As much as I adored meeting the Claypooles and staying at their charming B&B, as well as the refuge of Tina's room after my vaguely remembered but utterly mortifying 'girls night out' with her friends, it was heaven to return to the comfort of my own bed.

The bliss was short-lived as I quickly returned to the crushing routine of Tom's workday. I struggled through the first day back and slowly settled into my groove ….or was it a rut?....

Things were slowly returning to normal and I was getting back into my comfort zone with my crazy double life... working as Tom at my two jobs and quickly returning to Chloe in the rest of my life.

I had a rare one-gig day. It was a quiet Monday half-holiday. It wasn't an official national holiday or “bank holiday” as other countries called it, but many businesses were still closed for the state-observed holiday. The courier office was running a skeleton crew – of which I was not a part. So I frittered away the middle of my day at the dead zone that was Office Oasis' custom print desk. Our regular business clientele were off having a long weekend, but that didn't occur to our national management, so I got paid to staff an absolutely dead department. I passed the time by pulling out my Surface and working on some roughs for Plague Diaries. Tina had written Charles and his mom in as characters, and I chuckled at her little easter-egg as I struggled to do justice to them both. I also took the liberty of making one of the more vile characters in her latest tale into the best caricature I could muster of Bernard, the snooty gallery guy. Normally I wouldn't dare do personal stuff at work, but Gavin our manager gave himself the day off and as the 'tenured' member of the staff (I wasn't sure if my seniority was a badge of honor or proof that I could do no better) I was de-facto in charge. At least that's the bluff I came to work with and everyone seemed to buy it. I was a bit surprised that it worked and wondered if Kevin, Jess and Dave would have accepted it without question if Chloe had pulled this brazen move. Anyway, they bought it and I didn't abuse it. I just handled what few issues came up and were brought to me as if I was a manager. It was not rocket science.... it was a dead day at an office supply store when most businesses were closed. Still I was happy for the hours, and I'm sure the others were too.

So, when I finished my 'personal project' and got the latest panels of P.D. roughed out, I was eager to show Tina, who was working at the coffee shop and sharing a rare shift with Zoe. I will admit, curiosity about seeing my two housemates working together, having to be all businesslike, kind of tickled my curiosity. …especially since I would be a customer... and the customer is always right.... I didn't plan to abuse my privilege, but still the …possibilities.... made me giggle to myself.

I did allow myself time to head home, ditch Tom mode, and quickly head back into town to harass my housemates at their workplace.

Unlike Office Oasis, Cool Beans was really busy by the time I got there. I just stood in back of the crowd watching Tina & Zoe fly like some choreographed team as they dispatched the crowd with stunning efficiency. Eventually, the crowd dwindled and I was the only one left in line.

Tina smirked as she turned to the counter and saw me. “Yes miss? How can I help you?”

I raised a curled finger to my lip, studying the alarmingly crowded menu board. How on earth did Zoe & Tina manage to make all these variations?

“I think I'd like a half-caf Kona macchiato with almond/soy milk blend with half stevia half corn syrup and a shot of bubble-tea.”

Tina grinned as Zoe came up from behind her and thrust a small to-go cup at me.

“Fuck you. Folgers to go. Bitch.” she grinned.

I returned Zoe's evil smirk and gladly accepted the cup. I proffered my debit card as I saw Tina and Zoe's faces cloud.

“Is there a problem here?” This nondescript middle aged guy in polo shirt and dockers came up beside me and challenged Tina & Zoe.

“Relax Dave. She was just busting us.” Zoe scoffed.

The guy regarded me for a moment and saw the smile I shared with Tina and Zoe.

“Dave. This is Chloe. Our other housemate.” Tina smiled.

I smiled to the guy and accepted his handshake,

“And you are?” I raised an eyebrow.

He raised a finger and was about to speak when Tina & Zoe blurted in unison “Our boss.”

I smiled and nodded. “So you're the manager?”

He shook his head with a grin. “No such luck. I own the place.”

Tina smiled politely while Zoe rolled her eyes. Dave seemed unfazed.

“Well, congratulations.” I smiled, surveying the packed place and also scouting out a place to sit. “Business seems to be hopping.”

Dave shot me a grin. “Don't be fooled. This place makes beans.”

Zoe actually groaned and walked away while Tina held up a finger and excused herself to serve a customer who was clearly still making up her mind. They obviously were familiar with Dave's 'dad-jokes' and had a low threshold by now.

