“Nina, honey. It’s four in the morning. You passed out on the couch with Rosa,” Gerald said with a stifled yawn.

The soft glow of streetlamps filled the room, while the sun remained a distant promise. Nina stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find Gerald standing over her, his hair matted and his eyes heavy with exhaustion. She blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of her dreamless sleep. Her body ached from the awkward position she had slept in; her mouth cottony.

“Gerald?” Nina asked, her voice hoarse from sleep. She sat up, rubbing her eyes and trying to clear the fog from her mind.

He smiled at her, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “In the flesh. Looks like you two of you had fun. You finished the entire bottle this time.” Gerald said, his eyes flicking to the empty wine bottle on the coffee table. He gestured to Rosa, passed out on the other end of the couch, her breathing soft. “I hope she didn’t take advantage of you.” He said as he picked up the empty wine bottle and set it on the kitchen counter.

Nina blinked and stammered in defense of Rosa. “No, no, she didn’t. She just... she just wanted to talk. To be a good friend.” She rubbed her temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain behind her eyes.

“I was kidding, dear.” Gerald said with another chuckle as he crossed his arms, shaking his head.

Nina’s brows furrowed as she tried to remember mere hours ago. “I’m pretty sure I only had one glass. Does that mean Rosa had the rest?” A pang of guilt struck Nina as she looked at her friend, knowing Rosa had stayed up late, or early, to keep her company. She sighed, running a hand through her hair, trying to smooth out the tangles.

Gerald nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. “It appears so. We’re speaking loudly at the moment, and she hasn’t stirred.” Gerald said, his voice gentle but firm. “I’ll make sure Rosa gets home safe. You go on and get ready for your deliveries.”

Nina nodded, her eyes flicking to the clock on the wall. She sighed, knowing she couldn’t afford to be late. Nina stood up, her body twisted like an awkward pretzel. After stretching out the kinks in her muscles, she shuffled to the bathroom. Nina splashed cold water on her face. The shock of the cold water helped to wake her up and clear her mind. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes bloodshot and her hair a tangled mess. It would take a full routine to whip her into shape.

She sighed and started the shower, letting the steam fill the bathroom as she undressed. The hot water was a blessing to her tired muscles. She took her time, letting the water wash away the remnants of the night. Nina could hear Gerald moving around the house, the soft hum of the coffee maker starting, and the clatter of dishes as he retrieved coffee mugs from the cupboards. The thought of his taking care of her made her smile. Perhaps things weren’t hopeless.

As she stepped out of the shower, she walked straight to the bedroom, toweling off the droplets from her body as she went. She walked over to her dresser and found a single pair of yoga pants remaining, a sign she needed to do the laundry. She held up her special pair of yoga pants. The black pair, the ones that become sheer under the pressure of her curves. Dare she wear them? The only pair of underwear that didn’t show a line under her black yoga pants were thongs.

Nina hesitated, holding up the tiny scrap of fabric called a thong, and sighed. She didn’t have time to debate the matter. Nina slipped the thong on, feeling the cool fabric against her skin, and then pulled on the yoga pants, wincing as the sheer material clung to her curves. She grabbed a fresh athletic top from her drawer, the soft fabric feeling comforting against her skin. Nina drew her hair up into a messy bun, not bothering to blow-dry it, and applied some mascara and lip balm. Her eyes met her own in the mirror, and she nodded. She could do this. She had to do this.

Nina had a job to do. She couldn’t let her newfound personal feelings stop her.

As she walked back into the kitchen, she heard the final gurgles of fresh coffee brewing. She could see Gerald’s back as he stood by the counter, sipping his coffee and staring out the window. The weight of the world burdened his slumped shoulders, and she sensed it. She walked over to him, her bare feet padding on the cold kitchen floor. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, resting her cheek against his back.

“I know,” Gerald replied to a comment Nina never spoke. “I love you too.” He kissed her knuckle bearing the ring he had given her so long ago.

Gerald turned and embraced Nina. “I’ll shower, get the cougar home, then head to bed. Will you be alright?” he asked, his voice muffled against her hair.

Nina could hear the unspoken words from Gerald. She could hear his apologies for the rainchecks, apologies for the long hours, apologies for the distance growing between them. She sensed the tension in his body, the unspoken worries and fears that plagued him.

Was his stoicism necessary? Did he always have to swallow his feelings? However, for all her bravado, her indignation, all she could answer was, “I’ll be fine. I’m not scheduled to be at the coffee shop today. I’ll race to get my deliveries done and afterwards, a day of rest… and laundry.” Nina said, her voice soft and reassuring.

She stepped back, giving Gerald a small smile. “Will you be home in the afternoon?”

Gerald shook his head. “No, I’m considering taking on an extra shift.”

Nina frowned. “Oh. Is that necessary? It’s Sunday.” Of course, it was necessary. Gerald always took on the extra shift.

“When is it not?” Gerald retorted, unaware that Nina expected his response. He walked to the sink with a smirk and rinsed his coffee cup.

She sighed, her smile fading. “You go on and get some rest. I’ll see you later tonight.”

