SEVER

blooming pink tulips. “Who are these from?”
With a cheeky smile, Amanda hands over a small card, and I eye her suspiciously before flipping it open.
Blythe,
The big bad wolf has enough faith in himself to remain disguised. Have some faith in yourself.
Yours,
Kane
 
“What does it say?”
I close the card and slide it in my handbag. “They’re from Mr. Alexander. I declined his invitation to work with him, and I’m guessing these are to sweeten me up.”
Her eyes widen. “A man like that doesn’t give up easily.”
I turn on my cell, go to email and compose a new message.
Mr. Alexander,
The wolf tricked Little Red and threatened to eat her.
My decision still stands.
Regards,
Blythe Cooper
P.S. The flowers are more than beautiful, thank you.
I hit send and smooth my skirt.
Why do I always feel ruffled when dealing with this man?
Amanda laughs lightly, folding her arms while she takes me in. “Mmm… mmm… mmm,” she hums. “You’re in for a world of hurt, and I’m so unbelievably jealous.”
~
I collapse on the sofa, careful not to spill a drop of wine. The house hunt was a complete letdown. The ones I checked were either too small, required too much maintenance, or wouldn’t be available for another few weeks. Knowing Shawn’s gone on his business trip, I take the chance to go through more drawers and cupboards. Boxes are now stacked high and ready for a removalist. I feel a deep-seated desperation to be out of this house and starting afresh.
A knock sounds at the door, and I consider pretending no one’s home. I close my eyes, feeling the dreams I have for my night alone slipping through my fingertips. Another knock sounds, and I jump with fright seeing Samantha standing outside the living room window, her hands held out in annoyance.
“Open up, you wench,” she yells, her features barely visible in the night light.
Sliding off the sofa, I pad my way to the door and open it. My sister stands before me, her silky straight hair falling over her breasts, exposed by the lack of, albeit beautiful, fabric.
“If you’re gonna pretend you’re not home, at least close the blinds.”
“I wasn’t pretending… more like being ignorant.” I make a point of looking at her breasts. “I see the girls are out to play.”
“More to the point, why aren’t yours?” Samantha’s gaze travels the length of my body, her brow creasing. “You can’t wear that!”
I glance down at my Golden Girls baggy shirt and smile. “But it’s unbelievably comfy.”
“Doesn’t make it right.” She huffs in frustration. “Why aren’t you ready?”
 I raise my own brows in question. “Ready for what?”
“Our night out.”
“What night out?”
“The one we discussed.”
“We never discussed such a thing.”
“Oh, but we did,” she said, barging her way through. “You’ve obviously forgotten given how much you have going on.”
“Sam, I would never organize a night out with you knowing it’s my anniversary.”
“Where’s Shawn?”
“Business trip.”
She claps her hands together. “Right, since he’s not here, I’m here instead to take you out.”
“You don’t need to—”
“Now! Go get ready. The night’s calling our names.”
“Nope, that’s not the night, that’s my bed.”
When my sister squares her shoulders and folds her arms, I relent. While I love peace and tranquillity, Samantha could lead an army to battle with a simple eye twitch. I’ve learned she always wins those battles. “Fine,” I concede, “I’ll throw a dress on.”
“And do something with your hair,” she calls as I take to the stairs.
“What’s wrong with my messy bun?”
“Is that what you’re calling it? It looks like a rat’s nest for lazy people.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this mean to you,” I yell flatly from the top.
I hear her voice while picking out my dress. “Come on, sourpuss. This could be a night you won’t ever forget.”
~
“I still can’t believe you have a driver,” I say closing the car door to the Mercedes and straightening my dress.
“Perks of the job,” Samantha replies like it’s no big deal. “Come on. Stop fiddling.”
“My dress feels too short. I should have gone for the black one, it has more length.”
“We’re not auditioning for Little Women, and besides, you’re now considered separated, so show some leg.”
“That doesn’t mean I need to act like a ho.”
Samantha throws me an eye roll. “My nerdy sister could never be a ho. That’s my job.” She giggles and takes my hand, leading me to the long line outside the nightclub. Instead of joining the wait, she bypasses the crowd and beelines for the bouncer. The big man greets her with a smile, and she whispers in his ear. His hand indecently snakes to her lower back, where fingers stop just shy of her ass. I stand awkwardly as the two interact on one side while fielding off glares from those still stuck in the line on the other side. They both laugh at something funny no one else is privy to, and the bouncer lifts the red rope, allowing us through.
“Geez, sister… you’ve really been stepping it up in the world.” I truly am confused over the sudden and drastic changes in her life. It’s a good thing considering the state she was in not so long ago. But I’m still suspicious because no good thing ever comes without a catch. And there’s no subtle way of asking without causing offense. “Is this another perk of the job?”
Samantha hooks her arm through mine. “It’s a perk of being sociable. Something you’ll learn now you’re single.” I don’t quite believe her, for the simple reason she never had any of this a few months ago, and now suddenly, she’s been endowed with perks otherwise out of reach. “Besides, those people outside don’t know it, but they’re