Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 35: The Dinner

The ride home was silent, but the two women maintained contact the entire time. They parked quickly in the driveway, grabbed the groceries, and headed inside.

"Bon, are you okay? Talk to me while I cook." Vivian begins pulling out the pots and pans she needs as Siobhan lifts herself on counter of the island. "I'm okay Viv. I'm just now more determined to go forward with this plan. I'm glad we are meeting with Mia and Char tonight."

Vivian closed her eyes, the thought of how dangerous this plan was weighing on her. Why did Roger have to show up now?!

"I can understand that baby." Vivian whips around to the seasoning cabinet and pulls out a handful of spices and herbs. While she seasons the meat for the sauce and tossing it in the pan to brown, Siobhan can't keep her eyes off her.

Viv looks so attractive while she cooks. The way she moves. I could watch her do this all day!

Vivian fills the pot with water and places it on the stove to boil. Siobhan slowly slid off the counter and walked up behind Viv. She slides her hands around the brunette resting her hands just inside the waistband of her trousers. Vivian smirked, surprised by the blonde's boldness.

"Bon, I don't know if I'm going to be able to cook if you keep on like this." Siobhan didn't respond. Instead, she leaned in and softly kissed Vivian's neck. Vivian leans her head to the side giving Siobhan more access. "Oh wow... okay... Bon— we have to cook first then we can take this upstairs before they get here."

Siobhan pulls away from Vivian, "okay... deal... what can I do to move this along?"

Through a breathy laugh Vivian asks if she could salt the pasta water and toss the noodles in. She then gets the garlic bread and pops it in the oven. In no time, the dinner is ready and they place all the food in the warmer. Siobhan smirks as she takes Vivian's hand and drags her upstairs.

Charlotte and Mia arrived at Vivian's house, Mia giving a quick knock before stepping back. They waited a moment, but no one came to the door. Frowning, Mia tried the handle. "It's unlocked."

"That's odd," Charlotte murmured.

They stepped inside, the quiet hum of the heater greeting them. "Hello? Viv? Shibs?" Mia called, her voice echoing faintly in the hallway. No answer.

Then they heard it—a faint creak from upstairs, followed by a muffled voice.

"Did you hear that?" Charlotte whispered.

Mia nodded and started for the stairs, her steps careful. But before they reached the top, a breathy, "Uh—oh Viv," stopped them both in their tracks.

Mia turned, one brow arched, to see Charlotte's eyes wide as saucers. The redhead covered her mouth, stifling a laugh, while Mia's lips curled into a knowing smirk.

They tiptoed back downstairs, settling onto the couch. "They must've... lost track of time," Mia teased.

"Oh Bon... don't stop, baby," floated faintly from upstairs.

Charlotte turned bright red, leaping to her feet. "Mia, let's just go knock again in ten minutes," she hissed.

Mia only grinned, her laugh barely contained as she followed her flustered girlfriend to the door.

After waiting outside for ten minutes, Mia knocks and can hear shuffling around inside. Siobhan hurried to the kitchen to pull dinner out of the warmer and put the plates out. Vivian opens the door as she straightens up her shirt. "Hiya! Good to see you. Come on in."

The brunette ushers them straight to the table as Siobhan begins to dish up the food. As Charlotte is sitting she enthusiastically says, "dinner smells wonderful!" Mia smirks, "it sure does... I hope you two are still hungry." Charlotte shot Mia a death stare, her eyes wide with embarrassment as she mouthed, "Amelia Mae!"

Mia cleared her throat, her playful tone shifting to seriousness. "Shibby, what's the actual plan? How quickly are you looking to make this happen?"

Siobhan shifts in her seat and takes a deep breath. "I know Roger has been cutting Bennie's products to be able to make more sells. He is also keeping all the extra revenue for himself."

Mia freezes and looks at Siobhan, "so you are thinking Bennie is going to give you the tapes because of this information?" Siobhan simply nods.

Mia drops her fork on her plate, placing her hands in her lap. "What if they destroyed the tapes? You give Bennie this information and he gives you nothing. Roger still running free." Siobhan huffs crossing her arms over her chest, "OR Bennie does what he did to Declan and kills him. That works too."

Mia shakes her head slowly, "I really think we need to take our time with this. See if there is another way. Bennie isn't someone we can trust." Siobhan slams her hands on the table, leaping from her seat, "We can't wait, Mia! We need an answer now!"

Vivian placed a hand gently on Siobhan's, her voice soft but firm, "Bon, please sit. Breathe. Mia... Roger approached us today at the store. And he also threatened me at the hospital the day Siobhan was discharged. We are realizing that he isn't going to leave her alone unless he is dealt with. Whether that be prison or death."

Charlotte gasped, her eyes wide with shock, as Mia dropped her head slightly. "Siobhan, I'm so sorry. I didn't know Roger was actively harassing you. We need a solid plan, for every possible outcome."