It had been a long day.
Amy felt as though being with Malcolm was something that had existed forever. It felt like he was a habit.
Even when she kissed him goodnight, it didn't feel new. It came so naturally to her that she didn't even register Winnie's surprised expression at the door.
"So… you guys are dating now?" Winnie asked, already bracing herself for juicy details.
Amy, however, was completely drained.
I just want to crash on my bed and meet you tomorrow, Amy signed lazily, punctuating it with a yawn. She meant every word.
Winnie rolled her eyes. "You guys did it the whole day, huh?"
You have no idea, Amy signed before disappearing into the bedroom. She didn't even bother taking off her shoes and just tossed herself onto the bed.
A lot had happened that day.
Malcolm was a lot of things all at once. At times, it was overwhelming. And what he'd said earlier…
Can this really work?
With her being a mess, and him being so much.
The bedroom door opened, light spilling across her face. Amy frowned.
"Okay, I get that you want to sleep," Winnie said, "but I figured you'd be hungry, so I cooked your favourite."
Amy shot upright.
Forget exhaustion, green banana roast with meat? She was wide awake.
She eagerly accepted the tray, earning a laugh from Winnie, who switched on the bedroom lights.
"That's my diva," Winnie said, sitting at the foot of the bed and untying her shoes.
She hesitated before speaking again, her tone turning serious.
"So… Caryn called me."
Amy coughed, nearly choking on her food. She stared at Winnie, eyes wide.
Winnie shrugged. "Yeah. Same reaction. She's planting evidence against you for court."
Did she offer you anything? Amy signed, suddenly tense.
"A job," Winnie replied quietly. "Executive producer at Elephant Media."
Amy's hands stilled.
In exchange for what?
Winnie sighed. "My testimony. About how the establishment blackmailed you."
Amy was furious.
Blackmailed?
I didn't even know it existed before I quit!
Winnie worked overtime keeping up with Amy's signs.
"They have money, resources, and a lot of ambitious people on speed dial," Winnie said. "Even if they failed with me, there's always someone desperate enough."
You turned them down? Amy signed, stunned.
"Of course I did," Winnie replied immediately. "I don't know these people well, but I know enough to believe that they deserve everything good coming to them, and that includes- Elephant losing."
Amy's eyes filled with tears.
"Are you pregnant or something?" Winnie asked as she stood up. "You're always in your feelings."
Amy scoffed, but the unease didn't leave her.
Her worst nightmare felt like it was beginning again and this time, it wasn't just about her.
She had people to protect.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was Malcolm.
She smiled.
Wanna fish some stars with me?
That made no sense to her, so she replied with two question marks.
Another text followed.
Just came out of a meeting about the charity. Was hoping you'd be my partner in reaching out to the rich?
Amy smiled.
Are you asking or just unsure of your proposal?
I'm desperately asking for your help, Malcolm replied.
Alright, she texted back. But we better start early tomorrow.
No promises, he replied. Then another message came through.
Did you eat? You must be drained after everything today.
Amy snapped a quick picture of her steaming bowl and sent it with a caption underneath: Who could resist this?
Malcolm blushed at the photo, because all he really saw was Amy's barely covered bosom.
I think I'm starving, he texted back.
Then come on over, Amy offered and Malcolm's head stopped working.
He was speechless at her boldness and texted her, What about Winnie?
What about her? Asked Amy, puzzled.
Malcolm read the text again before he texted her, I don't think it's cool to do it with her around.
Amy was literally confused, You can't eat with her around?
That text sobered Malcolm before he returned to the picture and that's when he saw the tray in her hand.
He laughed so loud that April feared for his sanity at the living room.
I already ate dinner here. I love you.
See you tomorrow, girlfriend.
Amy felt her chest swelling, See you tomorrow boyfriend.