The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains of Rachel's bedroom, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Rachel stretched luxuriously under the covers, a slow smile pulling at her lips as memories of the previous night filled her mind. Beside her, Ross was still fast asleep, his arm draped possessively over her waist. She watched him for a few moments, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the sunlight streaming in.
Careful not to disturb him, Rachel slipped out of bed, reaching for her silky black robe hanging on the chair. The smooth fabric hugged her skin as she tied the belt loosely around her waist. Quietly, she padded down the hallway toward the kitchen. The faint sound of giggles drifted from the dining table, unmistakable teenage laughter – Charlotte and Erica were clearly up to something.
As Rachel entered the kitchen, she found them sitting at the table, heads close together, whispering and shooting amused glances in her direction. Charlotte, her hair in a high ponytail, was dressed in an oversized sweater and leggings, looking every bit the casual teenager. Erica, with her dark curls and bright, mischievous eyes, wore a fitted hoodie and jeans, her freckles more pronounced in the morning light.
Rachel raised her eyebrows but tried to appear casual as she poured herself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the room.
"Good morning, girls," she said, her voice calm but with an unmistakable hint of curiosity. The fluttering in her stomach was hard to ignore.
"Morning, Mom," Charlotte replied, though the teasing tone in her voice was unmistakable. She shot Erica a glance, and both girls immediately erupted into muffled laughter.
Rachel sipped her coffee, leaning against the counter with one eyebrow raised.
"What's so funny?"
Erica, barely containing her grin, shrugged nonchalantly.
"Oh, nothing... we just... heard some things last night," she said, biting her lip as she tried to suppress another laugh.
Rachel's eyes widened slightly, but she kept her tone light. "Is that so?"
Charlotte smirked, unable to hold back.
"Yeah, Mom, come on. You weren't exactly... quiet." She made a vague gesture with her hands, which only set Erica off again into fits of giggles.
Rachel felt her cheeks flush as she realized what they were implying. She tried to remain composed, but the heat rising to her face betrayed her.
Before she could respond, Ross emerged from the bedroom, looking slightly disheveled but still devastatingly handsome. His shirt from the night before was wrinkled, his tie hanging loosely around his neck. His hair was tousled, and there was a relaxed, easy smile on his face as he greeted them.
"Morning," he said, his voice still thick with sleep.
Rachel nearly choked on her coffee at the sight of him, especially with Charlotte and Erica right there, their eyes widening as they took him in.
"Well, well, well," Erica said with a wicked grin, folding her arms across her chest. "Looks like Uncle Ross had a good night."
Charlotte grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Yeah, Ross. That shirt's looking a little... worn, don't you think?"
Rachel's face flushed a deep crimson, and she shot the girls a warning look.
"Girls..." she began, but she couldn't hide the smile pulling at her lips.
Ross, however, took it all in stride. With a playful shrug, he glanced down at his wrinkled shirt.
YOU ARE READING
Starting over
FanfictionA year and a half after her husband's death and after living in Paris since she was a teenager, Rachel, along with her daughter, is ready to head back to her hometown, New York City.