Dave caught me scanning for a seat.

“You can sit with us....” he offered, motioning to a table where a tall woman wearing scrubs under her jacket was sitting placidly, regarding us. Upon our gaze she smiled and gave a small wave.

“I wouldn't want to interrupt....” I began, but Dave cut me off.

“Nonsense. There are no free tables, so you'd have to sit with someone. Now, do you want to take your chances with strangers you don't even know, or sit with someone you go back 30, 40 seconds with?” He gave me a goofy smile and in that moment reminded me of nothing more than every dad in every sitcom.

We walked to his table and he introduced his 'better half' Andi, who smiled and offered a friendly handshake. We sat and Dave and I made smalltalk while Andi merely watched. She seemed involved in the chit chat from her facial expressions and eye contact, but she didn't participate at all. After a few minutes, Dave excused himself to do the quick paperwork that was the original purpose of this visit, promising me that soon I would have squatter's rights to our entire table. Andi smiled politely as he gave her a peck on the cheek and promised to be back asap.

He was only gone for ten minutes or so, but it felt like ten days. Andi seemed nice, but it was excruciating making smalltalk with her.

“So, Dave referred to you as his better half....” I flailed for conversation. Andi rolled her eyes and gave me the same weary smile Tina and Zoe did around Dave. It was a mixture of indulgence and exhaustion. Dave was Dave and all three women were resigned to this. “So.... are you....”

At this, Andi held up her left hand and flashed a modest stone and simple gold wedding band. I smiled and nodded. “How long?” I inquired merely to keep the conversation moving. She thought a moment and held up two fingers, which she quickly changed to three.

“Going on three months?” I deadpanned. Upon her scowl I could no longer hide my grin. “Yeah. I knew years.” She smiled back. I scrambled to keep the one-sided conversation going. “Any kids?” I asked innocently.

Her face clouded with pain and I instantly knew I stepped on a mine. “Ah. You're practically still newlyweds... there's plenty of time... especially since I imagine you have enough on your hands with....” I motioned to her scrubs. Andi seemed relieved to be off the subject and nodded with a weary smile.

“Where do you work? Saint Barnabys? ...or...”

Andi quickly peeled back her jacket more, revealing her name badge.

“Oh. Wow. UMC.” I said, making no attempt to hide my awe. University Medical Center was the teaching and research facility and had a reputation as by far the place you wanted to go when you had to go to a hospital.

I was floundering for further conversation when Dave rescued us by returning to the table. “Almost ready to go hon?” he beamed to Andi who gave him a look like a non-swimmer just tossed a life-ring.

“Thanks for the table.” I smiled, as relieved for the reprieve as Andi clearly was. “It was great to meet you.” I smiled politely as I shook both their hands.

“Great to finally meet you Chloe. I feel like I already know you the way the girls go on about you....”

Andi caught my blanche and tugged Dave towards the door. “We'll have to do this again. Soon!” he shouted across the place as Andi spirited him out the door.

When I turned to retake my seat, I came face to face with a grinning Tina and smirking Zoe.

“So, now you've met our boss.” Tina beamed with glee.

“And his.... better half.” Zoe snarked.

“He uhh... seems like a nice boss.” I struggled for something polite to say.

“He really is.” Tina smiled warmly.

“And Andi?” Zoe needled. I hesitated, grasping for a diplomatic response.

“She doesn't talk much....” Tina volunteered.

“Or AT ALL!” Zoe laughed.

I relaxed. “OK. I thought it was me.”

“Not you.” Zoe gave me a sly grin.

“You know.” I confronted Zoe. She just held that snarky grin. “....but you're not going to tell me.” I scowled.

“Where's the fun in that?” Zoe grinned.

I turned to Tina, who just shrugged. She seemed as clueless as I was.

“I've only met Andi a few times. She seems nice..... …..Quiet....”

Zoe snorted. Tina shot her a glare and continued “....maybe kinda shy....”

“SO not shy.” Zoe muttered.

“I don't know any more than you do.” Tina shrugged to me. “Zo's been here a lot longer than me.”

“....long enough....” Zoe muttered, that disturbing grin still on her face.

“Good luck, clue crew” Zoe laughed as she waved us off and went to attend the customer walking toward the counter. Tina quickly made her goodbyes and scurried to get back to work. I nursed my coffee and thought about Andi the silent spouse. And Zoe.... the gleeful keeper of secrets.