We’ll Meet Again Someday

“Riana, come on. It’s time to get up.” Riana blinked her eyes open. Sunlight flooded the large bedroom. She focused on Audra, who was already in her uniform. “I know you’re not used to getting up so early, but I gotta leave for work in a few minutes.” “Oh. Oh, that’s okay.” Riana sat up, yawned, and rubbed her eyes. “Can I pee quickly before I go?” “Of course.” After relieving herself, Riana headed downstairs just as Audra was exiting the bedroom. When they were both downstairs, Riana told Audra to have a good day. “Don’t let them work you too hard,” she added. Audra laughed. “Not if I can help it. Don’t get too spooked out today.” “I won’t. The bastard doesn’t know where we live.” Audra watched the back door close behind her, locked it, and headed off to deal with the kind of scum that was similar to last night and worse. “Why do I bother?” she asked herself as she headed into the garage. What sucked even more was knowing she would now have to wait even longer to check out Riana’s journal. A little later, Riana was fully awake and alert. Earlier than usual, but definitely awake enough to start thinking in depth about last night. She combed through her wet hair, got dressed, and with a coffee mug in hand, took a seat in front of her computer and woke it up. The last journal entry she’d made in her online journal was still on the screen. “Wow, have I got quite an update this time around!” she said to herself. First, she emailed Yolanda and asked for her opinion. I’m glad she’s into me and all that, but this isn’t someone I’d want a serious relationship with even if she were single. Should I worry about James? Or do I just trust that Audra can handle him and tell him whatever she feels he should know? And what about Audra herself? I just wonder if I should let her know I don’t want any strings attached, or simply assume that’s the way it’s going to be anyway, since she is married after all and seems content to stay that way. Gosh, the chase really is more fun than the capture at times! That’s because the chase isn’t nearly as complicated, I guess. Next, she emailed a few other friends back east, whom she didn’t speak with too often, figuring one close friend was enough. Then she moved on to updating her journal and entering sweeps. Her day progressed slowly. She stopped a few times to eat and to bike to the store, but mostly she sat working while music played in the background. Long after dark, she leaned back and said to herself, “All this work better pay off someday.” A knock at the door just after 9:00 startled her. “Yeah?” she called out. “It’s just me.” Riana opened the door. “Good evening, ma’am,” Audra said pleasantly. “May I come in?” “Sure. I didn’t expect to see you today. Did James make it back okay?” “He’s fine. I just thought I’d bring over your mail.” “My mail! I forgot all about that. There’s a lot of new sweeps at this time of the month, so I’ve been slaving over that all day.” “I didn’t even open anything, even though I was curious about the one from what at least appears to be some kind of prize company.” Audra folded her arms and waited as Riana sifted through the envelopes. “Yeah, this is a regular promotions company,” Riana said as she tore the envelope open and read the letter inside. “Awesome!” she exclaimed. “I won two grand!” “Oh, good for you,” Audra said with a smile. Out of the corner of her eye, Riana noticed the smile seemed to drop almost as quickly as it appeared. Before she could ask about it or wonder if something was wrong, Audra asked what she planned to do with the money. “I don’t know yet. Times are tough right now, so it’ll mostly go toward food. But first, I have to get it notarized. I’ll do that first thing tomorrow.” “So we’re not going to have to start looking for a new guesthouse occupant anytime soon?” “Oh, no. A couple of grand wouldn’t buy me a house, and you know I hate apartments. Not that the money would last long if I rented a house either. So, unless you want me to, you don’t have to worry just yet.” “Good,” Audra said, leaning forward to kiss Riana quickly on the lips. “Sweet dreams.” “You bet,” Riana smiled. “Sweet dreams back.” Audra was gone, leaving Riana in a pleasant state of shock. She was only human, after all, and it was fun when someone you were attracted to seemed to be attracted to you in return—even if you kind of clashed with each other. Another part of her couldn’t believe this was happening. If someone had told her after she left the apartment complex that they’d one day meet again and practically live together and share a mutual attraction—and even a bed for a night—she would’ve laughed like never before.