Karen.

The party continued slowly, Frank made polite conversation with some of Dave and Rachel’s friends and family.

After a particularly boring conversation with somebodies disgruntled aunt, Frank went to find a drink. After finding the champagne, he spotted a particularly beautiful woman sitting by herself on the couch. Grabbing two glasses he made his way over to her.

“Do you mind if I sit?” he asked the woman, noting that she was sitting in a similar place to where he had sex with the host a few days ago.

“Not at all.” The woman said warmly, as Frank took the seat. “Are you going to drink both?” she added with a grin.

“No, would like one?” he offered.

“Thanks.” The woman said taking the glass.

“I’m Frank.” He extended his hand.

“Karen.” She said, shaking his hand with a smile.

“How do you know Rachel and Dave?” Frank asked.

“Oh I’m Rachel’s sister. Well… half-sister. My Dad left when I was born and I grew up with Mom and Rachel’s dad.” Karen explained, “How about you?”

“I live next door.” Frank said jovially.

Now that she had mentioned it, Frank realized that Karen did look similar to Rachel. She had the same eyes and nose as her sister. Although she wasn’t as curvy, she had beautiful dark skin that Rachel didn’t have.

“What do you do Frank?” Karen asked sipping her champagne and changing her angle so that she was facing him more directly.

“I work in sales for a small appliance company. Boring I know, but it pays the rent. How about you?” he asked.

“I’m a high school teacher.” she shuddered, clearly not enthused about her job either.

Frank thought to himself, if he had a teacher as beautiful as Karen he surely would have accomplished nothing. They continued to make polite small talk, exchanging school stories and jokes. Interrupting their conversation, Rachel approached.

“Hey Karen! I see you’ve met Frank.” She said sitting down in the armchair next to them.

“Yes I have. How come you never told me you have a good looking young man for a neighbor?” Karen asked, a wry smile on her face.

Frank knew Karen was being polite but he didn’t realize she was flirting with him until then.

“Oh please, a girl like you couldn’t get a guy like Frank if you tried.” Rachel said sassily.

Karen gasped, in mock offense. “I am a beautiful woman in her late 30’s, the prime of my life.” she laughed.

“39.” Rachel giggled, sipping her drink.

They joked together for a while, laughing at previous boyfriends and relationships, before Rachel got up.

“If you would excuse me, the birthday girl would like another drink.” She said, getting up and leaving for the kitchen.