Behind Closed doors

Chapter 26

Lauren made her way to her room, the weight of the morning's argument with Kamala pressing heavily on her. She opened the door, only to be met with a familiar, comforting sight: Tina sprawled out on the king-size bed, snacks scattered all over the comforter, with Mrs. Whiskers, Lauren's tabby cat, perched contentedly on her stomach.

Lauren rolled her eyes with mock exasperation. "Don't you have a home?" she asked, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Tina grinned up at her, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "And miss out on all the perks of the White House?" She gestured at the extravagant spread of snacks. "I mean, I am the First Lady's best friend, after all."

Lauren let out a loud, theatrical sigh, tossing her jacket onto a nearby chair. "Stop," she groaned, kicking off her shoes and heading toward the bed.

Tina shifted over to make space, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, how was honeymoon?" she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That sigh can't be a good sign."

Lauren didn't need any more encouragement. She climbed onto the bed and collapsed beside Tina, pulling her into a tight, comforting hug. Tina had cartoons playing on the TV, something cheerful and colorful that made Lauren feel like she could finally relax for a moment. Without missing a beat, Lauren stole a handful of popcorn from Tina's bowl.

"Well," Lauren began, chewing thoughtfully. "Officially over. Honeymoon's done."

Tina turned to face her, eyebrows raised with concern. "What happened, babe?"

Lauren sighed deeply, shifting so she could rest her head on Tina's shoulder. "This past week was incredible," she admitted, her voice soft with nostalgia. "We lived together, really lived together. We shared the same bed every night. I got to watch her get ready in the morning, see her in her natural element, just doing domestic stuff. It was heaven, Tina. And the sex-God, the sex was out of this world."

Tina held up a hand, grimacing. "Stop right there. I do not need details," she protested, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "So, what happened? Everything sounds so perfect."

Lauren's expression darkened, and she rubbed her face, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Then," she continued, "Sam happened."

Tina's smile fell, replaced by a serious look as she leaned in, ready to listen. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice softening with concern.

Lauren exhaled shakily. "Sam showed up at my door the other night. Drunk out of her mind, confessing feelings for me. It was a mess. I had to put her to bed in my room, and Kamala... well, she was there. She was furious. I tried to reason her, but you know how it goes, in her president mode, like really cold. And man her jealousy is... intense. We fought about it again this morning."

Tina's eyes widened, and she groaned sympathetically. "Oh, Laurie," she said, reaching over to squeeze Lauren's hand. "But that's not a bad thing, right? I mean, I would have acted the same way, having another woman who confessed her love for me sleeping in the same bed. Maybe she was just insecure."

Lauren nodded, her jaw tight with frustration. "Yes," she said, "but it's not just about her jealousy. It's everything-the whole situation, the fact that she's married. Coming back here and knowing that, eventually, I'll have to give her up to Doug. That reality... it makes me so angry." Her voice cracked slightly at the end, and she clenched her fists, trying to keep her emotions in check.

Tina tilted her head, her expression softening. "You need to tell her that," she said gently. "Be honest. And if you haven't already, apologize. If you keep holding it in, you could lose her to Doug-or worse, someone else."