Happier Without You

Charlotte opened her apartment door to Bella. They stood there staring like strangers. Then Bella's new girl Alexis strolled up behind her and Charlotte's date Hazel appeared at her side. Keys changed hands, cardboard boxes scraped the floor. Charlotte threw an arm around Hazel and kissed her deep, tongue moving slow. Bella watched. Her jaw clenched. Then Bella grabbed Alexis by the neck and crushed their mouths together, proving she could do the same. They didn't break apart. Charlotte pulled Hazel onto the couch, hands already sliding under clothes. Bella shoved Alexis against the opposite armrest, hips snapping forward. The two couples kept stealing glances, each one sharper than the last. Alexis pulled back, wiped her mouth. "You two look like you're about to fight over her," she said to Charlotte. Hazel caught on, breath still ragged. "You miss her." Charlotte's lip curled, teeth showing. Bella's face flushed red. The silence cracked. They admitted it out loud. Bella missed the way Charlotte bit. Charlotte missed the sound of Bella coming. They reached for each other while Alexis and Hazel stripped them bare, guiding every move, keeping score. Four bodies twisted on the couch. Fingers tangled, mouths traded between partners, sweat slicked the leather. Charlotte's thighs shook. Bella's voice broke on her name. The jealousy burned out and left heat behind.