Chapter 3
The day had finally arrived for Carla and Lisa to catch their flight. Luckily, the flight wasn’t too early, giving Lisa just enough time to drop Betsy at Becky’s parents before heading to the airport. She had picked Carla up first, handing her a steaming coffee from Roy’s as she settled into the passenger seat. To their surprise, Betsy chose that day to behave, sparing them any unnecessary drama on the drive.
After safely dropping off Betsy, Lisa programmed the satnav, and they set off for the airport, excitement mixed with a hint of nervous energy buzzing in the air between them. The journey went smoothly; they breezed through security at the airport and even had time to grab some food at a café before heading to their gate.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they landed in beautiful Spain, greeted by a warm sun and vibrant culture. Stepping out of the airport, the aromatic breeze filled with hints of citrus and saltwater only heightened their anticipation.
“Let’s grab a taxi and get to Claire’s,” Carla suggested, her eyes sparkling.
The taxi ride to Claire’s was filled with awkward giggles, each trying to find the right balance of closeness without crossing a line. Carla’s hand brushed against Lisa’s, and for a heartbeat, Lisa felt her breath catch, longing bursting through the casual facade.
“Here we are,” Carla said, pulling up in front of Claire’s villa, her voice tinged with nerves.
The vibrant property and fragrant sea air did little to quell Lisa’s heart racing in anticipation. “Just remember—” she started, but Carla cut her off, giving a spirited nod.
“I know, keep it casual,” she smiled, though the tension in her eyes told a different story.
As they approached the door, a knot of anxiety twisted violently in Lisa’s stomach. Inside, Claire's laughter bubbled over, a bright sound that pierced the tension in the air. With a determined thud, Carla knocked, and as the door swung open, Claire erupted from the shadows like a sunbeam, enveloping Carla in an exuberant bear hug that radiated warmth and joy.
“Ladies! I’m absolutely thrilled you made it!” Claire exclaimed, her voice ringing with genuine excitement. She pulled back, her bright eyes sparkling with uncontained curiosity as she shifted her attention to Lisa, who stood awkwardly, feeling like a fish out of water.
“You must be Lisa! I’ve heard so much about you!” Claire’s welcoming words felt like both a shield and a spotlight, but before Lisa could gather her thoughts, Carla’s arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her in closer. The embrace was both comfortable and electrifying, a constant reminder of the fine line they were teetering on—what they were pretending to be versus the feelings bubbling beneath the surface.
Heat surged to Lisa's cheeks, her heart racing. She instinctively mirrored Carla’s movement, feeling the gentle press of warmth between them ignite something deep inside her. “Oh really?” Lisa replied, her voice strained with curiosity. How had Claire heard so much about her? They had only crafted this elaborate facade a few weeks ago. “All good, I hope?”
“Absolutely!” Claire beamed with a contagious enthusiasm that seemed to illuminate the entire room. “I practically had to torture Carla for the details, but once she opened up, she was like a firework, lighting up as she talked about you!”
“Claire!” Carla’s hand flew up, delivering a playful whack that was laced with urgency. The look in her eyes was a silent plea; she didn’t want Lisa to peel back the layers of their charade. After all, this was meant to be nothing more than a meticulously crafted fake relationship. But as the air thickened with unspoken feelings, it became increasingly difficult to pretend.
“Come on in! I have everything all set for the best two weeks ever!” Claire ushered them inside, her laughter ringing through the villa.
Once inside, Lisa could feel Carla's eyes flicker to hers, a silent gaze filled with uncertainty and something deeper. “We need to figure out the dynamics of this—without ruining everything,” Lisa whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I know,” Carla replied, her voice hushed but intense, the underlying feelings hanging between them like thick fog.
They exchanged a knowing look, both aware of the incredible territory they were traversing. The charade of pretending to be a couple was infused with emotional stakes they never intended to mix into this trip.
