan she would've particularly arranged herself, but it was true, she hadn't seen Elise in a while.

For the remainder of the call, Claire and Elise discussed where and when they would meet up. It's not that she didn't enjoy her friend's company anymore, it's just that she would much rather spend her days with Mort Rainey.

"Who was that?" Mort asked, making his way down the stairs.

"Elise, she wants to go out to dinner tomorrow night."

"And you're gonna go?" Mort questioned while moving around the corn in the boiling water pot.

"I really should, I haven't seen her for a while."

"You shouldn't do anything you don't wanna do. I say you just should stay here with me," he smiled as he made himself comfortable on the couch.

"I'd much rather do that," she huffed while taking a seat next to him, finishing up her cigarette.

_

*Next Day

The time had approached for Claire's dinner plans, and she was dreading it more and more as the minutes went by. But at the very least, it would be nice to see her best friend again. Putting in minimal effort to her appearance, she headed for her car and drove to the small town diner that was halfway between Elise's and Claire's house.

Claire found Elise already sitting, with a coke in her hand, flagging her down. Elise stood up and they embraced each other with light laughing.

"It's so good to you," Elise commented into Claire's hair, midst their hug.

"Same to you honey, it's been too long."

Once they put their orders in, Elise took a long pause, breathing out in anticipation, "So...." she smiled, "what've you been up to?"

Claire meditated on her answer with great care. She could just tell Elise it's a guy and not disclose any further information that might set her off, or, she could set her off anyways and brace herself for the consequences.

"I made a new friend," Claire grinned, feeling her warm cheeks give away everything.

"A new friend huh?" Elise smirked, "And who is this new friend," she took a sip of her coke.