Winter Wayhaught

Chapter 16

Waverly took a cab home. Nicole had offered to drive. She wanted to be on her own for a while. Bag dumped in the hallway, she sat on the couch. She wasn't going to leave Nicole. She was her compass, allowing her to navigate the raging storms created by H. The bookstore her ship, allowing her to sail away from all the pain.

She wished she had never taken Wynonna's advice. Nicole's reaction to H's identity upset her more than she realised. He always did this, slithering his way in between her and those she loved. Remaining in her life no matter what she did to remove him, causing trouble. She should have kept quiet. Too late now.

Her phone buzzed. Nicole. Her heart wanted to answer it, knowing they needed to talk. Her head let it go to voicemail. She needed thinking space. She needed time to work out if she wanted to go back, or have a break. She needed to let things rest. Settle. She needed to return only when she felt ready.

The phone buzzed again. Nicole. "What?"

"Hi, I've spoken with Wynonna. I think I know what's wrong with me."

"Great. Good for you."

"When are you coming back?"

"Things are too much for me right now. I'll call you."

"No, Waverly wait. I've got to talk to you. Please."

"Can we do this in a few days? I've a meeting in London on Tuesday I need to prepare for."

"I had a bread roll chasing me."

"Don't. I can't right now. I just need to be by myself."

"I royally screwed up. I know that. The bread roll told me."

She could hear Waverly laughing. "I hate you."

"I know you don't. But, I know you're mad at me. And, you have every right. What I did, given everything you went through with H, is unforgivable. You should put me in handcuffs."

"No, no, no. You did that on purpose didn't you?"

"Me in handcuffs naked being chased by bread rolls."

"Stop it. I'm trying to be mad and you put that image in my head. God, I love you."

"It's not about starting again. We go forward, knowing what we know. I'm here for you, unless I'm naked being chased by bread rolls in handcuffs."

"I'll be back this evening. Do you have handcuffs?"

"I can get some. There has to be a bondage shop in this extremely small, ultra-conservative town of ours. Love you."

"Stop. I'm too emotional right now."

Waverly's car pulled up outside the store. It had been closed for half an hour. Nicole was in the stockroom completing an order on the computer. She didn't hear Waverly knocking. Her phone rang.

"Are you going to let me in?"

"Sorry. Be right there. Don't go anywhere. I'm coming to the door. I'm at the door. Can you see me? I'm opening the door."

She could see Waverly laughing. The hug told her she was almost forgiven.

"I've bought olives. And..."

"Cake? Bread rolls? No, you found a pair?"

Nicole nodded. "Fancy dress shop in the next town. Robin's suggestion. And, I've hired something."

"Oh, God. I so know you. Surprise me later."

She was back in the flat. A place beginning to feel like home. Bags dumped, she could smell something delicious cooking. Nicole took her hand, leading her to the kitchen table, motioning for her to sit.