Confessions

Chapter 2

Chapter 2Our taxi ride home was unusually quiet that night and whereas we generally ended the evening with a coffee or nightcap in my house or hers, Jane declined and said she just wanted to head to bed. I was feeling a little squiffy from the cocktails myself but I did find it strange, especially when Jane was stiff as a board when I gave her our usual hug goodbye, so I tried to put a brave face on things and headed inside to bed, drifting into sleep concerned that my accidental kiss had damaged our relationship.

Something woke me but I didn’t know what. Lifting my head from the pillow was a bad idea and I instantly vowed never to drink another caipirinha. Fortunately I’d had the foresight to take a large glass of water to bed with me, so I downed it in one with a couple of aspirin and went back to sleep almost instantly.

The next time I woke I had a strange sensation that something was wrong. I cautiously lifted my head and was pleasantly surprised that the water and aspirin had done their job as my head was no longer banging. It was only when I sat up properly that I noticed Jane sprawled out across the bottom of my bed, fast asleep.

The room wasn’t overly warm and she was only wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top, so I covered her in a light fleecy blanket before heading to the bathroom on my way to the kitchen, noticing my mobile on the counter flashing to say I had a message.

Jane had sent a text at about 8.30 asking if I was up for breakfast, which was probably what woke me the first time, so I rummaged through the fridge.

As I walked back into the bedroom carrying a tray, I couldn’t help sigh at the sight of Jane snuggled up on my bed. She looked so sweet as she slept that I placed the tray on the desk and bent over to kiss her lightly on the forehead. She smiled slightly in her sleep but didn’t stir, so I kissed her gently on her nose.

She stretched like a cat before her eyes opened and she realised where she was, suddenly sitting bolt upright and clutching her head as her hangover reasserted itself.

“Here you go,” and I handed her a glass of water and a couple of aspirin which she accepted gratefully.

“This will help too.” As I sat in bed propped up against the headboard with the tray on my knees, patting the empty side of the bed beside me.

Jane looked dubious for a moment (which didn’t go unnoticed by me) but kicked off her slippers and came and sat under the covers with me, the smell of bacon and scrambled eggs on toast, or the sight of a cup of tea obviously too much to resist.

We ate in silence for the most part but once finished Jane sat back and patted her tummy.

“Ellie you are an absolute angel -- that was just what the doctor ordered.” And she flashed me one of her gorgeous smiles, making me relax somewhat.

“So just what were you doing on my bed young lady?”

“Ah yes, sorry about that. I’d sent you a text and when you didn’t answer I came around to wake you up but you looked so peaceful I didn’t have the heart to disturb you. I only sat down for a moment and the next thing I knew you were kissing my nose!”

“You should have got under the covers; you’d have been more comfortable.”

“Hmmm maybe. Sorry, I need the bathroom.” And with that she climbed out of bed and quickly left the room.

I sat there in bed wondering what to do. Jane was definitely being offish with me -- usually she’d have a witty comeback. Maybe it was that kiss last night or maybe it was her hangover.

Should I just leave it for now or should I try to force the issue and find out one way or the other?