VOLUME 5: THE GIRLS THAT CAME WITH THE RAIN SETTLE IN
Ednin woke up first. The crack of dawn. She was used to early mornings. She stretched in the early light, careful not to disturb the tangled bodies in the oversized bed.
She tiptoed to the dresser and found one of Zed's large band shirts. She slipped it on.
She snuck downstairs. She started brewing a strong pot of coffee.
Upstairs, Zed stirred. He squeezed one of Carla's breasts, thinking it was a throw pillow. Betty mumbled softly in her sleep. Eventually Zed noticed Ednin was gone. He pulled on some shorts and went down to the kitchen.
He found Ednin staring out the window at the sunrise, a mug in her hand.
-Coffee smells great, Zed said.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck.
-Good morning, sleeping beauty, Ednin purred.
-The others are bound to sleep in late, Zed told her. Betty promised to make a big breakfast as an apology to Alice.
Betty woke up to a bed that was still full but felt empty. She tied one of Zed's belts around her waist and followed the voices downstairs.
-Well, well, well, Betty said from the doorway. Isn't this a charming little scene?
Zed opened the fridge. The groceries he had ordered on the app were all put away inside.
-Deb must have brought them in when she let herself in, Zed said.
Betty bounced eagerly. She started preparing the meal. Bacon, eggs, grits, and home fries.
Upstairs, Carla woke Alice by sucking gently on her ear and rubbing her belly.
-Morning, sunshine, Carla whispered.
Alice jerked awake. She batted Carla's hand away, pulling the sheets up to her waist.
-Quit it, Carla, Alice snapped. Not in the mood for your pervy morning greetings.
-Don't be such a prude, Carla whispered, licking Alice's ear.
Alice scowled.
-Some of us aren't morning people, least of all horny ones, Alice said.
Deb sat up, rubbing her eyes.
-Looks like our gracious host beat us all to waking hours, Deb said, noticing Zed's empty spot.
Alice swung her legs out of bed. She glared at Deb.
-And don't think I've forgotten about your little stunt yesterday, letting yourself into Zed's place uninvited, Alice warned. We'll be having words about that later.
In the kitchen, Ednin grabbed a few ingredients. She complained there was no protein powder.
-Forget the protein shake, Zed said.
He took her Stanley cup away.
-Have a real breakfast, your figure can afford it.
He playfully slapped her ass.
Alice stomped downstairs after splashing water on her face. She eyed the food warily.
-Why must you all be so damn cheerful this early? she grumbled.
-You're earlier than we expected, Zed noted. Were you kind to Carla and Deb?
-Kind? Hardly. That one's a menace and the other's a thief, Alice shot back.
-Deb brought in all these groceries, Zed pointed out, waving at the spread. And sweet Carla couldn't help herself.
Betty set the table.
-Dig in everyone, Betty beamed.
Alice poured herself a mug of coffee.
Carla and Deb came down a few minutes later, freshly showered. Carla wore a skimpy robe. She draped herself over Zed's shoulder and cupped his shorts.
-Care to feed me again, stud? Carla winked.
-You like sausage for breakfast babe, Zed whispered.
Alice gripped her mug.
-Could you two be any more obvious? Alice scoffed. Some of us are trying to enjoy our breakfast without a live porno show.
She turned her glare to Deb.
-And you. Explain yourself, Alice demanded. Last I checked, inviting oneself into someone else's home wasn't exactly polite etiquette. What's your angle here?
-I don't know what came over me yesterday, Deb shrugged. I just had to come over. I saw the groceries, figured out where Zed would hide the key, and knew I had to wait for you guys.
Alice slammed her mug down. Coffee sloshed over the rim.
-Waited? You invaded our privacy and snooped through our things!
-It's ok Alice, Zed said, placing a hand over hers. It was my telepathic telephone.
He tapped his temple.
Alice jerked her hand away as if burned.
-Telepathic telephone? Seriously?
-Remember in the car? Zed asked. You asked if this were a harem story, what would I write next? Here it is.
He gestured to the women around the breakfast table.
Alice crossed her arms defensively.
-And let me guess, I'm supposed to just roll over and accept this harem of yours without complaint? Alice sneered. Fat chance, buddy boy.
-It's not your house yet, Zed smiled. It's still mine.
Betty touched Alice's arm.
-Maybe we should all calm down and enjoy this lovely breakfast, Betty offered softly.
-Fun? Alice snorted at Zed, ignoring Betty. I didn't sign up for this harem bullshit.
-Suit yourself babe, Zed said.
He picked up a piece of bacon and fed it to Carla, who had plopped down onto his lap.
Alice watched in mounting disgust. She pushed her chair back, the legs screeching against the floor.
-I've seen enough, she spat.
She stormed off upstairs.