Chapter Thirty-Four
Grace slid into the booth at Banjo’s and reached for the large gin and tonic she’d ordered. Pushing aside the floating sprig of rosemary with the straw, she took a long sip and giggled.
“You’re drunk already,” Cressida accused with an endearing grin on her face.
“I am not.” Grace faked her disgust at such an accusation. “I’ve only had three. It will take at least another two before I’m calling Caz to rescue me.”
“Ah, and how is the lovely Caz…still keeping you well-oiled under the bonnet?” Jane winked and everyone laughed at the not-so-subtle innuendo.
Grace pulled a face. “Trust me, I get my needs met,” she said with all the belief that it was true, because it was, wasn’t it? Caz was more than a sufficient partner.
“Oh…do tell. We’re all dying to know if it really is all it’s cracked up to be,” Cressida chimed in.
“Yes, I’ve told Greg it’s a possibility that if he doesn’t pull his socks up, I, too, might jump the late-bloomer train to Lesville,” Sandra said, instantly blushing and sucking on her straw as all eyes turned to her.
“Trouble at mill?” Jane asked, and Grace was grateful for the conversation to steer away from her own sex life…or lack of it.
“No, not really, I just…don’t you ever just look at them and think, ‘Do I even fancy you?’”
Cressida shrugged. “I think that’s just how relationships go…you spend all your time with someone and suddenly, you’re seeing all their flaws—”
“Not me,” Grace piped up, “Caz is wonderful.”
“Well, that’s because it’s all fresh and you fancy the pants off each other still,” Sandra said. “And let’s face it, she’s not difficult to look at.”
“I know, she’s adorable. And the best kisser,” Grace admitted.
“Okay, so back on track… Lesbian lovers—are they all that?” Cressida smirked, and sat back gleefully awaiting the answer.
Downing the rest of her drink, Grace felt the effects of the previous two. “I would choose Caz over every other lover I’ve had…every time.”
A waiter appeared, carrying a tray with another round of drinks. He handed them out, flirted with Cressida, and then left them to it.
“How did we get these?” Jane asked, knowing none of them had gone to the bar.
Cressida pointed to a QR code on the table. “I ordered them. Drink up.”
The glasses raised and chinked against one another with a loud “Cheers”, and they all swallowed down a mouthful.
Before their glasses hit the table, Jane flicked open the camera app on her phone and zapped the QR code herself. “Might as well continue how we mean to go on.”
At drink seven, Grace drew the line.
“I’m done…” she slurred, and pushed the glass away. “Should…get Caz to…pick me up.” She leaned against Jane. “She’s so good to me, and she’s hot, so hot, right? I’m…so hot.” She began to fan herself.
“It is warm in here,” Jane agreed, watching as Grace picked up her phone and began typing out a text.
When she finished the text, Grace said, “Just going to get some air. Caz will be here in a minute.” She nodded to herself. It would take less than five minutes to drive from home to Banjo’s at this time of night.
Proud of herself, she could at least still walk without staggering. Grace giggled as she opened the restaurant door and stepped outside. An instant breeze blowing across her face was refreshing.
“Woo, that’s better,” she said to herself, leaning against the window.
“You alright?” a man’s voice said, and she turned to look at him. He was nothing special, but probably the kind of guy who might have gotten her attention once upon a time.
She smiled. “Yes, just warm inside.”
“Yeah.” He pulled a packet of cigarettes from his pocket and opened it, offering one to Grace.
“No, don’t smoke, thanks.”
“I keep saying I’m going to give up and then…” He pulled one free and lit it. “You go out, have a few beers and—” He shrugged and laughed. “On your own?”
“No, with friends, I’m just waiting for my ride.” An image of Caz came into her mind, and the idea of riding her brought an instant blush to Grace’s cheeks. “Sorry, what?” she asked, realising he’d said something.
“I said, I can give you a ride, you know, if you fancy it.” The wink wasn’t necessary. It was clear what he was interested in.
Grace straightened up. “Oh, that’s…no, I’m married,” she said, holding up her hand as proof.
“I don’t see any husband around looking out for you,” he said, edging closer.
“That’s because she has a wife. Now back the fuck off,” Caz said from behind him. Ramrod straight, using her full height, but still managing to look cool and relaxed, Grace couldn’t help but take her all in; hair tied back, a baggy light-blue hoodie with her hands tucked into the front pocket, grey cargo pants, and black boots.
“Jesus, that’s so hot,” Grace muttered under her breath.
He turned, cigarette between his lips, palms up in surrender.
“No harm in trying, eh?” He chuckled, but backed away.
Grace felt relief wash over her, and something else: Desire. That was the hottest thing she’d ever witnessed. “Back the fuck off,” echoed in her head and those words sent a spark, that rushed downwards to her clit and hit with a jolt, like nothing she’d felt before.