Hidden Desires: A Love Story

Chapter 3

A month later Mani was packing the last of her things. Lauren had pushed things along quickly, the divorce was final and she was moving out. At first she wanted to keep the house, but after going back home that first afternoon, she almost screamed at the memory on entering her bedroom.

She had come to terms with him wanting to be fucked in the ass but she couldn't get past the betrayal. His cheating instead of coming to her and talking had cut her deeply. She may not have been able to strap it on and mount him but at least they could have parted on better terms. She regretted that too, but it couldn't be helped.

She still wasn't speaking to him, but in the end she was amicable enough to split everything without argument. She kept the vacation cottage and Michael kept the boat. He also retained the house and paid Normani for her half of the house's worth.

Normani had spent the last few weeks in what was now solely her vacation cottage. She had taken the past month off to work through everything and, at Lauren's urgings, had even seen a counselor to sort through her feelings. Now she was ready to go back to work and was searching for a new place to live.

The commute from work to the cottage was too long so she took Lauren up on her offer to stay until she found a new place. It was like hanging out in college all over again. They went out to dinner and stayed up late talking. It was fun and Mani didn't realize how much she missed being with her friend.

Since her marriage they had drifted as friends; they lived and worked in the same city but, she realized, didn't see each other as much as she would have liked. They emailed every so often to say hi and let the other know they were okay but otherwise Mani could count on one hand how many times they had dinner together before her divorce.

The house hunt was slow, and she was worrying that she was putting a cramp in Lauren's style. She was living with Lauren for over two months now and the woman never dated nor had anyone over. Those feelings were reinforced by the phone conversation Mani over heard. Lauren had declined going out for the evening. She decided to broach the subject after dinner.

"Lauren, honey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Sweetie, I'm sorry but I overheard your conversation earlier. You passed up a chance to go out and I can only surmise that it was because of me."

Lauren smiled at her friend.

"It's alright Mani. You need me more right now than I need to be out with my other friends. What kind of friend would I be if I abandoned you?"

"Lauren I'm fine. I'm doing well according to my counselor. I've come to terms with this whole thing with Michael and being divorced. My parents have even let up on wanting to come down and comfort me. You can go out and have a good time Lauren. You're my friend and I love you so go, meet with your friends, have some fun, hell even bring someone home. You know I'm a heavy sleeper," Mani finished with a grin.

"Well, it has been a while since I've been out with the girls," Lauren said with a smile.

"Then go and have fun."

"You want to come along?"

"Nah I don't want to impose," Mani said.

"No imposition, you'd be more than welcomed."

"That's sweet of you but no thanks, but you go, please."

"Alright. You're sure you'll be okay?" Lauren asked again.

"Yes mom, I'll be fine. I have some work to do and then I'm off to bed."

"Okay then, I'll get changed and head out," Lauren said as she gave Mani a quick hug and rushed to her bedroom.