The cab journey home was quiet. Waverly rested her head on Nicole's shoulder, drifting off to sleep. She had to be woken by the time it pulled up outside the bookstore. Nicole wanted to say something about Rosita's blatant approach, realising it could wait till morning. She lay in bed watching Waverly sleep, the stroking of her hair eliciting a soft moan from her girlfriend. Her girlfriend, her amazing, super-talented, gorgeous girlfriend. She would keep her promise to look after her. An easy promise given how much in love she was with her angel.

A lazy Sunday passed too quickly. A stroll round town, coffee in their new favourite café, followed by lunch, then dinner and bed. An ordinary day. Nothing special, cherished by both. Nicole opened the store Monday morning, Robin floating in still singing the last karaoke song from Saturday night. Everyone had had a good time, apart from Nicole, still contemplating whether to mention Rosita to Waverly. She kept quiet, fearing it was her insecurities working overtime.

Rosita arrived, equally bubbly, apparently forgetful of her behaviour at the bar. She kissed Robin on the cheek, winking at Nicole, who stood watching the pair. She liked having her around, definitely an improvement on Nigel, better looking and had a way with people that was refreshing. Someone who cared about literature, knew how to respond to customer questions, knew the right books to recommend.

Waverly had parked herself in her usual spot, unable to get comfortable. Her neck stiff from too heavy a sleep. She sat massaging the right side as she skimmed through her notes, her ability to concentrate hampered by the discomfort she was feeling. She stood, stretching, moving her neck from side to side. Nothing would shift the dull ache running across her shoulders. Her pain killers were in her bag upstairs, her mind flicking between retrieving and soldiering on.

Rosita was making her way up the stairs, a large pile of books in her hands ready to put out. She spotted Waverly, pausing to watch her twisting her lithe body in an attempt to loosen up.

"Someone needs a massage," she offered as she passed.

"I so do. My neck's killing me. Can't concentrate."

"Here, let me try something."

Rosita placed the books on the small table, rubbing her hands together. Her slow movements were exactly what Waverly needed, moaning as Rosita released the knots using just enough pressure not to cause further pain.

"So good. Where did you learn to do that? Yes, right there."

"Bali. Took a course. You probably need a full body massage. It's fine working only the neck, but it's so much more beneficial if I work the whole body. You'll feel wonderful."< /p>

"I get a lot of tension. Could be the way I'm sitting. Full body. Does it help?"

"You'll thank me afterwards."

"OK. If you don't mind. I'm not going to be able to work like this if I don't get rid of the pain."

The pair made their way to the flat, Waverly leading Rosita into the lounge, assuming she could use one of couches. Rosita stood shaking her head. "Are you OK with me doing this on the bed? Easier for access. And, I'll need oil."

"I'll check if there's any in the bathroom."

Waverly returned, a bottle in her hand and a large towel, the same one she used on her first visit to the flat. She pointed to the bedroom, Rosita following her in, gazing round the room, taking in Nicole's eclectic style. Waverly placed the towel on the bed, handing the bottle to Rosita, lying face down.

"You'll need to remove your top and bra for me. If you're OK with just your briefs it would be best to take your jeans off too."

"Can't remember the last time I had a full massage. Must book one in the hotel next time I'm there."

Removing her clothes she returned to the bed, positioning herself so Rosita could work on her body. She could feel Rosita's hands gliding effortlessly, working her muscles, easing the tension, releasing the knots. Slow, rhythmical movements down her back. Each stroke relaxing her, sending her to sleep. Blissful. She imagined Nicole performing the actions, a small smile appearing on her face.

"This is so good," Waverly moaned.

"Really," Nicole replied.

Nicole was standing in the doorway watching Rosita on top of her naked girlfriend, both clearly enjoying whatever they were doing. Rosita turned to look at Nicole, a look that confirmed what Nicole was thinking. She dismounted, a glint in her eyes. "I can do you if you want. No charge."

She brushed past Nicole still standing in the doorway, unable to tear her eyes from what lay before her. Waverly turned over, smiling at Nicole, completely unaware of the inner turmoil her girlfriend was going through. "You fancy arresting me again?"

She held out her wrists in a playful gesture, Nicole's eyes blank, her body rigid, colour draining from her face. "She was sorting out my neck." Waverly continued. "She's very good. Learnt in Bali. I so needed it. Say something. Don't just stand there ogling me. I feel exposed."

Nicole turned, no longer able to be in the same room.

Waverly found her in the lounge, the necklace removed, placed neatly on the coffee table, Nicole staring at it.

"What's wrong? Nicole, tell me, please."

"I want you out of here."

Waverly reeled as the words hit home. "I don't understand. Please. What's brought this on?"

"In our bed."

"The massage? Was hoping you could touch me like that."

Nicole stood, rage replacing shock. "In our bed."

"It was just a massage. Fine. Be like that. I'm not staying where I'm not wanted."

Nicole picked up the necklace, holding it out, letting the charm dangle, its slow swing marking time as their relationship died before her eyes.

