CRAIG
Minnie’s screams has me and Ethan slamming into the door at the same time.
It’s Laura’s voice I hear then, apologizing. Minnie’s screams don’t match the scene before us. I freeze for a moment, my eyes transfixed on Laura. A small white towel is wrapped around her body. It’s not covering much. My pants become three times too small. Only for Minnie’s screeching I’m not sure I would be fit to walk.
Laura looks at me then, her wet hair whipping as she turns. She’s like something straight out of one of those advertisements for showers or sexy woman, or I’m not sure. Her cheeks heat up as I do nothing but stare. Minnie’s whines finally snap me out of it.
“What’s wrong?” Minnie looks up, her face grey in color and now I don’t want to know what’s wrong. I hate dealing with shit like this.
Minnie looks at Laura with pure hate in her eyes. I find myself looking at Laura too, but for a completely different reason. Her towel is clutched in her hands that rest on her very ample breasts. How had I missed that before? I normally never miss things like that.
I look away from her breast and up into a set of watery brown eyes, and I want to make it better. “Minnie lost her cat.” Laura starts to explain.
“She killed it.” Minnie shouts while pointing her finger at Laura. Ethan tries to soothe Minnie but she’s having none of it.
I’d be pissing myself laughing right about now, but it’s Laura that keeps it all at bay. It’s the upset in her eyes, and the fact that she’s half dressed.
“Minnie, are you sure, because I think I heard a meow coming from over there.” Laura points over to the corner and I pray she drops the towel. But no such luck.
“Blake is dead. That’s not my cat over there.” Laura is nodding now but the sadness that pulls at her lips wants me to end this shit.
“Ethan, take Minnie to Rose. She’ll know what to do.” This time Minnie doesn’t resist as Ethan takes her out of the bathroom. Silence falls between me and Laura. I find myself looking around the room.
“So this is the girls’ bathroom?” I find myself saying and am surprised when Laura snorts.
“Like it’s your first time seeing it.”
I grin. “Nah, I’ve been in here a few times.” I try not to stare at her neck; it’s smooth and sexy as hell.
“I feel so bad.” The sadness is back in her brown eyes and I want to touch her, but once again for all the wrong reasons, so I don’t, instead I stuff my hands into my pockets.
“Cat’s not real.” I remind her, and she narrows her eyes at me.
“I know that. But she thinks it is. And she thinks I killed it.”
“Maybe you can share Tai with her.” I say it and then want to kick myself. Her eyes grow large and she tightens the towel around herself. Goosebumps have popped up all over her arms, I can see the fine hairs standing up. The room is cold now that all the steam has left.
“How do you know I call her Tai?”
“I was passing and heard you.” I shrug like it’s no big deal. Like I haven’t been hanging out in the library and just love watching her organise the books and play with Tai. There is a freedom I see in her that I crave.
“I better get dressed.” She says now rubbing her arms.
“Or you could finish your shower.” I grin, and she steps away.
“Thanks for helping out.” She says ignoring my statement about the shower. I’ll take that as a good thing she didn’t shoot me down.
“Yeah. No problem.” I walk backways out of the room hoping to catch a glimpse of flesh. No luck. She’s clutching that towel like a lifeline.
“What took you so long?” Ethan nearly scares the shit out of me.
“What the fuck are you ambushing me for?” I start to walk to calm my heart. “Well did you get things sorted with Minnie.” I ask.
“Were you making out with Laura?” I glance at Ethan; he’s smiling now.
“No.” I answer, and his smile disappears.
“But you want to?” The way he asks isn’t like the way we normally joke about woman and right now I want to be honest.
“Yes.” I say taking the cigarettes and lighter out of my pocket.
“She’s changing you.” I stop walking and so does Ethan. “It’s a good thing; Craig.” I don’t have a fucking clue what to say to that.