To Grandparents' House We Come

Sheena Ryder and step-daughter Aften Opal roll up to the grandparents' place for a visit. They unpack, and anyone paying attention could read the heat between them. Aften keeps sneaking touches; Sheena shoots her a quick look: not here, not now. The family piles onto the couch for a late movie. The lights go down, popcorn gets passed. Aften moves closer, palm sliding up Sheena's bare thigh, slow and hot. Sheena squeezes her hand, stops the crawl, mouths the word "no." Aften folds her arms, lips in a tight pout, and the film drones on. Later, Sheena’s alone in the guest bedroom, peeling back the blanket. The door cracks open; Aften slips inside, eyes glinting. Sheena freezes—grandparents are one wall away—but Aften presses a finger to her lips, shuts the door without a sound, and steps right up. This time Sheena doesn’t push her back. Third time’s the charm, and they’re done pretending.