I toss the duvet over the sofa, adding a few more logs to the fire. My bones are still chilled from the walk home, but I know the shower will fix that—nothing like warm water on cold bones.
Merry calls me some ten minutes later for the shower, and I make my way back to the bathroom. She’s left it immaculate as no one has used it.
Even the bath mat is on the radiator.
I tug it back down, peeling my clothes off as I ease myself under the water, closing my eyes with relief. I’m not sure how long I’m standing there when I finally wash myself, but the water is starting to turn tepid, a sure sign that I’ve been here long enough.
I get out, wrapping a towel around my waist before I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I don’t look bad, but I don’t look like I’m ten years younger than Goldie either. I don’t overly care because she deserved someone like that.
No matter who I liked or loved, I couldn’t help them cheat on their lover or partner. Years ago, maybe. But now?
The pain was too real.
I dry myself off, tugging on my t-shirt and joggers before roughly drying my hair with the towel. Opening the bathroom door, I’m surprised to find Merry curled up in my bed, her hair fanned around her face. She’d pulled the duvet up to her chin, and she already seemed to be sleeping soundly. I walked away, smiling to myself that she was able to feel so comfortable here.
I’m hardly the friendliest person in the world.
Merry is lovely, though, despite being a tad annoying at times. It’s nice to think I’ll have someone to share a cup of tea with in the morning, and hopefully, the roads will be fixed, and she can get to her family.
I ignore the pang I feel in my chest and instead settle down on the sofa for an undoubtedly uncomfortable night's sleep.
