Page 104 of Storm in a Teacup
Chelsea snorts loudly from across the table, coughing up her wine. “I have to go,” she wheezes into her phone.
And then I hear Harry say, “I clearly walked up at the wrongmoment.” He looks at Atticus and says, “Arsehole,” then takes his seat with Sarah by his side.
I’d think Linny would be done speaking, but she keeps going. “And not only was his dick in my mouth, I reallywantedit in my mouth.” She cups a hand around her lips like she’s going to whisper something to me, but says at full volume, “I want it other places too.”
My shoulders shake as I attempt to contain myself.
She drops the hand. “Atti, I don’t think I ever wanted your dick in my mouth. Like it was fine. I was happy to assist, but I didn’t fantasize about it. I fantasized about Ben’s dick in my mouth and once it was, I was thrilled.” She looks at me. “Right, Benny? I was thrilled.”
I clear my throat, caught between wanting to show off to Atti and being fully aware that Linny’s father is also looking at me expectantly. “Sugar, this might be a private conversation that we can have later.”
She sighs and leans back again. “He could tell I was thrilled after he stuck his hand between my legs. But, Atti, do you know how rare it is to fantasize about having a dick in your mouth? For me, at least.” She looks at me again. “Ben, are there any dicks you’ve fantasized about having in your mouth?”
I reply, “A few.”
“But not Atti’s dick?”
I glance up at him and say, “Definitely not.”
“See, Atti just doesn’t have a fantasizable dick. I think it’s his personality.” She looks up at him and rears back in faux surprise. “Oh my god. You’re still standing there. I didn’t see you.” Then she cackles to herself.
I give her foot a squeeze before I stand up. “That’s enough for now.” I place a hand firmly on Atti’s shoulder. “Let me walk youback to your table.” He shakes me off and storms away.
“Fucking prick,” Harry and I say together. Then I direct my attention back to Linny. “Likely time to head home.”
She groans. “Finally. I am so tired.” She hops up, shoes forgotten on the ground beside her chair. She gives her family hugs one by one, promising to see them all tomorrow. She spots her mum across the room and jogs over to her to say goodbye as I bend to grab her shoes and go fetch our coats.
I help her put her coat on, but she refuses to put her shoes back on. When we get to the exit, I sweep her up into my arms and carry her to my car, placing her in the front seat. I loop around the car and get in as well, turning on the ignition and driving us home.
“Can I spend the night?” she asks me. “Your bed looks comfy.”
I chuckle. “I’d love for you to spend the night, but we have to go to yours and feed Oscar Wilde.”
“Shit,” she says. “You’re right. Bad cat mom.”
I park outside her building, lifting her and her bare feet out of the car and inside. I have to let her walk up the stairs on her own, though, my strength only going so far.
When we get inside her flat and Linny sees Oscar curled up on his cat tree, she shouts, “My baby!” She rushes up to him, placing kisses on his head and stroking down his back. His purring intensifies with each little head kiss he receives, practically vibrating the entire flat.
With a snicker, I usher her away from the cat and into her bathroom so she can get ready for bed while I take care of feeding him.
Once her face is washed and teeth are brushed and contacts are out, she wanders back out into the living room to plop downnext to me on the couch. I hand her a glass of water, which she chugs down before thrusting the empty cup back at me.
“You should go to sleep, Lin.”
“I don’t wanna,” she whines. She reaches behind herself in an attempt to yank at the zipper on the back of her dress, but gives up after one try. She moans loudly. “I can’t get it.”
“Och, you’re a whiny drunkard, aren’t you?” I pull down her zipper. I help her back up to her feet and only take one glance at her bare back as she walks into her bedroom.
She changes into pjs and crawls into her bed, then calls me into her room like I’m not standing in the doorway. I tug the blanket up so it fully covers her, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.
“Get some sleep,” I say.
“Youget some sleep,” she argues back. Oscar finds us, hopping up onto the bed and nestling himself by her feet. Linny flips on her side and sighs. “This has been fun, Benny. I think Iwillmiss you the most.” And with that nonsense, her eyes close. Before she falls asleep, she says, “Too bad this is over.”
Right, I… Right. The wedding is done, meaning our arrangement is done. I planned to stay the night, but it’s best that I don’t. I should go. I really should go and cut myself off while I still can.
I leave her flat, closing the door and ensuring it is locked behind me, saying a goodbye I am not ready for.
