Preparations

Linda slips on black lace panties while Hazel watches from the doorway. The dress they picked out still hangs in the closet. Hazel steps closer, runs her fingers along the edge of Linda's waistband, and tugs the fabric down an inch. Linda turns, meets her halfway, and their mouths find each other before either one can say a word. Hazel pushes the silk robe off Linda's shoulders and it drops to the tile. Linda steps out of the panties next, bare now except for the thin bra strap that Hazel unhooks with one flick. They don't bother moving to the bedroom. Linda lifts herself onto the bathroom counter and Hazel kneels between her thighs. The mirror catches every shift of muscle, every wet sound Hazel makes as she leans in. Linda's fingers tighten in Hazel's hair and hold her there. Neither of them checks the clock again.