It's late when I wake up, the shadows appear on the opposite wall and the oranges feel more like sunsets. I'm still in my lingerie, but the silk sheets are empty.
I strip down and dress in soft yoga shorts and a gym top, I comb out my tangled hair with my hands as I yawn and wander down the hall.
Donny and Jerome sit at the breakfast table with a plate of half eaten bacon. They don't look tired at all.
"Morning, sunshine" Donny smiles when he sees me shuffling along, barley awake.
"Morning handsome" I smile at his smile and lean over the top of his head to kiss his forehead then mouth.
"Sleep well?" He rubs his nose on mine and I could stay like this all day.
I feel very snuggly and floppy.
"Hmm" I nod "coffee"
"Morning Thea" Jerome hands me a mug he has ready and waiting, he stands and shocks me by kissing me right on the lips, it's a casual kiss, like the one I gave Don.
"Morning" I blush.
"You hungry?" He brushes back my hair and leans his forehead on mine.
"Starving" I nod, he kisses me again but let's me go.
Jerome moves around my kitchen like I'm the guest, like it's his kitchen to move around in.
I plonk myself down next to Donny and lean into his side.
I try to act like this is normal, like I didn't beg Jerome to stay with me.
Don is reading the paper, not even on his phone...the actual paper form of the news that he still gets delivered to our driveway every Sunday... he tucks me under his arm, he kisses my hair like I'm not bothering him.
"They're predicting rain for tomorrow, will that affect your open house?" Donny comments as he skims over the weather.
"I hope not... the commission is tight on this one" I mumble.
"Rain? We're outdoors tomorrow... That protest in the park" Jerome groans but places a plate of scrambled eggs and buttered toast down front of me with a wink.
"It's easy work, we only have to stand there and look intimidating" Donny scoffs.
"Hyde park?" I check.
"Yep, but don't worry, we'll keep the noise down" Donny assures me.
Hyde park is across the street from my office.
"I was just going to offer to pack extra lunch, you can use my office to dry off, my open is at two"
"It's a date" Don smiles at me.
"What's the plan for the rest of the day?" I yawn again and take a sip of coffee.
"Well , this is dinner" Donny chuckles.
"I can't believe I slept all day" I sigh, it's such a waste of a day off.
"I can... baby, you were amazing last night... I think maybe we were too greedy, you were delirious by sunrise" Donny looks me over, he looks proud of me.
"Nonsense.... I'm good to go" I raise my chin.
Donny laughs, he sees right through me. He gently places his hand between my thighs and rubs... I can't help but wince.
"Good to go?" Donny whispers with a smirk.
"Fuck, Don... I haven't even had breakfast yet... calm down" I try for attitude but only manage an embarrassed laugh while I pick up my fork.
"It's fine, babe... speaking for myself, you have already one hundred percent satisfied me. I am a very happy man this morning.... Evening" Donny kisses my hair as I chew.
"You can speak for us both in that regard.... It had been too long, I was about to reactivate my tinder profile. Thea... you are incredible" Jerome mumbles also feeling embarrassed.
I chew my eggs, Jerome has tinder.... It's not a crime... he's single.
Is he?
God, I can't ask something like that... I keep my eyes on my food.
"Thea?" Donny cocks his head at my silence.
"Breakfast...dinner is great, thank you both. And you're welcome, I'm glad you boys are happy" I smile but it doesn't feel happy.
It feels like the food is all collecting in my throat.
I pick up my phone to avoid the conversation, finally something from Lucy, unfortunately she hasn't called, but she has left a few messages.
Okay, so I know this isn't me...
I just can't right now, with Myles.
He's scaring me.
So I've done the only thing I can
think of that he won't suspect.
I'm taking a time out at a yoga retreat,
it's excommunicated.
No phones, no internet.
It doesn't even have an address.
But it's safer than being at home right now,
please understand that I need this time.
I have someone keeping me safe, I love you.
