Here’s where I’ll post longer snippets from other things I’m working on. Check back every now and then for sample chapters.

The Unicorn

(Remember Monsters Sequel)

“I need you to bite me.”

Pat blinked, as if doing so would clear her ears. “What? Phaedra? Why are you here?”

Phaedra braced herself against the door frame. Her black wolf shag hung in her eyes, but she didn’t appear to notice. “I know you can. I just… I need to forget. Please?” 

“Have you been drinking?” Pat looked around. Phaedra’s Indian Scout was parked in the circular driveway. “You drove your motorcycle here? Does Andi know where you are?”

 At the mention of Andi, Phaedra fell against the wall and slid into a blubbering heap. 

“Oh this is bad. Come on.” Pat hoisted her up and led her to the sofa. By the time she returned from the kitchen with the kettle, Phaedra had stopped crying. 

Pat thrust a mug of tea toward her. “Why are you here, Phaedra?” 

“Andi is getting married.” 

Pat sighed and blew on her tea. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but for clarification, wasn’t that always the plan?” 

“Yeah.” Phaedra sunk further into the cream-coloured cushions. 

“You were fully aware that Andi would be marrying her boyfriend in six months.” 

Phaedra nodded. 

“She was completely up front about it. With both of you.”

“Yes.” 

“And you agreed because you don’t do relationships and she was willing to do whatever your little lesbian head came up with?” 

“Six months of debauchery while her boyfriend was in Europe.” Phaedra picked up her mug. 

“So what’s the problem?” 

Phaedra held her mug like a shield. “I’m invited to the wedding.”

“Look, if you need a plus one, take Cass. They’re the one who convinced you this was a good idea in the first place.”

Phaedra scowled. “This is their fault.” 

Pat set her mug down. “Is it? Cass is in a polycule with three other people who get swapped out for others each time I talk to them. You date one person at a time. Why would you take their advice?”

“Because she was hot and I was lonely.” Phaedra held the mug to her lips as she mumbled the words. “I live in fucking Regina. Do you know how many sapphics there are in all of Saskatchewan? Eleven. I counted. And most of them have boyfriends.” 

Pat doubted she had counted, but she wasn’t going to press it. 

“I don’t do relationships because I can’t. There’s no-one to be in a relationship with.” 

“So you were hoping against hope that this unicorn hunter you were dating would leave her fiance and stay with you? Really, Phaedra?” Pat tried her best to look sympathetic. The combination of desperation and delusion was a powerful drug. Every lesbian she knew had needed rehab for it at some point in their lives. 

“She’s not a unicorn hunter,” Phaedra protested. “I’ve never even met her boyfriend.” 

Pat sat for a moment holding her mug. “Why me?” 

Phaedra raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” 

“I mean, why drive all the way out here? It’s gotta be what, five hours? On that” Pat tilted her head toward Phaedra’s motorcycle. “It’s not exactly a cruiser.” 

Phaedra swallowed a mouthful of tea and stared at the bottom of the mug. “Because I thought you could help. You know what it feels like. You’ve been in love with Lisa for years.” 

“What?” Pat jerked her head back. 

“Come on, Pat. No-one comes in to get their nipples done as a first piercing.” 

Pat stammered. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You don’t even have your lobes done. You were checking up on me to make sure she was safe, but you didn’t want her to know you’d done it, so you picked a spot she wouldn’t see.” 

Pat turned to stare at the wall, chewing the inside of her cheek. “Fine, we’re both idiots.” She pointed a finger at Phaedra. “And it’s a good thing you treated her well.” 

The corner of Phaedra’s lip turned just a hint. 

“What is it you want from me?” 

“I already told you.” 

“That won’t do what you think it will. It’s not the venom that makes you forget. And when it’s over, you’ll still have to deal with this wedding.”

Phaedra sighed. “Whatever. Just…do what I need you to. Please?” 

“Fine. Come here.” Pat removed her buffalo plaid flannel and draped it over the back of the loveseat. Phaedra took a moment to envy her impressive arms. If she were into butches, she would have pursued her in a heartbeat. Pat wrapped them around her and Phaedra settled into the hug. 

“Why do you smell like ice cream?” 

Pat rolled her eyes. “Just relax for a bit.” 

“Pat?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Will you be my plus one?” 

“You don’t want me there, Phaedra. That’s just the devastating heartbreak talking.” Pat brushed the strand of hair from her face and let her sleep.