The two cats meowed in unison, and Tess chuckled. She knew they preferred the fish, so she pulled the bag from the cupboard and added five little brown bites to each of their bowls. Then she made a cup of tea.
By the time she was back in the living room with her tea, next Saturday was back on Tess’s mind. She was fairly sure that Bree was looking forward to it too. Tess sucked in a big breath and puffed it out. They were still working hard to maintain a relationship appropriate for two friendly colleagues. She picked up her phone to text Bree. Texting seemed appropriate. And she hoped that it would make her less susceptible to Bree’s charm than a direct call.
Tess:Just giving you a week’s notice that the whales have us on their calendar next Saturday.
Bree:It’s you who’s on my calendar.
Tess tried not to smile, but even texting didn’t offer the buffer she’d hoped for. Oh hell. She decided she was going to enjoy their texting, then typed some more.
Tess:I heard they’ve been choreographing their show for us. So don’t let me spend the entire time lost at sea just looking at a gorgeous woman.
So out of character—no woman had ever led her to flirt in a way that she just couldn’t bring herself to avoid with Bree.
Bree:Hmph. That’s my line…looking at a gorgeous woman.
Tess:Are you bringing binoculars?
Bree: I won’t need them if you’re only inches away.
Tess:Hey, eyes on the prize, whale watching. I paid bigbucks to win that prize.
Bree:And dinner. And dancing with you in my arms.
Tess:It’s going to be worth every cent then.
Bree:Maybe we should skip the whales and just get to the dancing.
Tess:Flipper wouldn’t be pleased.
Bree:Flipper?!!!
Tess:Dolphin, whale…I’m not a marine mammal expert. Only a lowly judge.
Bree:A high and mighty presiding judge. Remind me not to get on your bad side.
Tess:Saying I have a bad side just might get you on my bad side.
Bree:I keep hoping bad in the best sense of the word.
Tess stopped and laughed. Good grief, even texting with Bree didn’t offer an adequate buffer to her charms.
Tess:Is it okay if I plan to drive since you have a tendency to suffer engine lights and flat tires?
Bree:I’ve always wanted a chauffeur, and you’ve proven yourself very capable so far.
Tess:That’s me. And if you remember, also chivalrous.
Bree:Yes, Your Honor.
Tess:That’s you too, Your Honor. Shall we say good night and look forward to next Saturday?
Bree:Ok. Thanks for texting.
Tess:Thank my cats. Thelma and Louise insisted it was time for tuna treats and texting.
Bree:You’re going to have to kiss those little beasts for making my Saturday night.
Tess:Well, if that’s the best offer that I’m going to get, tuna breath and all. But not who I want to be kissing.
