Home then call Peta

Julia drives straight home through the late-morning traffic, the taste of Headmaster Alexander still lingering on her tongue. She parks in the garage, walks past the maid without speaking, and heads upstairs. In the master bathroom she strips off every piece of clothing, steps under a second hot shower, and washes thoroughly. Soap slides over her breasts, down her stomach, between her thighs. She is careful, almost clinical, yet her fingers still drift once to her clit before she forces them away. There will be time for that later. Right now she needs a clear head.

Clean, hair dried, makeup redone, she sits on the edge of the bed in a light robe and calls Peta. Her friend answers on the third ring, voice bright and familiar.

“Jules! I was just thinking about you. How did the meeting go? Is Riley okay?”

Julia keeps her tone even. “It went better than expected. I need a favor though, and I need to see you. Are you free for lunch today? Somewhere quiet. I have something important to talk about.”

A short pause, then Peta’s warm laugh. “For you? Always. That little French place on Melrose at one o’clock work?”

“Perfect. I’ll see you there.”

Julia ends the call and lets the phone rest on the mattress. Her heart is beating too fast. Peta has been her closest friend for six years. They have shared everything: husbands’ failings, children’s drama, the occasional too-honest confession after too much wine. Last summer Julia had admitted, after three bottles of pinot, that she sometimes looked at women the same way she looked at men. Peta had only smiled, touched her knee, and never brought it up again. That touch still lived under Julia’s skin.She dresses with purpose: a soft cream blouse that clings just enough, a fitted skirt ending above the knee, heels that lengthen her legs. She wants Peta to notice. She needs her to notice.

By the time she reaches the restaurant the hostess is already seating her friend. Peta stands to greet her, tall and striking, dark hair falling in loose waves, a crisp white dress hugging every curve. She pulls Julia into a quick hug that lasts a second longer than polite, then sits across from her with an expectant smile.

“You look different today,” Peta says, eyes moving over Julia’s face. “Glowing. Or maybe just stressed. Talk to me.”

Julia orders a glass of wine even though it is early. Once the waiter leaves she leans forward slightly.“Riley was caught in a bad situation. The headmaster had every right to expel her. I negotiated. Her record is clean now. Completely clean. But the price is high.”

Peta’s expression softens with concern. “What kind of price?”

Julia holds her friend’s gaze. “He wants both of us in his office tomorrow after school. You and me. Together. If I bring you, Riley stays safe. If I don’t…” She lets the sentence hang.Peta’s dark eyes widen. For a long moment she says nothing. Then a slow, almost curious smile curves her lips.

“You’re serious.”

“I am.”

The wine arrives. Neither woman reaches for it right away. The air between them feels charged, heavier than any conversation they have ever shared.