# Chapter 31

Cory had found it hard to settle since her call to JJ. She was over the moon that things had worked out well. She’d spent the rest of the day cleaning and watching television. Some of the Sky reruns were pretty good on satellite. She’d ordered a delivery pizza, and spent a quiet evening being a slob in front of the box. Just before nine she had taken Holly into the garden, gathered up all the candles she could find and grabbed a bottle of wine. She was now settled on top of her bed flicking through the terrestrial channels. There wasn’t a lot of choice. She’d booted her computer up, surfed some of her favorite sites, downloaded the new messenger service, and had played with some of the program’s buttons. She was looking forward to just talking to JJ through the computer. With the free Internet service they could talk all night if they wanted too. It was a few more minutes before the flashing ICQ button told her JJ was online.

JJ Matthews: Sorry the shopping took longer than expected. Jo certainly has a knack for it! She nearly bought half the clothes store! How you doing?

Cory Williams: I’m doing okay. I downloaded the messenger service. My call name is the first part of my email. Do you want to try it?

JJ Matthews: Sure. Give me a minute. I love you J

Cory turned the television off and put on a CD. She had bought the new Texas Greatest Hits earlier in the week. The lead singer had a fantastic voice. She was wearing a loose pair of boxer shorts and a t shirt. If things went her way they wouldn’t be on for long. She stroked Holly and Chips. The animals had made themselves at home on the bed. It didn’t take long before she was informed that JJ had signed into messenger.

JJ:

What do we do now?

Cory:

I wanted to try the voice chat. Do you have your microphone plugged in?

JJ:
Yep. I got a headset from the mall. I figured it would be easier to use. How about yourself?

Cory:

I grabbed a headset from school the other day. Our microphone wouldn’t be any good, as the laptop has no desk. So shall I ask for the chat or you?

JJ:

You go first I’m still trying to work out the buttons.

Cory pressed the invite button and asked JJ to join in. She heard the static on the other end and saw the microphone button read green every time she breathed out.

“Hey there. Can you hear me?” She waited patiently.

“Yep, loud and clear. This is awesome. Thank God for new technology. Can you imagine the phone bill otherwise?”

“I don’t even want to think about it!” Cory relaxed against her pillow. She picked up her wine glass and took a little sip. This was the next best thing to having JJ in her bed. “How was your day?”

“Better after speaking to you. My stomach can now handle food and my head no longer pounds. When I see Sarah next week I’m going to kill her!”

Cory’s heart sank. “You’re seeing her again. After last night?”

“We arranged to fix the porch. Her idea, not mine. I haven’t even decided whether to be here. My only concern is keeping what furniture I have left in the house. She has a habit of taking things when I’m not around. Plus I want to make sure she stays away when you’re here. I have the first week all planned but the second we have to stay at the house.” JJ had wanted to ask Sarah if she minded Cory staying, but after Sarah’s behavior she had no intention of asking her.

“So where are we going the first week?” Cory hadn’t had any luck getting this information out of JJ.

“It’s a surprise! I will say it’s out of state. We’re going up north but that’s all I’m saying!”

“Spoilsport! So what are you wearing?”

“Why?”

“I’m curious. Trying to imagine you in my head.”

JJ grinned. She knew exactly what Cory was up to. She had her come to bed voice. “I’m wearing a tank top, it’s very tight and shows off my assets. And bikini type undies.”

Cory’s mouth went dry. “Seriously?” She croaked.

“Yep. I knew your game, Williams. So I got myself all prepared! I’m lying in the office on a rug; I have Melissa Etheridge on in the background. I made my own ballads CD. It’s awesome I’ll send you a copy. There are candles lit up everywhere.”

Cory blushed. She had no idea why. It wasn’t like JJ could see her. “So you’re okay about this?”

“Are you serious? I get to make out with my girl. Cory, I’ve missed you so much I’m about to explode. I swore that the next time I came it would be with you. I’ve driven myself crazy at night remembering London. So technically I am with you sort of. How about yourself?”

“A little nervous. A little embarrassed, but I just need to feel connected with you. Err I’m not sure how we do this!”

