Treacherous Temptations [Chaennie]

Redecorating

Jennie sighed and sat down, surveying the space around. Her bed, wardrobe and dressing table had been pushed into the middle of the room and covered with a sheet, on top of which she now perched. Her new neighbour had been more than happy to help the young, pretty damsel next door when she had asked him to lift the furniture but she had quickly told him, politely, to leave after offering him a bottle of her famous apple cider to say thank you. She preferred to be alone for projects like these.

The wallpaper which had so offended her eyes had been satisfactorily ripped down and bundled into black bags and the walls were now sanded smooth and ready to be painted.

After another cup of coffee, Jennie mused.

Walking from her bedroom, through the spacious living room and into the open plan kitchen, Jennie opened the freezer and stopped dead. She had completely forgotten she had run out of coffee earlier that morning. Cursing quietly, she slammed the door shut and turned to grab her purse.

Stepping out onto the street, she breathed in the warm Boston spring air before setting off down the block. She passed a Starbucks and a Dunkin' Donuts before she turned a corner and entered a tiny, independent establishment she had discovered on her second night in the city. Jennie hated buying anything from large corporations, especially those who avoided paying taxes.

The diner was busy, as it had been every time Jennie had visited over the past week but there was a stool free at the counter.

"Good afternoon, dear," said the friendly proprietor. "Lovely day isn't it?"

"It is," Jennie said, smiling at the older woman. "Can I get a double shot flat white to go, please." After glancing at her watch and realising it was after 1pm she added, "and a nicoise salad to take away."

"Of course," the grey haired woman said, turning to the coffee maker behind her and pressing several buttons before walking to place her order in the kitchen.

"I thought I recognised that sultry voice."

Jennie whipped around and stared wide eyed at the woman behind her.

"Roseanne! You look terrible! What happened to you?"

The blonde gave a dark chuckle. "Thanks, you look good too."

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Just ...," Jennie tailed off. She didn't want to lie to the blonde and she really did look like death warmed up. There were dark circles under her eyes and her face was devoid of all make up. She looked pale and exhausted. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun but tendrils had fallen down and were making her look slightly frazzled.

"It's ok, I know I look rough as hell. Blame Jisoo and Jungkook."

"Uh oh," Jennie said with a chuckle. "What happened?" The signs of a hangover were unmistakable.

"Jisoo set me up on a date and she was just awful. Super boring and all butch and serious. She would not stop talking about cars and different engines. Not my type at all. I have no idea what Jisoo was thinking to be honest. Anyway, I got suitably drunk in order to get through the meal and then met up with Jungkook afterwards. The two of us hit a few bars and now I feel like I want to die."

"You look close to death," Jennie teased, skating over the fact that Roseanne had just told her she dated women.

"Thanks," Roseanne dead panned.

"What are you doing out of bed before 3pm after a night like that?"

"Oh I've been up since 6:30," Roseanne said, stifling a yawn as if to prove a point. "Two hours sleep is not enough. But I'm here to get the best coffee in Boston, something you've clearly discovered already. And to tell Jisoo I hate her."