Open Door Policy

I've never had a one night stand, unless you count that threesome with my sister-in-law but I try not to think about that. I'd imagine the most awkward bit wouldn't be the sex, or going home in the morning, I would think it'd be five minutes after orgasm, when the afterglow starts fading and you realise you have nothing to say. I mean, what would you say? 'Good job?' Polite society likes to pretend such things don't exist, so I guess you pretend this complete stranger didn't see your sweaty, scrunched-up O-face. See, at this point I think a similar situation is when you've received a whole bunch of nice gifts, and you're not sure what to do next.

I mean, there's only so many times you can thank people for pouring their hearts out to you. usually I'd rely on Rouge, but she's a bit distracted by her and Trish's shiny new bling, so instead I just smile and nod. I feel like a sociopath. What else can I do that isn't completely awkward? I decide to just stay quiet and avoid direct eye contact. Until I realise Jasper and Elise are looking at me expectantly. Damn it.

"Sorry, what?" I ask instinctively, my tone of voice betraying that I clearly wasn't paying attention.

Jasper rolls his eyes and sighs, but a sly smile showing he found my inattentiveness amusing rather than disrespectful. "I was saying, a mate at work has a van, he can help with your move." He repeated. Shit, yeah, the actual logistics of moving, that's... Yeah, kind of need that.

"Thank you." I reply sincerely. "Not that there's a lot to move yet, moving ASAP sounds amazing, but we're severely lacking furniture, we've pretty much just got a bed."

"I'd have thought that'd be all you need." Trish snorts. I shoot her a disapproving look, I haven't entirely forgiven her for not warning me about the present... Not that I really gave her a chance, but that's not the point. The point is... Thin ice.

Elise waves her hand, as if shooing away Trish's comments. "You know, I happen to know a house with owners that suddenly left the country... A lot of furniture going spare." She interjects suggestively.

Surely she's kidding... "Wait, your parents didn't take anything?" I attempt to confirm, met by an assured nod from Elise. Wow, must be nice being able to leave an entire house's worth of items... Wait a minute. "How rich are your parents, exactly?" I blurt out, my hand flying to cover my mouth as I realise what I've asked, luckily my girlfriend seems to find it funny.

"Too rich, consider us Robin Hood, taking from the wealthy and giving to the needy... It's just that the needy are us. They won't care anyway, if they ever come back they'll want all new stuff, it's a habit of moving so often." She reassures me. I'm not entirely comfortable with how much we're taking from Elise's parents for this move... But on the other hand those sofas are comfier than sin, so I'm okay with it. Plus, the idea that I've sent that smug bastard running and then taken his stuff is oddly satisfying... I'd make a good criminal.

Probably best to leave that line of thought as it is.

*

After a couple of hours and a light lunch Elise and Trish reveal the big plans for the evening... See, Jasper and Minnie could do with a night off, so Mum's taking Ruby and looking after Sierra, leaving us the house. I'm fairly certain this isn't a coincidence, but I appreciate my mother and brother giving us space. All this, of course, means... It's party time.

I finish applying my make-up in the mirror as Elise returns to our room from the shower and pulls on her underwear before I get a good look. Shame, I always appreciate time to appreciate the artistic specimens that are her tits. Seeing as it was technically meant to be a surprise I didn't bother getting a new dress for tonight, but it does give me another chance to wear the red and black one I wore when I told Elise I loved her.

Speaking of, my partner had gone for a slight style change, opting for a shimmery golden look, it's a far cry from her usual demure look, but I'm certainly not complaining, she looks incredible... But then that's not news.

"So... Who's coming tonight?" I inquire, finally finishing my lipstick.

I can see Elise's grin in the mirror. "Don't worry, there's gonna be at least as many people as your last party." She answers vaguely. I assumed that much, I haven't really fallen out with anyone to the point they wouldn't be invited... Have I? It's been a long year. I vacate the hotseat for Elise to have her turn putting on her make-up and go to check my phone. As expected, plenty of well-wishes from distant family I never speak to, but one thing does catch my eye.

'I'm coming to help you move tomorrow. We have a lot to talk about. Big day at work on Monday. Also it's Lauren.'

I don't recall us saying that we were moving tomorrow, just that we could... What has Jasper been doing? I look through my messages and, sure enough, find one from the man with a plan that only he knows about.

'Spoke to a few people at work, movers are taking stuff over tomorrow.'

Well, he's been almost more excited about us moving ever since I told him, I shouldn't be surprised he's done something reckless. I could cancel, but who's to say we'd get this level of help again? I shouldn't decide this on my own.

"So, it looks like Jasper didn't realise we were talking theoretically about moving tomorrow, and he's set everything up. What do we do?" I explain hesitantly, unsure of the reaction I'd get from Elise, but a a burst of laughter wasn't what I expected.

"I'd say we move." Elise responds succinctly. Wait, she's right. Jasper might've rushed this, but it's done now... I can fight it, or I can enjoy the ride. I smile as I gaze at the goddess I'll soon be living with.

Oh boy, am I going to enjoy this ride.