Too Haught to Handle (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 8

A leisurely stroll around Stratford, Sunday morning, completed the weekend. The couple ate lunch at one of the cafes near the river, watching the world go by. They both looked happy. Passing an art gallery on their way back to the hotel, Nicole spotted a print of a landscape she liked and bought it. She offered to buy one for Waverly, who was flattered, but declined the offer. It felt too soon to be buying gifts. She definitely didn't want to be bought.

Sam was already at her desk as Waverly entered the office.

"So, how was the weekend?" she enquired, eager to know all the details.

"Oh, very Nicky," was all Waverly had to say, before both started laughing.

"Do the two of you fancy drinks after work on Friday?" Sam asked. "I have a new place in mind, a cocktail bar, just opened. Very Nicky."

"Sounds interesting. I'll ask her if she's free. She's quite busy at the moment."

"Will Shae be there?" Waverly asked tentatively, as she scrolled through her To Do list for the day.

"Only if you want her there," Sam replied. "Look, she's cool with you and Nicky. Honestly, she doesn't mind. I think she's happy Nicky has found someone like you."

Waverly wasn't sure how to take this. She didn't want it to be a problem with her and Shae, but she also felt a little uncomfortable about the whole thing. She had Shae's job and now Shae's lover. It all felt like sloppy seconds.

"No, I'm fine with her being there," she replied, after a few moments considering the options.

At least, it would get any awkwardness between them out of the way, she reassured herself. They were where they were, so best to move on.

Nicole met Waverly and Sam outside their office building, ready for a night out on the town with her girls. She looked amazing, as ever. Waverly was secretly proud at being able to call Nicole her girlfriend. She was a little nervous about seeing Shae, but Nicole had reassured her everything was cool between them. They made their way to The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields, where they were meeting the others. A small group of Sam's friends were waiting outside, as the trio approached.

Waverly spotted Shae in the group, who smiled and waved. Nicole went over to Shae and gave her a kiss on the cheek. They spoke briefly and Waverly could see Shae brush a few strands of hair off Nicky's face. She suddenly felt a wave of jealousy wash over her. Shae came over to Waverly and kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm really happy for you both," she offered, pulling Waverly in for a hug.

"Thank you," Waverly replied. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Oh God. No. I guessed you two would end up together. It's perfect."

Waverly felt her stomach relax for the first time that evening at Shae's words. It was going to be OK.

The group moved inside. Waverly looked confused. This wasn't a cocktail bar, more like a restaurant.

"Just wait," Sam winked, moving towards a white fridge set into one of the walls. As she opened the fridge door, Waverly could hear music and laughter. Stairs led to a secret basement bar. The group descended to enjoy an evening of cocktails in the speakeasy. Sam was right. It was very Nicky.

A netball match had been arranged in work and they were short a team member. Sam would be shooting, given her height and wondered whether Waverly would be able to make up the extra team place. Waverly hadn't played in years, but thought it would be fun. They changed in the ladies loos, Waverly borrowing a netball skirt from Sam. As they made their way out to the pitches, she spotted Nicole standing on the side line.

Excitement coursed through her, as she approached Nicole.

"How did you know I would be playing?" she asked, pleased Nicole was there, but also confused.

"Sam sent me a text. Said I might like what I saw. Too curious not to come."

"So, do you like what you see?" Waverly teased, twirling around to show off the very short skirt she was wearing.

"Oh, I like!" Nicole replied, unable to take her eyes off Waverly's legs. "I like very much."

The game was fast-paced. Waverly made a few good passes and Sam scored enough goals for their team to win. Sweaty and red-faced, they made their way off the pitch. Nicole came over to Waverly and kissed her on the cheek.

"Do you have time for a quick drink with me?" she asked, still looking at Waverly's outfit.

"I can't, I'm so sorry," Waverly replied. "I have a deadline, needs to be finished this afternoon."

"OK, not a problem," Nicole said, looking a little disappointed.

She went to leave, then stopped, a thought suddenly entering her head.

"Are you free tonight?"

"Yes. Do you fancy coming over to mine?" Waverly offered. "I'll cook."

"Sure," Nicole replied, that mischievous look back on her face.

"If you wear that outfit."