Waverly snatched the chain out of Nicole's hands, fighting back tears, her heart breaking. Storming out, Nicole heard her packing, the door slam, their life together over.

The rollercoaster ride had ended.

Robin was knocking at the door. He had seen Rosita, her wink suggesting she had been up to no good. He had seen Waverly rushing out, tears streaming down her face. He had tried to stop her, ask her what was wrong, knowing something had taken place.

The door remained closed. No matter how many times he called out there was no response. Nicole was the other side, her head leaning against the wall, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't face anyone. The image of Waverly enjoying Rosita's attention playing over and over and over in her mind. The moans coming from her lips, the pleasure she was experiencing as hands caressed her naked body. Rosita. Her employee doing that to her girlfriend in their bed.

She knew she had overreacted. And yet, and yet, that image was tearing her apart. She had accepted her status as a famous writer, accepted her relationship with a famous chef she once fancied, but this went to the core of her being.

That she had caught Shae with a neighbour in their marital bed fuelled her reaction. Shae brushed that off too, telling her to accept she had needs to be satisfied, that it was perfectly normal.

Perfectly normal. Perfectly normal. Nothing was perfectly normal anymore.

Her phone rang. Wynonna. She let it go to voicemail. It rang again. And again. And again, finally answering.

"You promised you'd look after her. You fucking promised."

"I can't talk right now."

"You fucking will talk. You explain to me why my sister is sobbing her heart out upstairs. You fucking promised Haught."

"Rosita."

"What about Rosita? Who the fuck even is Rosita? If you tell me you're seeing someone else, I'll come round and break your legs."

"Ask Waverly."

She hung up. The phone rang again. And again. And again. And again.

"What do you mean ask Waverly? She can't even get words out. I swear if you've cheated on my baby sister."

"She was in bed, naked with Rosita."

"Waverly? Seriously, who the fuck is Rosita?"

"My employee."

"Waverly was shagging your employee?"

"A massage."

"What sort of massage?"

"Full body."

"Oh, Nicole. I'm sorry. Forget what I said. I need to talk to Waverly. I can't believe she's that fucking stupid. She's just thrown everything away. I'll call you back."

Nicole emerged from the flat, in need of air, desperate to be anywhere other than in that flat. Robin spotted her coming down the stairs, winter coat on, a look that said she wasn't in the mood to talk.

"Nicole, wait. What's happened? Rosita won't tell me. Keeps winking. Shall I tell her to go?"

"No. She can stay. Probably did me a favour. I need air."

"Was it to do with Waverly? She left in a hurry."

"I can't talk."

Her body crashed to the floor, her head hitting the side of the counter as she went down. Robin heard the sickening thud of the impact, watching Nicole's red hair turn crimson. He dialled the emergency number, waiting for a response, telling them he needed an ambulance.

Nicole was conscious by the time Robin had finished his call. He helped her to the stockroom, ordering her to stay seated while he fetched a clean towel from the café, grabbing a roll of paper towels from the desk to remove the blood on the floor.

Rosita appeared in the doorway. "It wasn't what it looked like."

"It's fine."

"I can leave if you want."

"I said, it's fine."

"Now that Waverly's out of the picture, I don't suppose you fancy a little one on one."

Nicole shot her a look. "Seriously. Don't fuck with me."

"Thing is, I would like to fuck you. There's something really, really cute about you."

"You came between me and my girlfriend just so you could fuck me."

"Waverly's adorable, great body, but you're more my type. Those sultry eyes."

"Listen, what I said about you staying. I've changed my mind."

"Suit yourself. I really am rather good with my hands. You won't regret it. Call me."

"I'll pass. I'll send your wages on."

Rosita turned, Nicole watching as the minx went to get her coat, passing the stockroom on her way out, blowing her ex-boss a kiss. Robin returned with a towel, holding it to Nicole's head, offering her a glass of water.

"I've been played. I've absolutely been played by Rosita."

"I'm guessing she tried to split you and Waverly."

"And, I fell for it."

"Tell me you haven't dumped Waverly. Tell me you weren't that stupid."

Nicole attempted to nod her head, wincing at the pain. "Told her to leave. I've totally messed up my life. She'll never take me back. And, I don't blame her. I'm an utter failure."

"Where's she now?"

"Wynonna's. I need to call her, tell her what a fool I've been."

"No. You need to get to hospital. Leave this to me. I'll sort it. This is partly, possibly 69%, my fault."

Robin heard the paramedic enter the store, waving her over. He took Nicole's phone, scrolling to find Wynonna's number.

Wynonna answered. "She's really sorry. She never meant to hurt you..."

"It's Robin. Can't talk long. Nicole's on her way to hospital. Head wound. Tell Waverly. Bye."

Robin handed the phone back to Nicole, waiting with her as the paramedic assessed her condition. She needed stitches. Robin watched as the ambulance moved off, hoping he had done enough to save his boss's relationship.