“How about you tell me some of your dreams and we’ll see what happens.”

Cory had turned all shy, “Great start with an easy one…. Umm now I’m not so brave. My mind’s gone blank. You tell me yours first.”

“Okay, okay…mainly I think about our life together. Many slow dances in the living room. I just think of all the hugging, kissing and cuddling I want to do with you. Being supportive of whatever you would want to do. Laughs, tears… good times and the bad. Did you ever see Jerry Maguire?”

“Yeah, ages ago. Why?”

“My favorite line is when Jerry Maguire told his girlfriend, you know Renee What’s-her-name that she completed him. I want to complete you, make you hundred percent. I would hope that with me you wouldn’t have any doubts in your life, never doubt us. I will be there for you and support you with your family. I think about coming home cooking meals with you, and you cleaning the house.” Cory giggled. “Sure ruin the mood.”

“I’m sorry, J, it’s just me clean? I’m not exactly the tidiest Brit on the planet. How about I cook and you clean?”

JJ grimaced, “Oh no. I’ve tasted your food remember. How about I do the chores and you pay me in kind? I can think of many ways to make you pay!”

“Oh yes, so are you going to tell me a few of them?”

JJ thought about what she wanted. “Most of all I dream about what it feels like with you next to me. Skin on skin. I miss that. I know we spent two nights together, but it’s two nights I replay over and over in my mind. Your skin is so soft I just want to hold you. I want to feel your breasts.”

Cory could feel a tingling at her core. Her right hand went to her breasts as she listened to JJ tell her what she desired the most. “What else do you want to do?”

“I want to taste you. Smell you. I want to kiss your face. Take your lips and kiss them softly. I want to put my tongue inside your mouth and taste you. Feel your tongue inside my mouth, flicking around my teeth. The minty fragrance of your hair filling my nostrils. Then I take my tongue and swirl it around your neck. I’m kissing your neck; slowly I make my way down to the base of it. I take in the skin and I bite gently.” She paused. As she did so, she heard a groan from Cory. “Are you okay?”

Cory squirmed. She was so turned on. Her hand had begun to absently caress her breast as she’d listened to JJ’s soft voice. Her nipples were hard. “You’re driving me crazy. I am so turned on.”

“That’s the point isn’t it?” JJ was grinning; she was feeling pretty hot herself. “So you like my dream?”

“Oh yeah. Keep going!” Cory blushed.

“Well can we do one thing before hand?”

“Sure.”

“I need to hear your responses to my suggestions, to my words. Your moans drive me crazy but this communication is one way. When I talk I can’t hear you. Can we switch to the phone?”

“Yes. Want me to call you or vice versa?” Cory asked.

“I’ll call you. Just give me a few minutes to grab the mobile unit. I might even use the speakerphone. Could do with both hands free! I love you babe.”

“I love you too.”

Cory disconnected the computer. She grabbed the phone and settled comfortably back into the cushions. She trailed her hand down her face and around her neck. When she closed her eyes she could feel JJ’s mouth on her. She couldn’t wait until the real thing was on top of her. The ring of the phone interrupted her thoughts

“Hey there.” There was nothing the other end. “Hello?” Still silence. “JJ is that you?” Still silence. Cory hung up. JJ must have had a bad connection. The phone rang again.

“Hey babe. Another girlfriend call you? I just tried it was engaged.” JJ asked.

“Wrong number I think. Could their timing be any worse? So where were we? Oh yeah your lips were on my neck.”

“And what are you doing while my lips are there?”

Cory thought about it and smiled. “My hands are tangled in your hair. Gently pushing your head down into me. My other hand is caressing your back. Feeling the muscles tense under my hand. I slightly dig my nails in so you can feel the pressure. Now what are you doing to me?”

JJ groaned. Cory was driving her to distraction. Both women had their hands on a breast and each was playing with a nipple. “So my lips are on your neck. I’m nipping lightly and licking gently the little dip at the base. Can you feel me there?” She was answered with another whimper from Cory. Taking that as a good sign she continued. I continue to kiss down your chest. With one hand I take a breast and gently knead it. With my mouth I take a nipple and flick my tongue over. Lightly at first and then I pull it further into my mouth. What can you feel?”

