The Story Of Us

Chapter 4 ◇ Cat ◇

The warm air and soft lighting of the restaurant seemed to welcome her back, the hustle and bustle of chefs and waiters creating a comforting atmosphere.

Catherine approached the waiting counter, asking for the to go order she'd placed earlier.

A waiter handed her a bag filled with food, wrapped in a paper to-go container. The smell wafting up from it made her stomach growl slightly.

"Thank you," she said as she took the bag, her hands itching to get back to the room as soon as possible. She left the restaurant and headed back to the hotel, the bag of food clutched in her hand.

As she walked through the lobby, she could feel the excitement building inside her, her thoughts consumed by the idea of seeing her girlfriend again. Finally, she arrived outside the suite of their room. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she slipped the key into the lock and opened the door.

As she entered the room, she was immediately greeted by the soft lighting and comfortable ambiance. Her gaze immediately went to the bathroom door, which was still closed.

She set down the bag of food on the table in the sitting area of the suite, her mind still on the young woman in the bathtub. She fidgeted for a moment, unsure of what to do. Should she wait for Lerato to come out? Should she disturb her bath?

She spoted their bags and thought that she should deal with those first. She packed hers and Lerato's clothes in the small walk-in closet. When she was done she sat down on the sofa and poured herself another glass of champagne.

After a few moments of internal debate, her desire to see the young woman won out. She walked towards the bathroom door and gently knocked. "Lerato?" She called out, her voice soft as to not startle the girl. She placed her hand on the door handle, ready to open it, but waiting for a response first.

There was a moment of silence, and then a soft, hesitant voice came through the door.

"Y-yes?" The sound of the girl's voice sent a shiver down Catherine's spine.

"I'm back," she said, trying to sound casual. "Can I come in?" Another moment of silence, then, "Yes..."

Catherine took that as confirmation, and slowly opened the door and stepped into the bathroom. Her heart swelled at the sight before her. Lerato was done with her bath and was green silk pajamas.

Her hair still damp, her cheeks still flushed. She looked... adorable.

Catherine leaned against the door frame, unable to keep the fond smile off her face. "Hey," she said, her voice a little hoarse. Lerato smiled shyly back, her cheeks reddening a bit more at the sight of Catherine leaning there, watching her.

"Hi," she said quietly, her gaze darting away from the older woman's. Catherine chuckled softly at the girl's shyness, walking further into the bathroom. She approached the girl and gently lifted her chin, making her meet her gaze.

"You look pretty," she murmured, her voice low and affectionate. Lerato's eyes widened slightly at the compliment, her breath catching in her throat.

"I.. I do?" She asked, her voice a whisper.

Catherine's heart tugged at the girl's insecurity. She gently cupped her cheek, her thumb rubbing soothing circles into her skin. "Hhmm, hungry?"

Lerato nodded, her stomach grumbling slightly at the mention of food.

"Yes," she said, her voice still soft. "I'm starving." Catherine chuckled, her hand falling from the girl's cheek to her arm.

"Good, because I've got food for us both." She said, tugging gently on the girl's arm. "Come on, let's eat." Lerato followed Catherine out of the bathroom and into the sitting area of the suite. The older woman gestured for her to sit at the small table.