Chapter Eighteen

AT THE END of the week, Cora and Ada would return to Tash and Emily, and in anticipation, Belle and Georgia discussed plans for the weekend. They decided to invite Nikki and Jo over to hang out on the Friday night and agreed they would go to the markets on the Sunday morning. Other than that, they planned a quiet weekend in. Georgia was still wanting to take it easy, especially with her busy week of teaching.

*

JO AND NIKKI got on like a house on fire, just like Belle had expected. Belle had quickly realised she loved the comfortable ease Jo brought to any catch up. Conversations were light, flowed easily, and yet were not necessarily shallow. It was also nice for Nikki and Georgia to spend more time together, as Belle was always talking to one about the other. After a few drinks, Nikki suggested they play a board game, but Jo rolled her eyes and said it was more fun to chat. “I bring out the board games when I’m struggling to find something to talk about. I don’t think we need one.”

“I don’t think you’d ever struggle to find something to talk about,” Belle laughed.

Georgia smiled as she spoke. “Absolutely not. When we were growing up, we could always count on Jo being the one to come up with new ideas, or conversation starters. She made us play truth and dare all the time, or run around the neighbourhood toilet papering cars, or—”

“You toilet papered cars?” Belle raised an eyebrow. “Gee, you’re naughtier than I thought.” Belle had a twinkle in her eye as she teased Georgia. “I always thought you were a good girl.”

“I’m a good girl, but my cousin is a bad influence on me. She made me do it.”

“Hmm, I don’t know if that’s a defence in a court of law,” Belle mused aloud.

Jo had rushed off to the kitchen while they were talking about their childhood. She entered the lounge with a large dip platter, crisps, and a platter of brownies that she had brought with her. “I did cater,” Belle said, gesturing to the platter of cheese and dips she had out, “but I always welcome extra food.”

“I know you did, but I never come empty-handed. I like extra snacks. And Georgia is eating for two, after all. We have to support her through this.” Everyone agreed and piled crackers high with dips as they chatted.

At the end of the evening, Jo thanked Belle. “This was just what I needed,” she said.

“Me too,” Belle enthused. “It’s so nice that we all get along so well.”

“Exactly.” Belle liked that Jo had somehow fitted in so neatly into her own life. While she was obviously much closer to both Nikki and Georgia, she’d thoroughly enjoyed Jo’s company and genuinely looked forward to the next time they’d all be together again.

*

ON SUNDAY MORNING, Belle and Georgia headed out to the local markets. They strolled side by side at the markets, picking up items, laughing at some crazy finds, and sampling every food item they could find from breads to dips, and, of course, fudge and cakes. They finished up eating pides and drinking smoothies, while chatting about the week ahead, Georgia’s maternity leave plans, her hopes and dreams for her baby. Their hearts and bellies full, they strolled to the car and returned home, where they had quiet afternoons pottering around. Belle did her washing for the week, while Georgia spent some time reading.

Later in the afternoon, Georgia rugged up and called out to Belle, “Are you okay if I use the kitchen?” Georgia had bought bags of produce at the markets, so Belle wondered what she might be making.

“Georgia. You don’t even have to ask,” Belle responded from the laundry. She smiled—although she enjoyed living alone, she had gotten used to the company, and wondered what Georgia’s plans would be after the twenty-week scan. If all was going well, she expected that Georgia would move home, ready to prepare for the birth of her baby. If things weren’t looking good, she wondered if she might continue staying at her house. She thought Georgia might be worried that she would overstay her welcome by the time the twenty-week scan rolled around. Belle really wanted to make sure she felt comfortable. She knew that once the baby’s arrival was imminent, Georgia would have to head home, but she wasn’t ready to have Georgia leave just yet. She wouldn’t like a housemate long-term, but being around Georgia really made her happy and comfortable in a way she hadn’t felt in many years.

Georgia produced a thick, creamy vegetable and lentil soup with crunchy bread for dinner. “I found the lentils in the bottom of the pantry.”

Belle grimaced. “I wonder how long they’ve been there.”

“That’s the beauty of lentils. It doesn’t really matter. And I’m pleased you obviously didn’t care about them. I thought I might be rushing to the store this evening to buy you a replacement packet.”

“I honestly can’t even remember how they got there in the first place. But seriously, you should make yourself at home. What’s mine is yours.”

Georgia joked, “Those sapphire earrings you’re wearing? Hand them over. What’s yours is mine.” The twinkle in her eyes told Belle she was joking, even if her tone was deadpan.

Belle’s hands instinctively went to her ears, and she grinned. “These were a gift from my parents for my thirtieth birthday. They’re simple but pretty. I really like them,” Belle explained.

Georgia nodded. “I love sapphires. They’re so beautiful. I’d noticed your earrings before, so y’know, now everything is mine…” She trailed off, grinning.

“No, but seriously, I mean, you don’t have to panic if you finish a jar of jam or whatever.”

“Mmm,” Georgia responded. “I’ve been here a while though. At first it was because I was a ‘patient,’ but now I’m back at work and doing well. I suppose I should be thinking about returning home.” Belle’s fear was being realised.

“You are doing well, but we don’t want to risk anything.” Belle frowned. “Look, I’m not trying to keep you here if you don’t want to be, but please know that you’re welcome here. At least until the twenty-week scan, but I’m even happy if you’re here until the birth. Then you and the baby can settle in at your home.” Even as Belle spoke, she was concerned about why she wanted her around so much. Her mother and Tash were both worried she was going to get hurt, and if she was really honest, Belle could understand why.

“Well, let’s keep the plan to stay until the scan. Then we can decide. I like the company too.”

*

LATER THAT EVENING, Belle was sitting on the couch watching a TV show when Georgia emerged from the bathroom in a fluffy pink towel wrapped around her body. The towel was pulled tight over her growing stomach and swollen breasts. Her arms and legs were tanned, and her long hair hung down, wet over her shoulders. Georgia said, “I meant to say you should just watch that movie—I forgot I had some work to do tonight. I’ll bring my laptop out and sit with you. Once I’m dressed, that is.”

Belle couldn’t help but stare at the beauty in front of her. Georgia looked incredible, but Belle knew she was staring too much. She tried to look away, but instead she just nodded, feeling incredibly turned on. Georgia had no clue the effect she was having on Belle. “Okay, I can wait for you.”

“Don’t wait for me,” Georgia said. Belle realised she was talking about the movie but wondered if she was just imagining an undertone.