Thread: Farewell, My Lovely (Quix & Xana) - Completed Story

RE Farewell, My Lovely Quix Xana It was seven before Lila left her office, mildly surprised that Tom wasnt home yet. It wasnt that unusual for him to work late, but he hadnt even called. She sighed, making her way to the fridge, putting together chicken caesar salad, figuring Tom would have gotten takeout while working late. She ate dinner while watching some mindless show in front of the television, needing to decompress after her stressful day. One episode of trash TV turned into three, and glancing over to the clock, it was already ten till nine, and still no call from Tom. Lila stretched and turned off the TV, deciding to head off to bed early tonight. She took her phone with her as she went to the bathroom, stripping out of her clothes and running the shower. She was standing nude in front of her mirror, looking at her figure, mostly happy with it, but like any woman, she had some trouble spots she couldnt help but criticize. Her hips were wider than she liked and she could see the faint lines appearing around her eyes. Of course growing older was inevitable, or at the very least, preferable to the alternative, but even the successful doctor could feel insecure about her looks. Even though Tom was too polite or engulfed in his work to notice her imperfections, she couldnt help but hate them, and contemplate how she would fix them, and she would be perfect if just for that one thing. She was distracted from her self-criticism by the buzzing of her phone. No doubt it was Tom apologizing for work so late or- You don't respond to your text's, Lila? Tut, tut, that's rude. Tell me, does Detective Reilly always work so late, or was he really working? I have my doubts. Lila shuddered as she read the text, feeling momentarily apprehensive about receiving yet another mystery text, this time with no identifying information. She swallowed hard, unnerved by the knowledge the texter seemed to have about her situation. Its just a coincidence, it means nothing . Maybe she would tell Tom about this one, He would assure her that it was nothing. Dammit, where was he? He should have been here, with her. Could there be some truth, to this text? That Tom wasnt really working? No, it was absurd. She knew Tom to be workaholic, a trait she shared with him. It was the drive they shared that brought them together, and that allowed their relationship to work. Tom wasnt stepping out on her, no way. He was probably caught up at the station with his case. She slipped into the steamy shower, but still should couldnt relax, the text still running through her mind. Did she have a stalker? Two texts hardly seemed like enough information, but he seemed to know quite a bit about her. And Tom. Probably nothing. Some creep, looking to get a rise out of her or some kids pranking her. She showered, trying to let the massaging heat of the water soothe her, but gave up after a while. She doubted she would be able to relax until Tom was home. As she stepped out of the shower, she could hear the front door open. The sound made her stiffen, her heart race. Someone was here, with her. And she was naked, still sopping wet from the water running over her. She tried to breath deeply, push down her fear, but she could hear the heavy footsteps coming down the hallway. There was a pistol, in the night stand. Tom had made her get it, and took her once a month to the shooting range, to use it. She wasnt very good with it, always hesitating pulling the trigger, instead of squeezing it, or whatever it was Tom told her to do. She wouldnt need to use it, though, would she? Just brandish it, scare off whoever was in the house with her. So she wrapped her fluffy cotton robe around her wet nudity, cinching it tight at the waist. She moved quickly to the bedroom, long swift strides right to the nightstand, shaking as she pulled open the drawer. She heard the knob turning on the bedroom door, as she looked for the pistol, her moist hand too slippery and trembling to get a grip on it. All she could do was freeze, as the door open, and Tom stepped through. Jesus! Lila cried out, relieved, but still reeling in the aftermath of her terror. She threw herself into her husbands arms, needing to felt safe in his strong arms, at least for a while.