Page 20 of Frozen Hearts

“What are you thinking about it now?” Brianna asked.

“I’m still really confused. I mean we’re both adults. Willow is gorgeous and smart. But I’m not interested in having sex with someone who’s going to turn around and hate me outside of that,” Mel said.

“Of course not. You don’t deserve to be treated poorly by anyone. What are you planning to do about Willow now? Imean I know you’re confused right now. But do you want the possibility of becoming more than frenemies?” Brianna asked.

“I don’t have any interest at all in being frenemies. I don’t know what I want yet. I think that’s what I need to figure out,” Mel admitted.

“It looks like you’re going to have plenty of time to figure it out,” Brianna smiled.

“You don’t think she’s going to be beating down my door?” Mel laughed.

“Probably not. If I’m being honest I think Willow is probably trying to figure all of this out as well,” Brianna said with a smile.

“Maybe,” Mel admitted.

The two of them finished their beers and started watching Netflix. A few hours later Brianna checked her phone and gasped at the time. Mel laughed at her startled expression.

“It’s later than I thought,” Brianna explained. Mel checked the time, one in the morning.

“I’ve got to get to bed. But you should spend the night.” Mel said thoughtfully.

“Thanks, buddy,” Brianna said, pulling her in for a hug.

“Of course. My spare room is always ready for you.”

Mel let Mase run outside one final time for the night. She yelled a quick goodnight down the hall. Mel felt a sense of complete relief to finally be inside her bedroom. She closed the door. There was no need to undress, as she was still in the sweats that Willow had loaned her. With a sigh she realized that at some point they would have to do a clothing exchange. That would have to be a problem for tomorrow. Tonight all she wanted was to sleep.

The problem was all her body wanted was sleep, but all her brain wanted was to replay the night. Her encounter with Willow played over and over again in her head, like a movie on repeat. Mel groaned to herself. What had made it so easy for her to fall into bed with Willow? What had made her so willing to go there with her?

As much as she reached for the answers all she found were more questions. Mel closed her eyes and forced herself to think about anything else. She finally felt sleep come over her and gave in.

Chapter 10

Willow stretched under her covers after a night of fitful sleep. It was far too early to be awake, but sleep seemed impossible. She reached for her phone and sent River a text. River was an avid runner. Not only would she likely be awake, she was probably in the area.

Willow:Hey are you close to my place?

River:Yeah, I’m close. What’s up?

Willow:Want to take a tea break?

River:Sure. Give me fifteen minutes.

Willow’s feet were cold on her wood floor. She made her way clumsily down the hallway to the kitchen. She had two mugs of tea ready by the time River made it to her door.

“Now that’s service,” River laughed. She walked in the front door and took an immediate assessment of Willow’s face.Willow handed her a mug and tried to smile. She could tell from River’s expression that this caused her friend more concern.

“Okay. What’s going on?” River asked. She arched her eyebrow and gave Willow a look of suspicion.

“Plenty is going on,” Willow admitted. She released the tension in her shoulders and let them fall.

“Oh no, buddy. What happened?”

Willow sighed and walked into her kitchen. She sat at the dining room table. River followed her. They usually sat on the couch, but this was the last place that things had made sense for Willow. The kitchen table was where everything had gone right and wrong last night. River didn’t question the change to their usual flow, she was naturally easy going. Willow took in one more deep breath before she started.

“I slept with Mel,” Willow began.

“You what? How? When?” River’s expression showed her obvious confusion.