With Claire bubbling over with excitement, the atmosphere shifted as footsteps echoed down the hallway. A tall figure appeared, and Lisa's breath caught in her throat with anxiety. Adrian, Claire’s husband, stepped into view, a warm smile stretching across his face.
“Hey, everyone! What’s all this commotion?” he asked, his gaze darting from Claire to Carla and finally landing on Lisa. The warmth in his demeanor showcased the love he had for Claire, but the moment was heavy with unspoken truths and lies veiled beneath their cheerful facades.
“Adrian, this is Lisa!” Claire introduced her, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.
As if sensing the tension woven into the fabric of the moment, Adrian stepped forward, extending his hand toward Lisa. “Great to meet you, Lisa. My wife has mentioned you a few times. As you can probably tell, she’s a bit over excited.” he said, his voice smooth and welcoming as they shook hands. Lisa felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach; it was like being scrutinised under a spotlight, trying to fit into a role that felt foreign yet alluring.
“Nice to meet you too,” Lisa replied, putting on her best smile, still half-aware of Carla, whose presence was grounding her as she feigned confidence.
“Carla, it's great to see you again, it’s been years!” Adrian said, his eyes glinting with genuine affection. He pulled her into a brief hug, which only deepened Lisa’s awareness of the friendship between Carla and her client. She bit her lip, trying to stifle the emotions swirling uncomfortably within.
“Thanks, Adrian! You know how it is—always busy at the factory,” Carla quipped, laughter masking the underlying tension. The light-heartedness felt like a urban legend, a tale meant to cover up the truth that remained unspoken.
“Still a workaholic then, huh? Well, if you’re anything like Claire, you must have stories to tell,” Adrian chuckled, his humor easing some of Lisa’s anxiety.
“Sure, you could say that,” Carla replied smoothly, her eyes darting toward Lisa as if to read her thoughts.
As they settled into the living room, Claire and Adrian began sharing stories about their recent travels. Carla leaned in closer to Lisa, whispering conspiratorially, “Just nod and smile when they ask about our adventures,’” she teased lightly, a wink making its way to Lisa’s heart.
“Right,” Lisa murmured, barely containing the flutter in her chest. The way Carla leaned against her sent electric pulses of warmth traveling through her. A part of her craved this moment to last forever, blissfully suspended in their facade.
“So, you two must have had some adventures together?” Adrian asked, turning to Carla with curiosity shining in his eyes.
Carla feigned an exaggerated thoughtfulness, squeezing Lisa’s shoulder lightly as if to emphasise their connection. “Oh, there was the time Lisa took me hiking…. Well, if you can call it hiking. We got hopelessly lost but ended up discovering this stunning hidden waterfall!"
“Really? That sounds incredible!” Adrian’s enthusiasm was palpable as he directed his attention to Lisa. “So, you’re quite the adventurer, huh?”
“Absolutely!” Lisa replied, her heart racing. “I mean, it wasn’t planned, but it turned into this beautiful, chaotic day.”
“See?” Carla chimed in, her voice silky and calm, “Lisa’s the perfect partner in crime!”
As they continued weaving their story, laughter danced in the air around them, a fragile bubble where pretending felt almost more genuine than reality. But beneath the playful banter and easy camaraderie, Lisa sensed the delicate fracture between them—the undeniable chemistry quietly simmering, hiding just beneath the pretense.
And amid the laughter and the strange warmth enveloping them, Lisa couldn't shake the growing feeling that there was a deeper truth lurking beneath their carefully stitched facade, a truth that whispered that maybe this fake relationship was starting to feel a lot more real than either of them intended.
——————
Later that evening, they gathered around the expansive dining table, beautifully set with colorful plates that showcased Claire's culinary prowess. The enticing smell of traditional Spanish dishes wafted through the air, a delightful fusion of aromas that included the rich scent of paella, loaded with saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and an array of vibrant vegetables. Alongside it, bowls of creamy gazpacho and patatas bravas drizzled with aioli beckoned invitingly. Carla felt a wave of relief wash over her; they had wisely decided to stay in for their first night instead of venturing out. The underlying anxiety from the day’s events, coupled with the fatigue of travel, had left her feeling drained, and this cozy gathering felt like a warm embrace.
