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“I won’t be in today.” I yawned into the phone. “My car’s a mess and so am I.”
I heard Tony laugh and couldn’t help smiling myself.
“Vanessa, whatever you say. Just answer me- are you there alone?” his voice had a teasing note to it, and I waited a moment before answering.
“Not exactly.” I replied, feeling Madlax’s soft kisses on my shoulder.
“Didn’t get out of it, did you? Then just what exactly are you doing?”
“Treading water.” I hung up the phone.

The teapot whistled loudly and I turned off the burner. I slowly poured two cups, watching the steam rise. I took the empty wine glass that Rimelda had put on the counter and threw it into the trash. I glanced at the refrigerator and saw the blood on the door. A shiver went down my spine. If Margaret hadn’t shown up, I would not have survived. I got a paper towel and some bleach spray and began cleaning.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice behind me made me jump. “I’m sorry you suffered like that.”
“I- didn’t hear you come in.” I threw the towel in the trash. “So the girls are both at school?”
“They’re at school, whether or not they learn anything today is another question.” She smiled and picked up a cup of the tea, sipping it. “This is good.”
“So…do you have to go to work today?” I picked up my cup, but it was still too hot for me to drink, so I sat it back down. I saw her cup placed down next to mine then her arms were around me, under my shirt, gently pulling me back into her.
“I have big plans today.” She nuzzled my ear with her lips.
“Um, really.” I breathed out, amazed at the effect she had on my body.
“Yes, and they start with removing these cumbersome clothes.” Her hands slid my shirt upwards, but I stopped her.
“Not here. Not in the kitchen, please.”
“That nightmare is over.” She scooped me up, and I let her carry me down the hallway. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore.” She let me down gently onto the bed. I wrapped my legs around her, pulling her down on top of me.
“Actually, there is one other nightmare that’s not over.” I murmured, feeling my shirt being lifted from my body.
“Mmmm…what could be more frightening than last night?” her mouth was softly grazing my neck. I took a sharp breath, partly from excitement, partly from what I had to say.
“Meeting my parents?”