Winter Wayhaught

Chapter 4

A mountain of clothes lay on Nicole's bed. She had no idea what to wear for her date with Waverly. She had tried on almost every outfit, twice, nothing seemed to capture what she wanted to say with her body. She remembered Waverly's comment about hiding her form. It was true. Since her split with Shae she had hidden herself away, not wanting attention, a shadow of her former self.

She rummaged through the pile once more. One skinny pair of jeans, black. Check. One tight-fitting shirt, black. Check. Boots. Where were her boots? She found them in the corner of the living room, having no idea how they ended up there. Outfit complete, she attempted to apply a layer of war paint, failing to make it look natural. Her reflection said painted Russian doll. She removed most of what she had applied, deciding make-up free was her look.

Two hours to go. The address Waverly had supplied already searched on Google maps, switching to Street View to check out the property. Modern, expensive, in the posh part of town. Whoever Waverly's sister was she had money. Lots by the size of the house. Intriguing rather than intimidating. Nicole's family had a few pennies to rub together. She grew up around wealthy people. It only bothered her when she saw those who had money acting like idiots around those who had not.

One hour to go. She had suggested a lunchtime drink. The pub would be quieter, post-Christmas, a chance to continue getting to know each other. Her dating experience had been non-existent in recent years, or flirting for that matter. Everything felt new again. Exciting. Really scary. She could feel her anxiety levels rising just at the thought of sitting in a public bar having a drink with the girl of her recent dreams.

Her mobile rang. Waverly's number.

"Hi, sorry. Something's come up. Can we postpone?"

"Sure. No problem. Another time."

"Thanks. I meant for a few hours. I still want to see you."

"Oh, right. Great. What time?"

"Three?"

"Three's perfect. Same pick up place?"

"Please. Sorry about this. I'll explain when I see you."

"Honestly, it's fine. Really, I'd come for you anytime."

There was a pause, then a giggle. "Did you mean to say that?"

Nicole replayed the words in her head. "What I meant was, if I come for you..."

"Stop, before I wet myself. You're beyond cute. See you later. I'm glad you're coming for me."

That rollercoaster feeling. High, low, high, low. It seemed to be a pattern. Early days she hoped. At least Waverly called her beyond cute, whatever that meant. And, her mind was clearly thinking along similar lines. She would happily come for Waverly.

Nicole sat outside the house. Ten minutes early. Too soon to go in. Tasteful Christmas lights placed around the front door, a small sign telling Santa to visit lodged in one of the large grey pots standing guard either side. One minute to three, Nicole rang the doorbell, waiting, wondering if Waverly would invite her in. Her sister answered, casually dressed in a festive onesie, a glass of champagne in one hand.

"Come in. Waverly's still getting ready. So slow. Go up if you like."

"No, I'm fine, I'll stand here if that's OK."

Wynonna studied Nicole. "At least come into the lounge."

Nicole followed. A small child sat at a table by the window, drawing. She looked up as Nicole entered, returning to her artwork.