Carla took her place at the rustic oak table, her eyes lighting up at the culinary feast spread before her. Moments later, Lisa slid into the chair beside her, a bright smile on her face. “Wow, Claire! This food looks incredible!” she exclaimed, taking in the colorful array of dishes that adorned the table.
Claire’s face lit up with pride at the compliment, her cheeks glowing. “Thank you! I hope it tastes as good as it looks,” she replied, excitement dancing in her eyes.
“Don’t act like you don’t know that your cooking is amazing,” Adrian chimed in, leaning over to place a quick kiss on Claire’s cheek, his affection evident. “You’ve outdone yourself tonight!”
“Well, dig in everyone!” Claire urged, her smile broadening as she gestured enthusiastically toward the dishes, her energy infectious.
As they began to serve themselves, the room blossomed with laughter and lively conversation. The background was filled with the captivating sounds of traditional Spanish flamenco music, the passionate rhythms of guitars and claps creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.
As they settled into their meal, savoring the rich flavours, the earlier tension gradually melted away. The clinking of forks and plates harmonised with the lively beats from the speakers, and they exchanged stories, weaving laughter seamlessly into the fabric of their conversation. Carla couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment—surrounded by friends, indulging in delicious Spanish cuisine, and letting the worries of the day fade into the background, if only for a little while.
Adrian, leaning back in his chair, took a sip of his wine and looked over at Carla and Lisa with curiosity. “So, how did you two meet? I feel like there’s a story there!” He grinned, as if expecting something amusing.
Lisa exchanged a glance with Carla, a playful smirk appeared on her lips. “Oh, you might be surprised,” she said, a sparkle in her eye.
Carla chuckled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection for the memory. “Let’s just say it wasn’t the most conventional introduction,” she added, raising an eyebrow at Lisa to share the cue.
“Well, I’m a detective sergeant,” Lisa began, her tone light but with an undertone of genuine reflection. “And I won’t get into all the details, but I happened to wrongfully arrest a close friend of Carla’s. So, we definitely didn’t meet on the best terms!” She laughed softly, shaking her head at the absurdity of it.
Adrian’s eyes widened with interest. “No way! That sounds like a movie plot.”
“Yeah,” said Carla, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. “It was a bit dramatic.”
“But then there was this one day,” Lisa continued, her expression shifting as nostalgia took over. “I was having an awful day, feeling pretty low about everything that had happened. Despite our months of arguing and tension, Carla was kind enough to invite herself into my car—”
“Didn’t even give you a choice,” Carla interjected with a grin, recalling the moment vividly.
“Exactly!” Lisa laughed, her eyes sparkling. “She just climbed into the passenger seat, and somehow, in that moment, I felt this warmth. I knew I could let my guard down. We talked, and she genuinely tried to calm me down. That’s when I realised she was someone special.”
Carla looked at Lisa, her heart racing as she took in the way Lisa effortlessly recounted their past. There was something magnetic about her vulnerability and sincerity, a warmth in her voice that resonated deeply within Carla. The walls that had built up between them during those tumultuous early days felt like they were melting away, revealing not just a beautiful friendship, but something more profound blossoming just beneath the surface. In that moment, Carla couldn’t help but admire Lisa—her strength, her kindness—and a flicker of something deeper ignited within her, capturing her in a mixture of awe and yearning.
“I’m still amazed you didn’t push me out of the car!” Carla teased lightly, nudging Lisa playfully.
“Yeah, well, I thought it’d be awkward if I did,” Lisa replied with a smirk. “And honestly, I’m thankful I didn’t.
“Ahh, that’s lovely. Well, it’s obvious that you two really love each other,” Claire said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of delight and mischief.
