Haven

13. Dinner

"Norah, are you paying attention?"

Norah lifted her head from her notebook, the world rushing back in. "Sorry, what were you saying?"

"I was telling you about this new vampire book I read, and you completely zoned out," Wendy complained.

"Sorry, I'm just trying to sort something out." Norah glanced at her book again, tapping her pen on the paper.

She'd been stuck on this chapter for a week now. Since Rylan had unofficially moved in with her and taken her knife away, her writing had taken a dive. Every time she tried to write, her brain came up with nothing and her frustration wasn't making it any better.

To be fair to Rylan, he wasn't the problem. He kept out of her way when she was writing, and didn't bother her. She only ever saw him at night and he spent a lot of time watching TV - something he had dragged into the house on the second day. The block she was experiencing, she didn't know why it was happening, but she didn't think it was over something as simple as Rylan invading her personal space.

"What's the problem, Norah?" Madison leaned over the table, looking at her notebook.

Norah glanced up, sighing loudly. "I don't know, I'm just stuck in a rut."

"That sucks, don't worry, I'm sure you'll overcome it."

Norah smiled, hoping Madison was right. The day at the cemetery had strangely brought them closer as friends. At Madison's begging, Norah hadn't mentioned anything to Wendy yet. Madison wanted to be the one to bring it up when the time was ready. Wendy was still dealing with issues with her ex, and Madison didn't want to pile on her problems.

They were sitting in the Twilight Cafe and Olivia came over with a bottle of water, taking the seat next to Norah. "Hey, can you tell remind Rylan about dinner tonight? Mum will kill him if he doesn't show his face. You're invited too of course."

Norah's death glares were lost on Olivia and she braced herself, feeling two pairs of eyes beaming into her skull.

"Why do you have to remind Rylan?" Wendy asked slyly.

Olivia winced, muttering something about dishes before running off. Thanks Olivia, she thought sourly.

"I thought I saw Rylan's bike in the distance at your house the other night," Madison whispered excitedly. "Are you two -"

"No! There is nothing going on, he's just staying there since the break in. As a favour to Olivia."

"But there's only one bed!" Wendy jittered on her seat. "Where is he sleeping?"

"I have a couch, Wen," Norah muttered, sinking further into her chair.

Madison and Wendy looked as though this was the most exciting thing to happen in years. "Have you ever caught him coming out of the shower?" Wendy asked.

"I hope he doesn't track grease through your house,' Madison worried. "Bikers are notorious for grease stains -"

"You could always shower together, save water. We need to be more environmentally friendly -"

"Enough!" Norah snapped loudly. She felt a few heads turn their way and leaned forward. "There is nothing going on between us. He is just a friend doing another friend a favour!"

Wendy frowned. "You should at least get some sexual favours -" she closed her mouth at Norah's glare. "All right, I won't pry any more. I'm just saying, if a fine looking man like that was staying in my house, I would be dropping hints left right and centre."

"Oh god," Norah's cheeks flamed.

"You should at least let him sleep in the bed with you, isn't your couch tiny?"