“Err hot moisture. Your tongue it feels slightly rough against me. Tingles are pulsing down my stomach. I’m growing wet.” Cory lost all inhibitions. She needed JJ’s mouth to be on her. “I take your breasts into my hands too. Both of us are feeling, touching, kissing, and licking. I need you to touch me.”

“Do it Cory. Touch yourself. Do it with me. Move your hand down slowly. I’m feeling the muscles under your tummy. I’m taking my hand under the band of your panties.” As she said this JJ moved her hand to her own waistband. She lowered the undies as she spoke encouraging words to her lover. Both women were now without underwear. “I’m running my fingers through your hair. It feels soft doesn’t it?”

“Soft, just like you. I can smell your arousal. You’re very wet.” Cory’s hand was weaving it’s own path through her wetness. Following JJ’s instructions. It was as if her hand was now JJ’s. She was remembering her lover’s touch all over again.

“Dip you fingers into the wet, Cory. I know you’re wet. Touch yourself.” JJ was gasping slightly. Her own arousal surprised her. The moans and groans from Cory were definitely working their own magic.

Soon both women had lost the ability to speak coherent sentences. Each had their eyes closed. Soft words of love floated down the phone lines intermingled with gasps, moans and the occasional pants. Neither woman wanted the feeling to end. Further and further they encouraged each other until simultaneously they both cried out.

Cory dropped the phone onto the bed as she grasped the duvet cover. Her body jerked into the air as she gave into the orgasm that coursed through her. She was breathing heavy; sweat was glistening over her body. She wiped the sweat from her brow. She fumbled for the phone. “You there?”

“In body but not in mind. Whoa! That was awesome. Not as good as the real thing, but pretty damn close. You okay?”

“Oh yes. That was unbelievable. I always wondered about phone sex. I watched ‘The Truth About Cats and Dogs’ and never really understood the need to do it down the phone. Now I do! I miss you babe.” Tears of joy filled her eyes. “I want to hold you. Feel your heart beating against me.”

“Soon babe I promise. Nearly eleven days. Well I can’t believe I’m naked in the office, all alone at 6pm. You know we’re going to have to christen the office properly when you come out!”

“For sure.” Cory stifled a yawn. She could feel the after effects of the orgasm taking her body.

JJ heard it to. “Am I keeping you awake. I’m that good a lover I send you to sleep!”

“No! It’s because I’m so relaxed that it’s happening. I also love the way you think you made love to me.”

“I did Cory. Never once did I think it was my hand on me. It was you. I closed my eyes and we were together. The memories of London mixed in with what I want to do with you in New Hampshire. I made love to you, not myself.”

“So we’re off to New Hampshire?”

JJ realized her slip. “Busted! You sneak. You were just waiting to get me at a weak moment. So are you tired?”

“Kind of. A little scared. I don’t usually sleep alone in the house.”

“So it’s my duty to keep you safe. How about you get yourself ready for bed. Log back on and we can messenger until you feel really sleepy. You haven’t told me about the conversation with Sam. That way you’ll be so sleepy you won’t remember you’re all alone.” JJ put her panties back on as she spoke. She wandered into the living room and grabbed her track bottoms.

“Deal. Let me just clean my teeth and go to the toilet. Hey, JJ, when you’ve finished with those knickers tonight I want them sent to me!”

“You perv!”

“I know but I’m your perv, and don’t forget it! I’ll be online soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The pair talked for another hour. The new messenger service was definitely a good option. JJ had been filled in about Sam’s conversation and the help he’d given her on the test. They’d talked about what they would do if Cory got into the college. By the end of the chat, Cory was feeling very loved, and very sleepy. They said their good nights and Cory switched everything off. She snuggled into her pillow trying to conjure up the smell of JJ. Holly twitched nearby. Sleep soon settled over the room.

