Free Release by Louise J

sure whether it’s Kayla’s or Leona’s, both
sound the same. We really should oil them. It’s silent for a moment. The living
room door slowly opens, and Kayla peeps through the gap. I welcome her with an
apologetic smile.
    “Hey, beautiful, can’t you sleep?”
she asks, her tone drowsy.
    I shake my head.
    She walks in and sits beside
me and starts singing along with the music. She’s half asleep and so is her
voice. “Getting used to the early mornings, huh?” she says, as another song
comes on.
    “It seems so. I’m deciding
whether to have a coffee or just go back to bed.”
    “Let’s have coffee. I’ll
make it.” She gets up and walks through to our open kitchen.
    I let my head fall back
against the sofa and close my eyes. Another bedroom door creaks open. Definitely
oiling them this week. I look up as Leona walks in. Her straight blonde hair
hangs loose and slightly ruffled. Her brown eyes are heavy and lack their usual
sparkle.
    I smile in apology, again.
“Did I wake you up?”
    “No, I heard Kayla’s door.
Then I heard her singing.” She yawns as she sits down on the sofa, her pretty
face scrunching up.
    Kayla comes back into the
living room holding three mugs by their handles. “Since we’re all up, why don’t
we have some cookies? We’ll burn them off this afternoon, anyway.”
    “Yes, please,” Leona and I
say at the same time.
    I’m not hungry, but I can
manage cookies any time of day. They’re my vice. And nachos made with way too
much cheese.
    “You not seeing Dane today?”
Leona asks, from the other side of Kayla.
    “No, he said he’ll call me.”
I’m not ready for the humiliation of telling them what he’s done, especially
Kayla. I know they won’t judge me, but it doesn’t lessen the sting. “Have you
spoken to Xavier since Sunday?” I ask to deflect the focus from me.
    Those half-asleep eyes of
hers widen, becoming excited. “We spoke on the phone last night. He sounds sooo
fucking sexy. We decided to meet tonight instead.”
    “Really?”
    She nods, grinning. “He
suggested it. How could I possibly say no to a man who sounds like he does?”
    I feel even worse. Why
couldn’t I meet someone like Xavier? He’s obviously keen if he couldn’t wait
until Saturday to see Leona.
    “Aahhh, I love first dates,”
Kayla gushes, all dreamy, “the butterflies, and the guy being on his best
behavior because he wants to impress you. First dates are freaking awesome. Oh,
guess who wanted to take me out after the show on Saturday?”
    “No way!” I beam. Her smile
says it all.
    “Yup.” Her lips stretch even
wider.
    “Tell me you said yes.”
    “No, I’m going out with you.
Live music and cocktails, remember?”
    “Yeah, I remember, but you
don’t say no because of that. We can do it any time.”
    “I’m not ditching my girl
for a guy. Even Chase Dean.”
    “On this occasion you have
my permission to ditch me. At some point today, call him. I’m serious. Cookie
time!”
    I reach for the packet on
the table. The next music video comes on; Single Ladies .
    We can’t help ourselves, so jump up, put our beverages
down, and start hitting the notes and some seriously sexy dance moves.
Six-forty-five a.m., and three unattached women are dancing around their living
room and singing along to Single Ladies .
    ****
    After music videos, cookies, and coffee, I went back
to bed and slept through until the early afternoon. I missed class, but woke up
refreshed.
    I also woke up angry.
    You see, I don’t care that
Dane doesn’t want to see me again. I’m glad I discovered him for the weasel he
is before I got too close to him. But at some point we will see each other, and
I’d prefer the first time to be something I’m in control of.
    After checking online for
the opening hours to his shop, and a couple of other details, I shower and
start getting ready. I’m meeting up with my dance husband, Owen, at six for
dinner and drinks. That gives me time to get dressed and then I