Layers by Altonya Washington

Author:Altonya Washington
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AlTonya Washington

“I’m taking the longest soak in the history of soaks and sleeping naked in my own bed for at least the next two days!” Eliza enthusiastically vowed once Kam was pushing her chair toward the elevators.

The rumble of a throat being cleared sounded nearby. Both women looked round to see Cousteau Morgan standing there.

Eliza swallowed, dared not blink and reached behind to grab Kamari’s pant leg. Finally, her expressive blue gaze began to roam Cousteau’s six foot plus frame, stopping repeatedly on his devastating face.

“Elly,” he said, his own vivid stare observing her just as closely before he smiled and nodded toward Kamari. “How are you Kam?”

She nodded. “It’s been a long time, Cousteau.”

“What are you doing here?” Eliza blurted.

“I heard about Simon…”

The lilt of his baritone tinged with a hint of the Bronx caused Eliza to swallow over the sudden lump in her throat.

“And your father,” he continued, habitually reaching up to smooth back fallen tendrils of wavy brown from his forehead. “I know you took it hard.” He moved progressively closer as he spoke.

Eliza appeared dumbfounded. “How?”

“You forget we know many of the same people.” A knowing smile sparked the lone dimple.

The slight reference to their former relationship sent Eliza’s cheeks to burning and her grip slackened on Kam’s pant leg. Suddenly, she cleared her throat and forced a stern tint to her gaze. “I appreciate your condolences but I’m fine and on my way home so if you’ll excuse us-”

“May I talk to you Elly?”

Her attempt at being stern oozed away. “Cousteau…”

“Please Elly?”

“I can’t.” She gave a decisive shake of her head and missed the way Cousteau’s turquoise stare followed the swish of her hair.

“They’ve released me…might think I’m bent on staying if they see me hanging around.”

“I could take you home.” The suggestion was soft as he moved closer. “It’s important and I’ve waited too long to let this slide any longer. Elly, please?”

“Shit.” Eliza bowed her head to hiss the curse. “Kam… I’ll uh…I’ll see you later, okay?”

Kamari snapped to and knelt beside her friend’s chair. “Are you sure?”

El was already nodding solemnly. “Guess I should take the advice I gave you a little while ago.” She patted against the sleeve of Kam’s hoody and smiled. “Go on I’ll be fine-you get some rest, alright?”

Nodding eventually, Kam smoothed a hand across the black yoga pants covering Eliza’s thigh. She stood then and left Cousteau with a nod.

***

While Kamari may’ve been reluctant to take Eliza’s advice about Huron Base, she needed no further encouragement to take the advice about resting. She left the hospital and headed for home. There, she dumped her clothes into the hamper and spent the next twenty minutes in the shower. The hot water and luxurious liquid soap she’d selected, pampered her skin and mind in unison. Afterwards, she slipped into the first T-shirt she could find and poured herself into bed.

~~~

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