The dim afternoon light filtered through the half-drawn curtains of Aeri's small apartment, casting soft shadows across the cluttered living room. She lay sprawled on the worn couch, her blue mini dress clinging to her curves, the knot at the front pulling the fabric tight across her chest.
A pillow was clutched against her with one hand, her other holding the phone to her ear as she talked to Sara, her childhood best friend.
A faint slurp, slurp came through the phone, followed by a low, masculine moan, and Aeri's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing as she realized what was happening.
Sara's husband, Daniel, was clearly getting carried away.
"S-so, yeah… Aeri…" Sara's voice came through, softer now, a little breathless as she tried to keep the conversation going. "Maybe talk to Ezra one time, seriously. You know, about how you feel."
Aeri clutched the pillow tighter, her fingers digging into the fabric as she shook her head.
"No, Sara, he's too young," she said, her voice tinged with frustration and doubt. "What would people say? That I'm dating my own son? It's… it's not right."
Sara let out a soft sigh, her voice steady despite the faint moans creeping into her words.
"Aeri, your neighbors already look at you with pity, like you're some lonely widow," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "No matter what you do, people are gonna talk. They'll taunt you, label you, say bad things… even when you're doing good." A soft "Ahh…" slipped from her, and Aeri could hear the rustle of movement on the other end.
Aeri bit her lip, her eyes drifting to the ceiling as Sara's words sank in.
"Oh…" she murmured, her heart twisting. She'd spent so long worrying about what others thought, trying to keep up appearances, but the weight of it was crushing her.
"Yes," Sara continued, her voice breaking slightly as she tried to focus. "And there you are, thinking about pleasing everyone else, which is impossible, while sacrificing your own happiness and your true hea—ahhh…" Her words cut off with a gasp, and then, in a hushed whisper, she muttered, "Oye, Daniel, don't bite my clit so hard all of a sudden…"
"Then don't close your legs, babe," Daniel's voice came through, low and teasing, clearly unbothered by the fact that Aeri could hear him.
Sara huffed, her tone a mix of annoyance and amusement. "I didn't do it on purpose, Daniel. I'm on a call, you know."
A loud muah sounded through the phone, Daniel's kiss clearly meant to calm her down. "You… you play dirty," Sara said, her voice dissolving into a giggle, the tension melting away.
Aeri couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up despite the ache in her chest. "Sounds like you're having way too much fun over there," she teased, shaking her head as she pulled the pillow closer.
"Shut up," Sara said, her laugh bright but breathless. "But seriously, Aeri, don't let other people's opinions stop you. If Ezra makes you happy, go for it."
Another rustle came through, followed by Daniel's voice, sultry and playful. "Now open your legs wider, babe, and let me taste you more…"
"Daniel!" Sara scolded, but her giggle gave her away.
Aeri's face was flushed, her cheeks burning as the faint slurp and muffled moans from Sara's end painted a vivid picture of what was happening in that hotel room. The sounds sent a tingling heat through her, and Aeri squeezed her thighs together, rubbing them slightly to ease the unexpected warmth pooling between her legs.
"Sara…" Aeri said, her voice edged with irritation, though it wavered with embarrassment as she tried to steer the conversation back to normal.
"Ahh… yes, yes, Aeri," Sara said, her voice soft and a little breathless, clearly distracted but trying to focus. "So, yeah, I'm saying—prioritize your own happiness over others. You can't make everyone happy, you know?" A faint moan slipped through, and Aeri could hear the rustle of sheets, Daniel's presence undeniable.
Aeri let out a long sigh, her fingers tightening around the pillow as she stared at the cracked ceiling. "That's true… I guess," she murmured, Sara's words sinking in. She'd spent so long worrying about what people would think—her neighbors, her friends, everyone—while her own heart ached for what she'd lost with Ezra.
"Yep," Sara said, her voice picking up again, though it was still tinged with distraction. "And if it's not with Ezra, let me know. I'll set you up on some blind dates." She paused, a playful edge creeping into her tone. "You know, at my wedding, Daniel's friends couldn't stop talking about you. Said the bride's best friend was so hot, but you were glued to Ezra's side the whole time, so they didn't dare approach you."
Aeri's eyes widened, a surprised giggle escaping her lips as her blush deepened.
"Damn… is that so?" she said, her voice lightening despite the heaviness in her chest. She could picture it—her in her sleek dress at Sara's wedding, Ezra always nearby, his arm brushing hers, his smile making her heart race.
"Yep," Sara said, her voice breaking with a louder moan. "Ahh… fuck…" The sound was unmistakable now, and Aeri's face burned hotter, her thighs pressing together as the tingling sensation in her pussy intensified. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel-fire.net
Daniel's voice came through, low and teasing.
"Damn, babe, Aeri's call has got you turned on even more," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "You're leaking like crazy down here."
Sara giggled, her voice breathless but playful. "I love my girl, that's why," she said, and Aeri could imagine her grinning, even as she tried to keep up the conversation.
Aeri's face was a mix of flustered embarrassment and awkward amusement, her heart racing as she clutched the pillow tighter.
"You two are ridiculous," she said, trying to sound scolding but unable to hide her laugh. "I'm just gonna pretend I didn't hear any of that."
"Oh, come on," Sara teased, her voice warm despite the moans. "You know you love me. But seriously, Aeri, think about what you want. Ezra or not, you deserve to be happy."
"Yeah," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll think about it."
"Good," Sara said, her tone bright despite the obvious distraction on her end. "Do something fun, girl. Don't just mope on that couch all day."
Aeri chuckled, shaking her head as she shifted on the couch, the pillow still hugged close.
"I'll try," Aeri said.