Roger stepped out of his room, his mood immediately worsening when he saw a familiar woman sitting at the dining table with John, Freddie and Brian. What was she doing in their apartment again? It had only been a week since the last time she'd been there. If it were up to Roger, she would be banned from the place for good.
Roger wondered whether they would notice if he retreated to his room, but that's when Catherine decided to turn her head and greet him. She smiled at him, raising her eyebrows suggestively. Roger glanced at Brian. He hadn't noticed anything.
Roger ignored Catherine and walked to the table. To his indignation he realized that the only free seat was next to her. Roger slumped down onto the chair.
"Good morning to you too," Brian said.
Roger glanced at him with the intention to reply, but the words seemed to get stuck somewhere along the way. He felt incredibly guilty when Brian's eyes met his. Should he have told him about the thing that happened with Catherine? Should he have told him about Catherine flirting with him? Was she even flirting with him or was she like that with everyone?
Roger realized he'd been staring at Brian for far too long. He tore his gaze away from him, his cheeks burning.
The others carried on their conversation without Roger when it became apparent that he was once again reluctant to participate.
When they had finished eating, Roger said: "I'll clear the table."
"I'll help you!" announced Catherine.
Roger glared at the wall, wanting to object. However, he didn't want to come off as rude, so he just nodded silently.
When they were ready, Roger left the kitchen without a word. He had just walked into his room when he noticed Catherine standing in the doorway.
"What are you doing?" Roger asked, frowning.
Catherine didn't answer, taking a step towards him instead. He instinctively moved away from her. Or at least he tried to, but Catherine's hands had grabbed his wrists and her grip was surprisingly strong.
And then, her lips were on his. Roger was too shocked to do anything. After what must have been the most uncomfortable ten seconds of his life, Catherine pulled away.
"What the hell?" Roger hissed. "You're Brian's girlfriend! You can't kiss me!"
Catherine had a disgustingly self-satisfied smile on her face when she said: "You wanted it too. There's no use in pretending. I know you want me."
Roger felt sheer anger bubbling in his chest. Never in his life had he wanted to punch someone so badly. "I don't want anything to do with you. I don't want to see you ever again. And luckily, after I've told Brian about what you did, I won't have to."
"But what if," Catherine smiled cruelly, "I tell Brian you kissed me? Which one of us do you think he would believe?"
"He would believe me," Roger said with feigned confidence.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, dear."
