UNSOLVED

23

Taylor woke up from a breeze of fresh air and the smell of coffee in the bedroom. She yawned and opened her eyes. The window was open, and Karlie was balancing two mugs in her hands, placing them on the nightstand.

"Good morning" Karlie greeted her with a wide smile.

"Good morning" Taylor replied, but her voice was hoarse. She cleared her throat.

Karlie laughed and leaned in for a kiss.

"I made coffee." She climbed back into bed and sat down next to Taylor. She grabbed the mugs and handed one to Taylor.

Taylor inhaled deeply, the strong smell helping her to wake up completely.

"Thank you."

They drank their coffee in silence, listening to the sounds of the traffic outside the window. It was a Sunday, so it was quieter than on weekdays. The air coming in through the window was still chilly, but it would get hot during the day.

Karlie grabbed the book that was lying on her nightstand and started reading. She was leaning against Taylor, who had her legs draped over hers.

"I gave you that book like a month ago, how are you still not done?" Taylor teased when she saw the placement of the bookmark.

Karlie rolled her eyes. "Not everyone reads a hundred novels a week like you. Besides, I read your 'Coding for dummies' book as well, so ..."

Taylor grinned. "I'll give you twenty bucks if you take it to your first class at college."

"Absolutely not." Karlie laughed. "I do have to admit it's pretty informative, though."

Taylor had given her the book for her birthday as a joke, but Karlie found it actually helpful. Since the admission to her college classes had come in the mail, she had been reading anything on the topic she could get her hands on, feeling anxious about going back to school.

"What part are you at though?" Taylor asked, trying to get a look at the page Karlie was reading.

"Oh boy." Karlie laughed again. "I don't even know what's happening anymore. They live together in a hotel suite now? I'm starting chapter 13 right now." She showed the page to Taylor.

Taylor hummed in response and tilted her head. She had given Karlie 'The other typist' to read. She knew Karlie preferred non-fiction over novels, but Karlie had shown an interest in the book when she learned it had inspired Taylor to research historical New York crime cases.

She nervously fiddled with the blanket that was draped over her lap. She may or may not have had an ulterior motive when she lent the book to Karlie. Ever since she had learned she would stay at Blaze, she had had this idea in her head. But then things had happened and there had been no time or way to ask. Sitting on the bed next to Karlie, she figured now would be the time.

She cleared her throat. It suddenly felt dry, and she wished she had a glass of water. However, she was reluctant to get up and possibly ruin the opportunity. Karlie noticed her shifting and fiddling and gave her a weird look.

"Everything okay?"

Taylor bit her lip and nodded. She didn't miss the anxious look in Karlie's eyes. It had only been one week since they had sorted everything out. She hoped Karlie didn't think she was changing her mind about their relationship.

Karlie closed the book and put it in her lap. She looked at Taylor with a raised eyebrow.

"Is something wrong?"

"No!" Taylor said hastily.

She reached out and caressed the back of Karlie's neck. She felt Karlie shiver at the touch of her fingertips.