Chapter 6 - Fridays Special (1/2)

The pillow on which my face rested was unusually solid. I groaned and rolled to my side. Hard cushion poked into my ribs, making it hard to breathe. I blinked a couple of times, but everything was blurry.

”Good morning, Liliane,” said a cheerful voice next to me. I sprung up and found myself on someone's lap.

”What…?” I pushed away and nearly fell to the floor.

”Careful!” said Demos as he grabbed me by the waist. To make things worst Grant kept giggling.

”Silly. Why are you so clumsy?” he pointed at me. I gasped at him as Demos helped me to my feet. I stepped as far as possible from Mr. big bad wolf and glared at the stupid elf.

”I thought companions should respect their owners!” I snapped at him and his smile was gone in a second.

”You're going to be late for work,” he added in a flat tone. My eyes widened and I check my bracelet for the time. It said 7:32 am.

”Shit! Shit!” I rushed to my room. I'll deal with them when I get back. When I got back from the bathroom, I came face to face with the pile of clothes on my bed. I completely forgot to put it away last night.

”Damn it, I've to clean up when I get back,” I pulled a red polka dress from the top of the pile, covered it with a yellow pullover too large for me along with a pair of red flats. I didn't bother combing my hair.

”Done!” I stared at my reflection in the mirror and groaned. Those were excessively flashy for me but I didn't have time to change. The moment I stepped into the living room, both guys looked up at me. Demos was standing by the entrance, fully dressed in the new outfit we bought yesterday. Grant was in the kitchen still rocking his strip T-shirt and gray sweatpants. Had they already assigned roles?

”I've got your lunch ready,” he waved a plastic container as proof. I stopped in my tracks.

”When…?” I started but got cut short with Demos impatient tapping. I raised an eyebrow at him.

”Where do you think you're going?” he narrowed his eyes at me.

”Where do YOU think I'm going?” he answered my question with another. I sighed I was too late to deal with drama. I needed my caffeine.

”Whatever,” I said, letting it drop. Grant placed the container in a small canvas bag, which he handed to me. I eyed the bag with suspicion. Has he gone through my stuff?

”Take it, I've used what I could salvage from your fridge. I really need to do some shopping. Can we talk about the utilities and your finance when you come back?” I pulled a long face but reluctantly took the bag.

”Sure,” he leaned and kissed my forehead. I gasped at him.

”What did I tell you about keeping your hands… and stuff to yourself?” Grant chuckled at my sudden outburst. His silver eyes glittered in delight.

”Have a nice day, Liliane,” I strode to the entrance where Demos held the door opened for me.

”How are you going to get back?” I asked as we got into the corridor. A deserted corridor waited for us. I was lucky to live in such a nice building where everyone mostly kept to himself or herself. Less drama. Fewer headaches.

”Jil made me a pass and I'll walk back,” my head snapped in his direction.

”Walk back? Do you know how far it is?” he nodded in silence. ”Damn it, you don't have to accompany me,” he pressed his lips together. He clearly wasn't going to listen and the clock was ticking.

”Ok, I'll give you money for the ticket then, later on, I'll apply for a long term subscription,” I sighed then rushed to the elevator with him on tow. He reached the call button before I did. Damn, he's fast. In the elevator, I tried to fix my hair without success. Jil greeted us in the hall with a smile. She upgraded his privilege to a resident pass that I needed to confirm so both of them can freely roam in the building. Demos waited patiently by the counter. They exchange flirty gaze causing me to roll my eyes. I exited without waiting for him when the registration was done. When I peeked over my shoulder, he grinned at me. A playful grin. Damn him.

”The Transfer will arrive in two minutes,” I informed him. He snatched my lunch bag from my hand.

”First one there gets to ask the loser a favor!” he shouted at me before dashing around the corner. Curious onlookers hurrying to work turned to look at me.

”Damn it!” I spat between clenched teeth, then ran as fast as I could behind me. When I reached the platform, my lungs were burning from the effort. My hair was even worse than it was before. I rested my hands on my knees to catch my breath.

”You're pretty out of shape,” said a deep voice with a hint of mockery. I looked up at him leaning against a column on platform seven.