Would you Swallow all your Pride?

Chapter Forty-Nine: Sangria.

At night, Wilhemina caught herself missing the warmth of another body next to her. Floratta Blue lingered in the air only slightly, and Venable wished she could smell more of it. Fear clouded her senses before sleep could, trying to trick her, trying to scare her. Wilhemina closed her eyes and thought about Billie; about the kiss they shared just before she entered her car and drove home that evening. Nothing would change in the morning. Nothing would change in the week. Right?

And so Monday morning arrived, and with it came a very self conscious Wilhemina, whom took way more than usual to get ready for the day. Pants, sweaters, skirts...? Have I ever worn a skirt to work? Venable didn't think so, but when choosing an outfit the purple, mid skirt was the only thing that made her comfortable enough. So the skirt it was, with a purple sweater up and tucked on the waist and purple boots to finish the look. After placing a small kiss on Purpura's head, Wilhemina followed to Billie Dean Howard & Co., fingers drumming on the wheel and lower lip caught between pearl teeth. Would Emma already be there? Would Billie Dean already be there? Would anyone know? Well, Jenny knew. Would Jenny say something? Blushing was never an option to Venable.

When the doors of the elevador opened on the seventh floor, Wilhemina couldn't help but gulp. She walked a little slower than usual, with her head up high as it always were and heels clacking on the marble. Everything felt different. As she entered the main office, there was no sign of anyone there yet, but Venable's heart had picked up in speed anyways. She took a deep breath and set her things down, coat on the backrest and bag on top of the table. The air was chilly, and the Christmas decorations had already been turned on. Brown eyes watched as the lights on the small Christmas tree right in the middle of the room changed colors, contrasting with the white marble that bathed the rest of the room. I do like how these look. Perhaps Wilhemina would hang a light or two in her house... maybe Billie Dean could help? She has her own life. Venable didn't expect them to spend every second of their lives together, after all. Hell, she didn't even know how Billie would feel this morning. I miss her lips already. Shaking the thought off, Wilhemina walked to the kitchen in order to get herself some coffee.

Billie Dean was always hungry, that was no news, but this morning she made sure to stop at a bakery nearby and get both herself and Wilhemina a croissant. When she took the first step into the office, Billie couldn't help but be somewhat glad she had woken up earlier than usual due to the excitement of seeing a certain someone today. When her alarm went off in the morning, Billie Dean had already been getting dressed with a warm sweater and jeans. Honey eyes lighted up softly when she saw the purple purse on top of Venable's table. Billie looked around; there seemed to be no one else in the office but the two of them. She bit her lower lip, purse on her forearm and bag of croissants in hand. "Wilhie?" she called softly.

In the kitchen, Wilhemina had already poured two mugs of warm coffee. W and BD. She barely had time to take a first sip before the sweet voice invaded her ears. Suddenly, her heart that had only now started to calm down began to beat fast again. The corners of her lips already arched up, and her skin wanted to turn red. Venable cleared her throat. "In the kitchen," she called back.

With a smile that nearly went from ear to ear, Billie Dean bit her lower lip and walked that way. She peeked into the kitchen and her heart skipped a beat; how was it possible that Wilhemina looked even prettier than the night before? "Hi," she said softly. She's wearing a skirt. Billie tried not staring.

"Hi." Venable allowed her hips to rest against the counter before setting the mug down on it. Her cane now rested on her thigh, beside her. She looked at honey eyes. I've missed her.