The silence was palpable while the two of them started at each other. Linda was the first to find her voice again.
“What…what just happened?” She asked.
“I don’t know Honey” Zoe replied, then quickly clamping her hand over her mouth.
“What did you call me?” Linda asked, feeling slight bemused.
“I didn’t mean to call you Honey, I was trying to say Honey…Honey…Hon… argh why can’t I say the word!” Zoe started feeling frustrated.
“What word?” Linda asked, trying remain calm herself.
“You know the one that says how you’re related to me” Zoe replied, clearly choosing her words carefully.
“Oh!” Linda said with realisation “Husband!” She said with a smile that quickly disappeared.
“What?” Zoe gasped, “no, you’re my Husband, and I’m your Wife!” She blurted, before looking even more annoyed.
“Ok Babe…Babe…Zoe,” Linda said, really concentrating just to say her daughters name “let’s try and stay calm and think for a second. Let’s get these off first.” She added, moving to unbutton the suit jacket. Zoe nodded and reach behind her to unzip the dress. Both of their hands froze as they felt a strange sense of reluctance to get undressed again.
“Maybe we should keep them on for a bit Honey” Zoe said, dropping her hands back down.
“Yeah, good idea Babe” Linda replied, “why don’t I call that concierge lady? She might be able to tell us what’s happening?” She added.
“Yes! Perfect!” Zoe said, clapping her hands together excitedly. They turned and walked out the room, Zoe moving just ahead. Linda couldn’t help but watch the way the dress hugged Zoe’s curves, highlighting the sway in her walk. She didn’t notice her own gait was decidedly more masculine, arms swinging more than her hips. The hotel phone was situated on the wall next to the elevator, and Linda grabbed the handset. She pressed the direct button for the concierge and waited.
“Eris Concierge, Seirra speaking, how can I assist?” She heard the voice say after a moment.
“Ah yes, hello, this is Linda Gibson in the penthouse” Linda began.
“Oh Mr Gibson!” Sierra interrupted, “I must say this is a surprise, we don’t normally hear anything from newlyweds on the first night of their honeymoon” she added with a chuckle.
“Well…” Linda began,
“Oh I know, you’re probably both hungry!” Seirra interrupted again, “don’t worry, I’ll have the kitchen send something special up. Leave it to me!” She said happily before she hung up. Linda sighed and put the phone back in its dock.
“I don’t think she’ll be much help” she said, “she thinks we’re newlyweds on their honeymoon” she added.
“But she spoke to us before, she knows we’re not” Zoe said.
“I think these clothes might have changed how people see us” Linda replied thoughtfully, “she even called me Mr Gibson” she added.
“Well we can’t go down to dinner like this!” Zoe said, gesturing at her outfit.
“They’ll be sending up so food for us, so that one problem sorted at least” Linda replied with a weak smile.
“And how long will that take?” Zoe asked, “I’m absolutely starving Honey”
As if to answer her question the elevator pinged and the doors slid open to reveal a trolley with several silver domes, a bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne sitting within it, and two glasses. Linda wheeled the trolley out of the elevator and lifted the largest dome off the serving platter. Underneath was a large surf and turf selection, slices of medium rare steak, oysters, lobster, and shrimp. Under another was a large bowl of strawberries dipped in chocolate, and a third held a mixed fruit salad mainly comprised of banana, pineapple, and watermelon.
“Nearly everything on here is an aphrodisiac!” Linda let out a weak chuckle, “they just think they’re helping us out a little Babe” she added shaking her head. Both their stomachs began to growl.
“It would be a shame to waste it though…” Zoe muttered as her mouth began to water.
“You’re not wrong there,” Linda replied, licking her lips, “you go sit down and I’ll bring this over” she added, indicating a large circular sofa curving around an equally big coffee table.
“Thanks Honey” Zoe smiled as she swayed over and sat down demurely. She watched as Linda carried each tray over, setting them down carefully on the glass tabletop, along with two plates and some cutlery. Finally she popped the cork out of the champagne and poured a little in each glass. She sat down and handed one to Zoe, who took it hesitantly.
“Are you sure I’m ok to have this?” She asked.
“Sure Babe,” Linda replied, “with everything that’s happening I think you’re allowed something to ease the stress” she laughed as she took a sip. Zoe smiled back at her, usually Linda would have chewed her out for drinking at her age, so this was a welcome change. She took a sip and savoured the bubbles dancing on her tongue.
“Oooh that’s nice!” She sighed after she swallowed, the champagne tasting sweet on her tongue. She could feel a warmth spread through her as she felt the bubbling sensation works it was down to her belly.
“Well might as well dig in” Linda said.
