A Touch Of Envy

April sits at her desk, camera rolling, narrating code for her followers. Every time her mouth opens, Mia's grunts crash through the wall like she owns the place. After ten more push-ups and another deliberate moan, April slams her laptop shut and marches down the hall. Mia barely looks up from her mat. Condescension drips from each word. April bites the inside of her cheek until it hurts, pulse hammering behind her ears. Three nights later the kitchen smells of garlic and butter. Mia's phone rings, work pulling her out the door, and Cassidy is left rinsing dishes. In the next room April's screen glows, a doctored photo of Mia's mouth on another woman's neck already queued to send. Cassidy's phone vibrates. The smile dies on her face. Water drips from her fingertips onto the tile. April steps in, all sympathy and soft steps. Cassidy's mouth finds hers before either one speaks. Tongue, teeth, hands gripping tight. April tastes the salt on Cassidy's lips and smiles against them. Mia should never have tested her.