The ringing of the phone pierced the silence in the room. Cory woke startled. It was still dark in the room. She glanced at the clock: 1.30am. Who the hell would be calling this time of the morning? She grabbed for the phone but it ceased before she could pick it up. Settling back into the covers, she tried to conjure up the dream she’d been rudely awakened from. Her heart was still racing. She just began to drift off when the phone rang again. This time she managed to pick it up on the second ring. “Hello?” She croaked. There was no answer. She could hear the person on the other end breathing. “Is anybody there?” Her heart was beating double time. Holly, sensing the change in Cory, began to growl. This only seemed to heighten Cory’s fright. She placed the handset back onto the cradle. Her hands were shaking.

Cory was wide-awake. She groaned when she felt the pressure against her bladder. She rose and went towards the ensuite. As she finished, the phone rang again. Cory was in two minds whether to pick it up or leave it. Maybe it was Sam or JJ needing to get in touch with her. No, neither of them would call her at this time. They both knew how nervous she was. She let the phone ring until the answer machine picked it up. She heard the click as the caller ended the call. Cory was truly scared. She thought about going to her parents but it wasn’t fair to wake them up. Plus she wasn’t sure the wine she’d drunk earlier would be out of her system. She climbed back into bed and patted the bottom part. Holly jumped up and licked her face. “Come on girlie. We’ll sleep together. You’ll protect me.”

Cory tried to settle back down but she couldn’t. Every sound outside disturbed her. Her imagination was playing tricks on her. It took half an hour before she fell into an uneasy sleep. She was awoken yet again to the ring of the phone. Instinct rather than sense made her pick it up. Again silence. Cory didn’t say anything. She didn’t want her feelings betrayed by her voice. She knew the other person was on the line. She could her them moving around. She put the phone down. The alarm clock read 3.30am. Cory thought about calling JJ but it was late. She knew JJ had mentioned making it an early night. The phone rang again. This time Cory leant over the side of the bed and pulled the cord out. She could still hear it ringing downstairs but it wasn’t as loud.

Cory was truly frightened. Her mind was running riot. The natural shadows of the room were beginning to spook her. Every time she closed her eyes she imagined them turning into people. The crank caller; what if they were watching the house? What if they knew she was alone? She looked at the bedroom door. It had no lock. She felt helpless. Unprotected. Even Holly’s presence didn’t help. The dog had begun to growl at any noise outside. This made Cory feel even worse. Finally, she grabbed the duvet and pillows and went into the ensuite locking the door. She settled on the floor. Holly had followed her in and curled up beside her. Cory felt safer. If anyone did break in they’d never make it through the door. She only had to wait there a few hours until daylight. The sun would be up in a few hours and Sam would be home.

Cory woke to the light coming through the tiny bathroom window. She felt awful. Her neck hurt from the awkward position she’d fallen asleep in. Holly lifted her head off the ground. Cory knew it couldn’t be too late. Holly was like an alarm clock when it came to her morning walk. After using the toilet, she opened the door and peered into the quiet bedroom. Everything seemed okay. She opened the curtains to let the bright light into the room. Everything always felt better in the daylight. She dressed quickly in sweat pants and top. As she walked to the door she remembered the phone line. She reconnected it into the wall. She cursed herself for being so childish. She’d disconnected the one thing she might have needed had someone broken in. She sat on the bed it hadn’t occurred to her to check the caller ID. She hit 1471. The message informed her that numbers were unavailable. The clock displayed 5.30am. Holly’s bark reminded her that she had to take the hound for a walk.

The walk had been uneventful. Cory had felt a little nervous on her way down to the field but despite the early time on a Sunday morning there were other fellow dog owners. Obviously Holly wasn’t the only early morning dog. When she returned to the house, Cory was too awake to go back to bed. She looked in the mirror. There were bags under her eyes and signs of tiredness. She had averaged about 4 hours sleep. She booted up the computer and downloaded her email. There were two emails off JJ. One was a dancing bear expressing his love for her. She giggled. The other was a love letter.

Hey babe,

It was wonderful spending time just talking to you, and the other things!! We’ll have to make it a weekly thing!! There were so many things you think of afterwards, but then we have a lifetime to find out the answers. I went for a walk after our talk through the woods. I was restless and I wanted to be with you. I wanted to be holding your hand and then kissing you. Then I realized I only have to wait another 11 days. I am so excited about you coming over here, two whole weeks with my girl. I keep pinching myself to make sure it’s true. I was amazed at the feelings I had on the phone earlier and we were just talking. My body was tingling and I was so turned on, and yet we weren’t even talking dirty! Okay later we were but not at the start. You do amazing things to me. Well my mind does but it’s your words.

