Officer Downey

Part 12 - Secrets

"Lexi... Lexi" you felt Hope's hand on your shoulder, pushing you slightly to wake you up.

"Hmm, what?" you couldn't even open your eyes yet.

"Someone's knocking on your door" she complained.

"Let them" you ignored it.

"It's the second time now, just go see what they want" she insisted.

"Fine" you groaned.

Getting out of bed, you wore a robe over your pyjamas and started your way to the front door. The look in your face showed that you just woke up and that you were not happy about it.

"Robert?" you spoke first when you saw him on the other side of the door.

"Good morning, I'm sorry for waking you up" he immediately seemed remorseful.

"Good morning, don't worry about it" you tried to seem less hostile than earlier.

"You should go back to sleep, I'll come back another time" he spoke.

"It's fine, really. What brings you here?" you wondered.

"I wanted to offer you a cup of coffee. It's been a few days since we saw each other and communication hasn't been going that great" he looked so sweet and worried.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I've been busy with work and yesterday I went out. I saw your message but I was completely distracted" you apologised.

"I understand" he nodded. "How about that coffee then?" he smiled.

"It sounds really lovely but it's not a good time, I'm not alone. Can we reschedule it or even plan something else?" you asked.

"You have company inside?" he seemed scared of your answer.

"It's just Hope, I invited her over last night" you explained.

"Oh, alright" he sounded very relived. "Then what about Monday evening?" he asked.

"I don't know, it could work but I have to see my work load. Can I let you know later?" your exhaustion was taking over you.

"Yeah, of course" it felt like he forced a smile.

"Thank you. We'll talk later" you exchanged a nod before you closed the door.

After taking a deep breath and exhaling it, you slowly walked back to your bedroom. Hope was still there, under the blanket, but this time she looked fully awake. So, when you joined her on the bed she didn't look like she had any intention of falling back asleep.

"Who was it?" she asked. 

"Oh, you know, some guy handing flyers" you didn't look at her, instead you hid your face in your pillow.

"You're telling me you had a full conversation for that long with someone handing flyers?" she raised her eyebrows.

"Yes" you exhaled deeply.

"Liar" she laughed.

"Ugh, you're not letting me sleep, are you?" you finally faced her.

"No, let's have some breakfast" she suggested.

"Fine, but you make the coffee" you agreed.

"Alright. You have 10 minutes to get out of bed" she playfully hit your arm before getting up herself.

The kitchen soon filled with sounds and the rich aromas of coffee mingling with the scent of freshly sliced avocado. You found her expertly flip eggs in the skillet, while arranging a colourful platter of sliced tomatoes, cheese, and bread. Eventually, with everything prepared to perfection, you sat down to enjoy the feast before you.