The dim afternoon light filtered through the half-drawn curtains of Aeri's small apartment, casting soft shadows across the cluttered living room. She lay sprawled on the worn couch, her blue mini dress clinging to her curves, the knot at the front pulling the fabric tight across her chest.
A pillow was clutched against her with one hand, her other holding the phone to her ear as she talked to Sara, her childhood best friend.
A faint slurp, slurp came through the phone, followed by a low, masculine moan, and Aeri's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing as she realized what was happening.
Sara's husband, Daniel, was clearly getting carried away.
"S-so, yeah… Aeri…" Sara's voice came through, softer now, a little breathless as she tried to keep the conversation going. "Maybe talk to Ezra one time, seriously. You know, about how you feel."
Aeri clutched the pillow tighter, her fingers digging into the fabric as she shook her head.
