A Five-Minute Life

“Jesus, you’re a beast,” Thea said. “No, a warrior. My warrior.”

I kissed her, slow and deep, running my tongue over her swollen lips.

“No, no, no, I will not succumb to your manly seductions again,” she said, hauling herself from the bed. “Today is our first full day. We have so much New York-ing to do. You care if I shower first?”

“Help yourself.”

She bent to smack a wet kiss on my lips and headed to the bathroom.

I lay back on the bed and watched the light grow stronger outside. The storm had passed in the night. A new day. Mine and hers.

Don’t let all that old shit from the past fuck it up.

Thea’s phone rang from inside her backpack.

Delia.

Not my business.

Thea’s phone went silent and my phone rang ten seconds later.

“Ah, hell.”

I went to the window and dug it out of my jacket pocket.

“Ms. Hughes.”

“Why isn’t she answering her phone? What’s happening?”

I glanced down at my nakedness and smothered a laugh. “She’s in the shower,” I said, climbing back into bed and pulling a sheet over me.

“You’re sleeping with her.”

I wouldn’t call it sleeping.

“It’s none of your business, Ms. Hughes. Thea is fine.”

“Fine,” Delia said. “Because you would know.”

“I knew how she was in the amnesia better than you ever did,” I snapped, then rubbed my eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

Delia sniffed. “She has to take the Hazarin at seven. Every morning.”

I glanced at the clock. 7:09 a.m. “I’ll make sure.”

A pause.

“I should have you arrested.”

“For what? Taking an adult woman exactly where she wants to go? She wants to be here. With me.”

“And where is here?”

At a hotel in New York City. Maybe you could try calling around to each one until you find us.

My bitterness didn’t hold. Delia was scared for her sister.

“I’ll tell her to call you,” I said.