Welcome Back
VOLUME 7: THE GIRLS THAT CAME WITH THE RAIN GO TO DINNER
Zed sat at the table with Flower, his hands working nimbly to help her roll a few fresh joints. The quiet was abruptly broken by the distinct rattle of the front doorknob turning.
Zed paused, glancing over at Deb, who was leaning against the counter with a highly satisfied smirk.
-Ednin knows where I hide the key, Zed laughed, shaking his head at the redhead. How did you sneak in, Deb?
Deb grinned.
-Oh, Zeddy, you know I have my ways. Let's just say a lockpick and a stealthy attitude were all the invitation needed, she giggled conspiratorially, thoroughly pleased with her own cunning. Besides, the element of surprise is half the fun, don'tcha think?
-Next time I'll show you the key, Zed whispered to Deb.
He got up from his seat just in time to greet the incoming party. Ednin strode through the entryway with Carla practically bouncing at her side, followed closely by Alice and Betty.
Ednin and Carla stepped into the living room. Ednin noticed Zed's slightly disheveled state, and the incredibly smug grin plastered across Deb's face.
Carla, meanwhile, seemed entirely oblivious.
She was already entirely focused on bustling toward the counter, unpacking some bags filled with an assortment of snacks and drinks she had brought from the café.
Alice and Betty followed closely behind their escorts, shaking off the rain from the outdoors.
-Welcome back girls, Zed greeted them warmly, spreading his arms. How did you all get together?
Carla looked up from her bags, her face lighting up as she explained enthusiastically that she had spent all her time with Ednin since leaving Zed's house the day before.
-And Alice and Betty dropped by the cafe earlier in the afternoon, Carla chattered happily. And Ednin drove us all here!
Betty smiled warmly at Zed.
-We missed you, handsome, she purred, wrapping her arms around him.
-This morning feels like forever ago, Zed said to Betty, returning her embrace with a firm, grounding hug. How did you girls enjoy your time to yourselves?
Flower observed the reunion with a smile. She flicked a lighter, sparking up one of the freshly rolled joints.
-Well well well, would you look at this charming tableau? Flower said.
-Quite the welcoming committee you've assembled here, Zed, Alice commented dryly, her tone dripping with biting sarcasm.
Her sharp, calculating eyes flicked appreciatively over Carla for a fraction of a second before narrowing dangerously at Deb.
-And I suppose this is another example of why we needed a break from your constant debauchery? Alice challenged.
-Alice, of course, Zed began smoothly, gesturing toward the counter. You haven't had the pleasure to meet Flower yet. She spent some time with Betty and me yesterday, he explained patiently. She's my supervisor from work.
Ednin and Carla exchanged glances as Zed formally introduced Flower.
Ednin extended a polite hand to Flower with a friendly, confident smile.
-Charmed, I'm sure. Zed's spoken highly of you... though I gather not entirely in a professional capacity, Ednin added, offering the older woman a playful, knowing wink.
Carla waved from the counter.
- She's new to you too Carla, but I know you're a quick study, Zed laughed.
Flower took Ednin's offered hand and shook it firmly.
-Ah, so you're the illustrious Ednin I've heard so much about!
Ednin and Carla both laughed out loud. Ednin casually draped an arm around Carla's waist, pulling the barista in possessively.
-Holistic, huh? Sounds like someone's been moonlighting as a life coach alongside all the... extracurricular activities, Ednin joked, squeezing Carla's shoulder affectionately.
-Flower was very upset I didn't make her part of my vacation plans immediately, Zed chuckled, stepping closer to Alice and Betty. But, I took the week off for these two, he reminded the room.
Zed reached his hands out to take Alice and Betty's hands in his own.
They placed their hands in his simultaneously, their slender fingers intertwining naturally with his much larger ones.
Betty gazed into his eyes.
-Oh Zed, you shouldn't have gone to such trouble for us, Betty whispered into his ear.
-I keep reminding you for the brownie points, Zed joked as he reached up to caress Betty's soft cheek, before kissing her on the forehead.
From the sidelines, Ednin and Carla watched the exchange between Zed and Betty.
Ednin's face was nostalgic, her mind wandering back to her own similar intimate moments with the man, while Carla appeared openly envious, clearly wishing she could share something equally special and profound with him.