I loved talking about the future. I think it’s awesome we think the same thoughts at the same time. It must be the connection. I also think it’s awesome that you see yourself coming to America. I was feeling a little selfish wanting you here. So keep dreaming those thoughts babe. I think if we wish hard enough dreams can come true.

Thank you for listening to me about Sarah. I was really scared there for a while. I will get to the bottom of it. I know in my mind nothing happened but I want to make sure. I think I’m going to give up alcohol forever.

Well I’m very tired. I just wanted to write you an email so you have something to read when you wake up. I hope you had sweet dreams babe. I know I will.

All my love, hopes and desires

J xxxx

Cory smiled. Her girl was a complete mushball. She thought about what JJ was to her. She was so many things and more. She hit the reply button:

Hey Honey,

I enjoyed last night immensely. I slept like a baby until some annoying phone calls in the middle of the night. Scared the shit out of me. I thought it was the wrong number initially but then it carried on and I swear I heard breathing. I got so scared I slept in the ensuite. I know I’m a chicken shit. I nearly called but it was late for you.

This morning I feel braver. I’ve walked Holly, and we’re just listening to the CD you sent me. Rachel invited me round to do some planning, the gym and have dinner. Sam is back later so I’ll be okay as he’ll be in the house tonight should the crank calls continue. I can’t understand how someone got hold of our number as we’re ex directory.

Holly and I had a lovely walk this morning. I thought about you the whole time. How can one person totally become the focus of another’s attention? You are the first thing I think of in the morning, and the last thing at night. I wrote you a poem. I hope you like it.

## You Are

### You are my sunshine in the day

My moonlight in the night

The light that guides my way

Now you’re here it shines so bright.

You are the harbour for my love

The saviour of my soul

The hand that fits my glove

The half that makes me whole.

You are the fire in my chest

The flame of my desire

The heart beneath my breast

Our love will never tire.

You are the reason why I wake

The cause of my sweet dream

You are the river that’s my lake

My ever winding stream.

You are my laughter when I’m happy

The tears of my despair

You are the part that is the best of me

You are the reason why I care.

You are the answer to my question

The port for my love ship

The guilt of my deception

Your essence on my lips.

What can I say? I was inspired. I know it’s not brilliant but it’s just how I feel. I hope to be around later if you are. This week is going to be hectic for me. We should be able to chat a few times when I get in. I have a lot of studying to do too. I’m just writing this so you understand what’s going on if the emails lessen or I’m not around. I need to make sure everything is sorted out at school before I leave as I usually spend a few days in school during the holidays.

I understand your need to talk to Sarah. Personally, I think you’d remember if you slept with someone. I also know you’d never intentionally break your promise to me. Just be careful she doesn’t sound like someone who can be trusted.

I may try and take a little nap.

I love you with my whole heart. To the moon and beyond.

Cory xxxx

Cory arrived back at the house just after 7pm. It had been a productive day. Rachel and her had planned the Literacy lessons for the summer term. It had taken a while but in the end the extra time would pay off. It meant they both knew exactly what they would be doing. They’d looked at the math and what they still needed to cover before the exams. Rachel was excited about the week they would spend away with the kids. She’d never been on the school trip and Cory had explained everything that would happen. The trip wasn’t until the middle of May but when they’d counted the days it was less than a month away. They had managed to get to the gym but Cory had been exhausted. The lack of sleep had begun to take its toll on her. The meal had been delicious and Cory had passed on the opportunity to watch a video. She needed her sleep.

Sam’s car was on the drive. Cory was pleased. She hoped the crank calling had been a one off. She still had to study for the GRE. She was making progress with the math. Roy had helped her with formulas. She wanted to take a practice test to check on her progress.

