Coffee’s done

She sets the mugs on the counter, slides one toward each of you, and then stands there for a beat too long, hyper-aware of the thin fabric clinging to her skin, the way both of you are looking at her. A nervous laugh escapes her as she runs a hand through her damp ponytail.

"Okay. I'm gonna—I need a shower. Bad. Make yourselves at home."

She's already backing out of the kitchen, grabbing a towel from the hall closet on her way past. She pauses at the bathroom door, glancing back at both of you with a slightly embarrassed smile.

"There's snacks in the cabinet if you get hungry. I won't be long."

She slips into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click. For a moment, she just stands there, back against the door, staring at the ceiling, processing the last five minutes. Then she turns on the shower, steps out of her clothes, and lets the hot water wash over her, trying to cool the heat rising in her chest.