Claire hung out with Pandora, munching on snacks and sipping her tea with a smile. It was the kind that let you unwind after a long day. As she watched Pandora looking so content, Shirley realized living in the countryside wasn't half bad. It made so much sense now why Pandora never seemed to crave city life. She had always had everything she wanted growing up, but no matter where she ended up, Pandora just knew how to make herself comfortable.
"When you visit the Latham family for New Year's tomorrow, don't forget to check in at the hospital and see Daniel," Pandora reminded her granddaughter, her voice warm but firm.
"I know, I will. Are you coming with me?" Claire asked.
Pandora paused, weighing her answer. "I'm guessing once I go back to the city, I'll have to start my extra classes. There'll be no more time to come back out here for a while," she said softly. "I might just stay here a bit longer, at least until the Lantern Festival is over."
Claire caught the meaning right away. Pandora just didn't care for the city at all. She grinned. "You don't have to stay in the city if you don't want to. I'll come visit whenever I can. And if you ever want to see me, just ask Edison to send for you. Out here, it's definitely more peaceful. What matters most is that you're happy."
Truthfully, Claire didn't mind if Pandora wanted to stick to the countryside. She'd been independent for as long as she could remember, never relying too much on her elders. Pandora was the same. That understanding passed between them without another word.
A little later, Claire polished off some roast lamb, wandered aimlessly around the garden, then called it a night. Out in the country, everywhere was closed up by nine. The world went soft and quiet, as if settling in for sleep.
Claire nudged Shirley toward bedtime, but Shirley wasn't ready to wind down. They'd played cards after dinner, and Shirley had gotten hooked. She wore her sticky-note "loser" badges with pride, hair a mess, laughing every time she lost. Good thing they were only playing for sticky notes. If they'd played for cash, Claire figured Shirley would have lost her entire New Year's money in one night.
"I didn't know the countryside could be so interesting," Shirley giggled, cheeks flushed from sneaking a glass of Pandora's homemade wine.
Claire had to drag her off to wash up, half carrying her to the guest room. But Shirley clung on for dear life.
"I want to sleep with you, Claire. Sleeping alone is scary," she pleaded, eyes wide and dramatic.
Claire shook her head. The last thing she wanted was to share a bed with half-drunk Shirley, no matter how much she whined. She managed to peel Shirley off and get her into the guest room before heading to her own bed.
Of course, barely a minute later, there was Shirley, tiptoeing in with a pillow and her best puppy-dog eyes.
"Claire, do you not like me? You
won't even sleep with me. It's non et fair.gorgeous-big
fair. You wouldn't lose out,
know Look at me. I go
chest, tiny waist, long legs.
Claire slapped a hand gently over Shirley's mouth to shut her up. "Alright, alright. You can sleep here."
She figured, honestly, Shirley was the one giving her the better deal.
"Do you like me then?" Shirley asked, draping herself around Claire's neck and refusing to let go.
Claire sighed in defeat. "Yes, I like you."
Shirley wasn't satisfied. “Liar. If you liked me, you'd call me something cute," she mumbled, face buried against Claire's shoulder.
Claire just pushed her back a little and said, “Alright, Shirley, be good and go to sleep."
Without another word, Claire tossed Shirley onto the bed. She didn't bother checking if Shirley was comfortable. They ended up sharing. a bed but each pulled up their own blanket, staying in their separate corners. t FindNovel.net
The next morning, Shirley woke up rubbing her sore backside, confused. "Why did I
end up in your bed last night?"
“Think about it, and you'll remember,” Claire replied, looking at her with a smirk.
Shirley pressed her fingers to her forehead, trying to piece it all together. The memory hit her all at once, and her cheeks flooded red, She really had been the one clinging and whining like a baby for Chaires, attention last night. She wanted to disappear into the blankets.