Sam was lying on the sofa asleep when she walked into the lounge. She quietly booted up her computer and settled into the other sofa. The math test went well. Her score had improved from 250 to 300. Still not high enough to be accepted but an improvement nonetheless. As she closed down the program Sam woke up.

“Hey there.” His response was a grunt. Some things were too good to last. She didn’t push him to answer. The phone rang. She got out of her seat and picked it up. “Hello?” Yet again no answer. “Either speak or hang up. This isn’t fun any more.”

As Cory got the words out the caller hung up. Cory just stared at the phone. What the hell was that all about? She turned round to see Sam staring at her.

“Who was that?”

Cory shrugged. “I have no idea. They just hung up.”

“That happened earlier to me. Probably a wrong number.” Sam replied, as he stretched his hands above his head.

“I’m not sure. I had calls all through the night. They really spooked me out.”

Sam stood up and took the phone out of his wife’s hand. He dialed 1471.

“It won’t help. There are never any numbers.”

Sam placed the phone near his table. “It’s probably one of the kids from school. They obviously got our number from somewhere and they’re playing taunt the teacher.”

Cory didn’t buy it. No child would stay up through the night to make the calls. She shrugged her shoulders and dropped back onto the sofa. “Well you can answer them from now on.”

The evening had gone well. Sam hadn’t been very talkative and Cory hadn’t pushed. She’d managed to catch up with JJ for a few minutes of chatting. Her exhaustion finally won out and she’d gone to bed around 9pm.

A ringing sound woke Cory. She opened an eye. It was dark in the room. She pulled the pillow over her head. Not again. The phone was in Sam’s room but she could still hear it. She heard him fumbling around, cursing as he hung up. It happened three more times through the night.

Cory woke to the alarm she was so tired. She was tempted to take a sick day but knew she was running the staff meeting after school. She met Sam in the kitchen. “You look as bad as I feel.”

“Bloody phone never stopped ringing all night. I finally disconnected it. When I find out who’s making the calls I’m going to return the favour. If it continues to happen we’ll have the phone company check out the calls.” Sam collected his papers. “I’ll see you later.”

The week had dragged by for Cory. She had been counting the days down with JJ. They were down to six days. Cory had begun to pile her clothes ready to pack. The phone calls had lessened, mainly because they’d unplugged it before bedtime. Anyone who might need them had been alerted to the fact that Sam’s mobile phone would be the way to contact them. They had called British Telecom but so far all they’d been told was to log the calls and they’d check into it. The lady thought it was probably a coincidence. Sometimes these things happened when a new company opened up and the numbers were similar. Cory didn’t buy that excuse but unless they wanted to change their phone number she had to wait for someone to do their job and check it out.

JJ’s week had been no better. She’d been ridiculed all through the game on Monday. The Bears had stood on the side line waving their arms above their heads and shouting ‘1, 2, 3 step.’ Helen had informed her that they were doing the ‘JJ Dance’. Fortunately, JJ had sought her revenge by slamming home three goals. Sarah had tried contacting her throughout the week. The final message from her ex had informed her that she would be bringing the wood for the porch. JJ had been trying to decide whether she needed to be at the house but she didn’t trust Sarah on her own. Helen and Jo had offered to stop over and help and she’d accepted their offer.

As she poured the juice into the glass she heard the beeping of a car. She went to the door, “Helen, it’ll be better if you park on the roadside Sarah’s truck will have wood in it and it’ll be easier to lift it off near the porch.” Helen gave her the okay sign and pulled up in front of the house.

She carried out some extra glasses and juice. The weather had at least stayed nice. The sun was out and it beginning to feel like spring.

“So the witch isn’t here yet?” Helen asked.

“Any time soon. Look, I think things will run more smoothly if we all keep things civil. I know you’re mad at her; so am I, but she’ll just become an even bigger bitch.”

Jo patted JJ on the back. “I’ll keep a short rein on her today. Just don’t let Sarah walk all over you. For an intimidating woman you sure let her get to you.”

JJ scowled. It was true. On the ice she was truly a warrior. No one messed with her and she held her own. Her looks were deceiving. Her icy stare often kept people at bay but inside JJ was just a huge softy. “I’ll try. Oh speak of the devil.”