Gerald nodded and turned away. Nina watched him lumber down the hallway, his footsteps creaking against the wooden floor. She turned back to the coffeepot, pouring herself a cup and taking a deep sip, letting the warmth spread through her. Aware of the time, she drank a hasty half cup, then grabbed her keys and headed towards the door.

“Damn girl, bringing out the big guns today, aren’t we? You’ll have that young couple fawning all over you.” Rosa croaked, her eyes scanning Nina’s curves with a raised eyebrow.

It looked like someone had dragged Rosa through a bush backwards, but her eyes were sharp and alert, and her smile wide and curled. “Those yoga pants will cause heart attacks. I can see everything.” Her eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief as she took a sip of Nina’s leftover coffee.

Nina blushed, looking down at her outfit. “It’s laundry day, you lush. I had zero options, nor time to debate the issue.” Nina’s voice was soft and embarrassed. “And I’m not trying to make anyone fawn over me, Rosa.”

Rosa chuckled, setting the coffee mug down on the counter. “Oh, Nina, you’re adorable when you’re flustered. You mention you don’t want anyone fawning over you, but those yoga pants will have every pair of eyes on you today. And with that thong squeezing you, girl, you are presenting.”

Nina looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her athletic top. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Rosa. But I’m late for work. Bye.” She blurted, not making eye contact with Rosa as she opened the kitchen door.

“Oh, and Gerald will take care of you.” Nina walked out the door, her voice trailing off as she stepped out into the crisp morning air. She took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs, clearing the remnants of the wine from her system.

She made her way to her Dodge Journey. The gravel crunched under her feet as she walked. Her neighbors’ eyes were on her, their curtains twitching as they watched from their windows. Nina waved off the thought, trying to ignore the sensation as she entered her vehicle and drove off.

The first round of deliveries for Nina was a blur of addresses and packages. She was on autopilot, her mind foggy from wine and the early morning. Rosa’s words, and the unspoken implications of her outfit, weighed on her. Nina tried to shake off the sensation. She had work to do, but one Rudolph’s dispenser brought it back into light.

Rachel and Liam didn’t work that morning. Instead, Michael was there to help. Michael was a strapping young man with raven-black hair, a friendly smile and a kind demeanor. He was always eager to help, and Nina appreciated his enthusiasm. As she pulled into her bay, she saw him waiting, a tablet in hand and a friendly smile on his face.

“Morning, Nina!” Michael called out, waving as she stepped out of her Dodge. “You’re a bit early today, aren’t you?”

Nina smiled, returning the wave. “Morning, Michael. Yeah, I’m getting a head start on the day. I hope I’m not too early. I can wait if you need time to prepare.” Nina said, her voice soft and friendly. The cool morning air chilled her skin, and she shivered, bouncing and rubbing her arms to ward off the chill.

Michael paused. His eyes look down and distracted. His lips parted. Then he raised his gaze back to her face, a blush on his cheeks. “No, no, you’re fine. I was ready to load. Let me grab the first batch of deliveries for you.”

Nina nodded, watching as Michael spun and dashed back into the warehouse. Her own eyes drifted down to her swollen womanhood.

She could see the outline of her thong, a dark shadow against the sheer black fabric of her yoga pants. Nina averted her gaze. Preoccupied with work, she failed to notice how revealing her attire was.

Okay, it was obvious she noticed it. Even Rosa had mentioned it. But she had few options. It’s not like she chose her outfit for Michael. She wore it for Rachel and Liam... Nina’s breath hitched at her admission. She indeed chose her outfit for Rachel and Liam. An implication she didn’t want to contemplate.

Nina turned to Michael, who returned with a dolly stacked high with purple totes. She tried to keep her eyes on his face, but her gaze kept drifting down to his tented slacks. Nina wondered if his bulge was for her. She waggled the question out of her head, chiding herself for her wayward thoughts.

While Michael loaded her Dodge’s cargo area, Nina managed the rear-seat deliveries. Time constraints prevented her from opening both side doors; she instead reached deep to the other side for sorting. As she leaned in, she heard a soft intake of breath from Michael. Nina froze as she realized her yoga pants were likely giving him an eyeful. She straightened up, turning to face him, and tried to act as if nothing had happened.

“Thanks for your help, Michael. I appreciate it,” Nina said. She could feel the heat of his gaze on her, and she tried to ignore the uncomfortable sensation.

Except it wasn’t uncomfortable. She enjoyed it. She shouldn’t have, but she did. Nina enjoyed the way Michael looked at her, the way his eyes roamed over her body, taking in every curve and line. Enjoyed the way his breath hitched when he saw her, the way his cheeks flushed with embarrassment, the way his pants tented in desire. She craved the way her effect on him made her feel—like a woman, like a goddess, visible.

As she climbed into her Dodge Journey, Nina finished the debate in her mind. She had to confront Rachel and Liam. Nina had to discover if there was any truth to Rosa’s words, any truth to the feelings stirring within her. Discover a spark, a connection, something more than a passing glance or casual touch.

She pulled away from Rudolph’s onto the main road, her mind racing with thoughts of what she would say, how she would act. This required care and cleverness. And cleverness required coffee.