At those words, Lisa felt a sharp intake of breath, a sudden jolt of panic ricocheting through her. Were they really that convincing in their act? The weight of the moment hung in the air like fragile glass, teetering on the brink of shattering. And just as her heart threatened to race out of control, her drink slipped down the wrong way, catching her entirely off guard. A surprise cough erupted from her, echoing through the charged atmosphere.
“Yeah, we really do lov—” Carla started, her voice full of warmth, but was abruptly interrupted by the harshness of Lisa’s choking. In an instant, panic flashed in Carla’s eyes, and she instinctively leaned closer.
“Hey, you okay, darling?” Carla’s voice turned soft, laced with genuine concern, as she placed her hand on Lisa’s back, rubbing it in slow, reassuring circles. The intimacy of the gesture sent waves of warmth coursing through Lisa, flushing her cheeks with an intensity that had nothing to do with the drink mishap.
The world around them faded as Lisa struggled to regain her breath, her thoughts tangled in the moment. The softness of Carla’s touch felt electric, igniting something deep within her, something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge. “Yeah, I’m fine—sorry, my drink just went down the wrong way,” she chuckled awkwardly, the sound wavering under the weight of her racing heart.
But as she glanced up to meet Carla's concerned gaze, her pulse quickened even more. Those eyes held a mix of tenderness and warmth, making her wish for nothing more than to linger in that moment. Yet, the room felt suffocating, a shimmering tapestry of unspoken words and buried emotions, and Lisa silently pleaded for a change in topic, hoping to escape the vulnerability creeping in at the edges.
Feeling the pressure of the moment close in on her, Lisa's heart raced, and she suddenly excused herself, rushing upstairs towards the bathroom. The door swung shut behind her, the click echoing in the otherwise quiet space. The small space felt claustrophobic as the chatter from downstairs faded into a muffled hum. She leaned against the cool tile, trying to catch her breath.
Moments later, she heard a soft knock on the door. “Lisa? You okay?” Carla called out gently.
Taking a deep breath, Lisa unlocked the door and opened it just enough to let Carla in. “I don’t know if I can do this,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, her fear bubbling to the surface.
Carla’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What, why?”
“I’m a copper, you know I hate lying,” Lisa confessed, wringing her hands together as her guilt surged.
Without hesitation, Carla stepped forward and pulled Lisa into an intimate hug—the kind that transcended mere friendship, enveloping them in warmth and understanding. It felt both comforting and risky in ways they both recognised. Yet, in that cocoon of safety, Lisa felt her tension start to melt away.
“You’re doing brilliantly,” Carla whispered softly into Lisa’s ear. “Tomorrow will be easier once we get these awkward questions out of the way, and then we can enjoy our holiday. Come on, let’s get back downstairs.”
Lisa nodded, feeling the resolve slowly creeping back into her. “Okay,” she said, her voice steadier.
Carla took Lisa’s hand firmly, and together they walked back towards the staircase. Lisa squeezed Carla’s hand, grateful for her unwavering support. As they descended, the sounds of cheerful chatter welcomed them back into the atmosphere that, only moments ago, had felt overwhelming.
Once they reached the dining room, the laughter seemed almost tangible, wrapping around them like a warm embrace. Claire’s face lit up when she saw them. “There you are! We were worried we lost you two!” she exclaimed.
“Just had a little girl talk,” Carla joked, casting a knowing glance at Lisa, who managed a shy smile in response.
In that moment, Lisa realised that maybe she could navigate this labyrinth of lies for a while longer. With Carla’s strength beside her, she could face whatever came next—an adventure that could, perhaps, lead her to discover not only the truth about herself but also the bonds that were growing stronger in the unlikeliest of scenarios.
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As the evening came to a close, Carla and Lisa gathered their things, laughter still echoing in their minds. Claire and Adrian had excused themselves, leaving the two women to their own devices. The playful banter had lightened the air between them, melting away the remnants of awkwardness that had once lingered.
“Ready for bed?” Lisa asked, her voice tinged with a hint of teasing.
“Yeah, I guess we should, huh?” Carla replied, trying to keep her tone casual, even though a rush of warmth flooded her cheeks.