Sarah parked on the driveway. She was not happy to see JJ had called the other two. “Well I see you’ve recovered. Jo and Helen nice to see you as always.”

Helen gritted her teeth. She just wanted to wipe the smug smile off Sarah’s face. “Oh yeah a real pleasure. I’ll go and get the wood.” She pulled Jo towards the truck. “I have no idea what JJ saw in her. She makes my blood boil.”

“I know babe, and so does she. She just likes yanking your chain. Calm down. Let’s just do the jobs and then JJ won’t have to see her for a long while. Remember, we’re here for JJ, not Sarah.”

While the other two lifted the wood off the truck, JJ began pulling the rotten wood up. Sarah knelt down beside her. “So I enjoyed last weekend.”

“At least one of us did.” She continued pulling the nails out.

“Oh you had fun. Trust me babe you were begging me for more.”

JJ slammed the hammer down. “Cut the crap. I know you set me up. You spiked my drinks and we did not sleep together. That part is just in your smutty mind.”

Sarah looked shocked. “I…I…just wanted us to get back together. I didn’t think you’d get that drunk.”

“You bitch! I wasn’t completely sure. It wasn’t until Helen and Jo pieced the missing bits that I worked it out.”

“I knew the dynamic duo would be involved. Come on it was just a joke.” Sarah placed her hand on JJ’s shoulder.

“Don’t touch me!” growled JJ.

Jo shot a look over to where the shout had come from. “Do you think we should go over there?”

Helen shook her head. “No, it’s about time JJ sorted her out. If blood begins to fly then we’ll step in. Luckily, the power tools are still in the truck!”

JJ was fuming. “Jokes are supposed to be fun, Sarah, not dangerous. Do you know how irresponsible you were? I could have had alcohol poisoning!”

“But you didn’t. I only slipped you a few. You’ve drunk more beers than that before.”

“That’s not the point. I could have had a reaction. You know how liquor affects me. That’s not the part I’m pissed about. It’s the waking up naked with you that hurt the most. You would lie about us being together.” JJ started to take her frustration out on the wood.

“Hey. I never lied. At no point did I say we’d slept together.”

JJ thought about it. She recalled Sarah’s words. It was true. “I know, but you certainly implied it, especially to Cory. For that I can’t forgive you.”

“I looked after you. I helped you into the house, undressed you and then watched you sleep so you weren’t sick.”

“And you felt it was your duty to crawl into bed with me naked, and then imply what we’d done to Cory.”

Sarah couldn’t stand it any more. It always came down to that bitch. “It’s always got to have something to do with her. She stole you from me!”

“Nobody stole anyone from you. I just fell out of love. Deal with it.”

“I’m sorry. JJ, I really am. How’s Cory?”

JJ stopped banging. She hated fighting. “She’s good. We’re fine. She’ll be over next weekend and then I’ll be happy.”

“So you’re going away?”

“For a week. I only have a week left of vacation. We’ll be here for the rest of it.” JJJ didn’t see the fist coming towards her.

“NO! That bitch is not staying in my house! Over my dead body.” Sarah continued to throw punches in JJ’s direction, most of them missing.

Jo and Helen rushed over. They were just in time to stop JJ returning a punch. “Whoa.” Jo held Sarah back and Helen stopped JJ. “Stop it. JJ, she’s not worth it. Calm down.”

Sarah pushed Jo away from. “JJ, that bitch is not stepping one foot into my house. You’re just rubbing my nose in it now. How could you be so heartless?” She dropped to the floor crying. “She’s not staying. She’s not staying.”

JJ had no idea what to do. “Sarah, let’s just do the repairs. We’ll talk about this when you’re in a better frame of mind. Please.”

Sarah looked up at JJ. “Promise we’ll talk?”

“Yes. We’ll talk. Not today though. Today, we try to work together. Okay?”

Sarah dried her tears. “Okay.”

“Thank you!” whispered JJ. Jo and Helen sent a silent prayer up to the sky.

Part 32

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Thank you so much for all the feedback and emails concerning the progress of the story and what you think. There is more to come very soon, I promise. J

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