4 - 3. Interlude IV
It wasn't near beer today. They were at the golf club bar and Rose was serving, but she had brought a local microbrew for Ben and red wine for Sophie. At least, Sophie assumed that it wasn't a non-alcoholic microbrew. Ben would have found the concept sacrilegious.
On the other hand, she'd never be able to take anything Rose said or did at face value. She was devious, smart, and a skilled actor. She would always have to be on her guard with any venture she undertook with the blonde woman. Which was as it should be. She could respect a well-crafted hustle, even if she was the target. To be blunt, it was a turn-on.
Ben interrupted her train of thought. "Ironic that I was the one who introduced you to the books."
"I'm glad you did," Sophie replied. "I only have the audiobooks, but the player shows the cover image, so I recognized Chloe's paperback."
"I'm still surprised that the approach worked," he said. "You were right on the money there."
"I saw her eyes, Ben," Sophie said. "Whenever she thought about the intimate moments. They woke a need that no one could fill. Except that I guess you did," she said, raising her glass to him with a grin.
"I don't think it's filled, just temporarily sated. She's going to have to get the bee eff involved if she wants anything more permanent, and I guess she's scared that if she does she won't be able to stop him dominating her all the time."
"I'm not distracting Lucas again if she needs a top-up," Sophie commented.
"I thought you got a kick out of your contribution to the cause."
"I did, but it was a one-off," Sophie said. "We surprised him. It wouldn't be the same if we tried again. Rose and I might make the same play with someone else."
"We should make a business of it," came an amused voice from over her shoulder. "Another beer, Ben?"
Sophie hadn't heard Rose approach. She turned to give her a quick grin. "I'm good with my wine," she said after Ben had replied in the affirmative.
"That's a thought," Sophie said with a laugh, after the blonde woman had left their table. "Maybe we can set up entrapments for shady divorce lawyers. It's always good to have a career you can get behind."
She glanced over to the bar just as Rose looked over towards their table. Catching her eye she gave her a quick wink.
"Christ," said Ben. "You should get a room." His expression and tone were amused.
"We did," Sophie replied. "In fact, I was just thinking how bad a pairing we would be. We'd always be watching our backs. Same for you and her, but I think you know that."
"Mmhmm, but I'm not going to say no to an occasional romp." He looked thoughtful for a moment, then added, "You know, you all could..."
"Don't." Sophie interrupted him. "Do not go there, big brother. I'm only good with half of that equation."
"You don't even know what I was going to say," he griped.
"Fifty bucks I do," she said.
He sighed in resignation. "Yeah, you're probably right."