Evie's Job

71: Natalie

After sex, Evie lay on the bed, motionless, staring up at the ceiling. “I should get back up,” she said, after a while. “But I really can’t be bothered.”

“Just stay here,” Natalie said, stroking her back. “Have an early night.”

“I shouldn’t,” Evie said, but didn’t actually move.

Natalie kept stroking, and Evie lay where she was. She was so still that Natalie wondered if she’d gone to sleep. She might have, with the odd hours she was keeping and her busy workload. Natalie decided to get ready for bed and try not to disturb Evie while she did. She slid off the bed, carefully, trying to be quiet, but when she moved, Evie rolled over.

“Stay there,” Natalie said softly. “I’m just going to brush my teeth.”

“Yep,” Evie said, sounding sleepy. “Okay.”

Natalie went into the bathroom, and started brushing.

“I don’t think I can’t be bothered getting up again,” Evie called.

Natalie looked through the doorway. Evie was sitting up, but looking slightly floppy. “So don’t,” Natalie said. “Go to sleep.”

“I don’t know,” Evie said. “I have stuff I need to do.”

“A night off will help.”

“Yeah,” Evie said. “Maybe. I really can’t be bothered moving.”

Natalie smiled.

“Even to brush my teeth,” Evie said.

“So don’t,” Natalie said. “I don’t care.”

She rinsed her mouth, and went back to bed. She undressed, and lay down beside Evie, and reached for the beside lamp.

“Not yet,” Evie said. “I’m still deciding.”

Natalie stopped, surprised. “You look half asleep.”

“I feel all asleep,” Evie said. “But I’m still deciding.”

Natalie shrugged, and left the lamp switched on.

“Hold me,” Evie said, and turned over onto her side. Natalie did, pressing close against Evie’s back. Evie lay still, and started breathing slowly, so after a while, Natalie reached for lamp again.

“Still awake,” Evie said.

Natalie moved her hand. “Are you sure?”

“Mostly,” Evie said.

“You could just to go sleep.”

“I’m not tired, really. Just exhausted. I can’t be bothered getting up.”

Natalie nodded. She understood.

“I can go away if I’m bothering you, though,” Evie said.

“Of course not,” Natalie said. “Stay there.”

“I won’t keep you awake? I mean, I’m not am I? Right now?”

“Not yet.”

“By talking?”

“I’ll tell you when you are.”

“Okay.”

They lay there a little longer, and Evie’s breathing became slow once more. Natalie wondered about the light again, but didn’t actually bother, assuming Evie was still awake. Evie was. After a few moments she said, “So how did it work out with your ex and her new girlfriend?”