They climbed the stairs to the cozy guest room, a soft glow emanating from a bedside lamp. As they stepped inside, a sudden realisation hit them both simultaneously: they would need to share the bed. Carla stood still for a moment, her heart racing as her mind raced through a cascade of thoughts and emotions. The door clicked shut behind them, a soft sound that felt monumental, sealing in the intimate vulnerability of the moment and leaving no room for distractions.
“Uh… I guess we’re sharing this bed?” Carla said, trying to sound nonchalant but feeling a flutter of nerves.
“Looks like it!” Lisa replied, her voice light, but her smile hinted at an awareness of the unspoken tension that had been building between them. “I hope I don’t snore.”
“Oh, I’m sure you don’t!” Carla quipped, though her heart was pounding.
They began to unpack their bags, and Carla's eyes occasionally flicked toward Lisa, who was moving about the room with an effortless grace. Each time their gazes met, a spark seemed to flicker in the air between them.
After brushing their teeth, they stood at the edge of the bed, an almost tangible barrier between them. Carla’s mind raced as the thought of sharing such close quarters sent a wave of both excitement and anxiety through her. Would Lisa notice the way her heart raced? Would it be awkward?
They slipped into their pajamas, each woman couldn’t help but steal furtive glances, the air crackling with an unspoken tension that grew thicker with every fleeting look.
When they finally turned to face each other, breath caught in their throats, heavy with anticipation. Carla's heart pounded fiercely as her eyes roamed over Lisa, who stood before her in soft, form-fitting pajamas that clung enticingly to her curves, accentuating every contour. Lisa’s cheeks blossomed with a flush as her gaze swept over Carla, the fabric of her pajamas gracefully draping and teasingly accentuating her figure.
In that electrifying instant, the air grew thick with palpable desire, a magnetic pull binding them together. They both felt it—the undeniable spark crackling in the space between them, a heady mix of longing and something more primal. The subtle shifts of their bodies, the barely-there echoes of laughter, transformed into an uncharted dance of curiosity and temptation that loomed just beyond the edge of what words could express. Each heartbeat amplified the tension, sending waves of heat surging through both women as they lingered in that shared moment, caught between friendship and the fiery potential that awaited.
“Do you want the side by the window?” Lisa offered, breaking the silence, her tone easy and inviting. “I’ll take the wall side if that works for you.”
“Sure, that’s fine,” Carla answered, her voice steady despite the thrumming in her chest.
They both climbed onto the bed, Carla keenly aware of the closeness. As Lisa settled in, her arm brushed against Carla's, sending a jolt of electricity through her. They both froze for a brief moment, eyes locking, a silent understanding passing between them—an acknowledgment of the chemistry that had been simmering just below the surface.
“How are we going to do this?” Lisa asked, half-laughing as she moved to find a comfortable position. The moment felt charged, as if the air had thickened with possibilities.
“Sleep, hopefully?” Carla replied, attempting to keep her tone light while her heart raced at the proximity. But beneath the surface, she felt the magnetic tension pulling them closer, wrapping around them like a warm embrace.
“Just promise you won’t steal all the blankets,” Lisa teased, pulling the soft cover up, but leaving just enough room for Carla to feel the warmth radiating from her side.
“Only if you promise not to hog all the space,” Carla shot back, her voice low but playful.
With their laughter echoing again, there was also an underlying tension, a curiosity that hung in the air. As they settled in, Carla found herself drifting into thoughts about Lisa—the playful banter, the moments of vulnerability, the undeniable connection forming between them, the gentle rise and fall of Lisa’s breath beside her providing a soothing backdrop. She closed her eyes, feeling a sense of comfort that mingled with the thrill of uncertainty.
Fate had put them in this moment; two friends navigating uncharted waters. As sleep began to take hold, Carla couldn’t shake the feeling that this night marked the beginning of something new. The boundaries of their friendship were shifting, and with that shift came the promise of deeper, more profound connections yet to be explored.