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All right. Two can play this game. I go inside under the pretense for a beer, but return outside with a cucumber. I sit down and then hold it up to examine it. Journi mouths at me don’t you dare as she gives me a death glare.
“This is quite the vegetable, isn’t it? Look at the size of that thing.”
My plan backfires when Joshua frowns at me. “You always did over-exaggerate on size. I hate to burst your bubble, but that’s not an impressive size.”
Journi’s smile breaks through as a musical laugh escapes her. She grabs the pan of ice on the table and passes it to me. “For your burn. Or bruised ego. Whichever needs it most right now.” My sour expression further amuses her. “Hey, it’s okay, little guy. Though the sword is small, it’s mighty.”
“Where the hell did you read that? On a fortune cookie?”
“Maybe. I really don’t know.”
I lean toward her and whisper, “This looks like your preferred size, though. If I remember correctly.”
“Low blow, asshole.”
“Like you taunting me with that damn hot dog.”
She pops a chip in her mouth and her eyes sparkle with delight. Smug with herself, she asks in a hushed tone, “Were you wishing it was yours I was moaning around?”
“Absolutely.”
“Even after I bit it in half?”
“Good thing I’m a doctor.”
“Oh my God! I can’t with you.” She laughs so hard she snorts. When everyone turns to look, Journi excuses herself to the restroom.
When she returns, she swaps seats to sit on the other side of Jan. Everyone casually chats as our stomachs settle after the meal. Most of us are still in our swimming attire, which is nice and relaxing.
Until it’s not.
Larissa clears her throat and makes a point of staring directly at Journi. “Aren’t you getting cold?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
My mother scoffs. “I’m fully dressed and a little cool. I can’t imagine sitting out here practically wet and nude.”
“Is that even considered a swimsuit?” Larissa asks.
“It barely qualifies as undergarments,” Mother drones.
Jan’s jaw drops while mine hardens. She stands up, knocking her chair back. “What has gotten into you two? This is my best friend. Mom! Dad! Say something. That was completely uncalled for.”
“Sophia,” Jan’s mother’s voice is barely in control, “you’re a grown woman. Show some dignity.”
“Dignity? We’re not the ones running around with…with…everything hanging out.” Larissa’s voice drips with venom.
My mother quirks a brow. “Your daughter has a point.”
Jan’s mother crosses her arms. “Yes, my daughter Jan does. Larissa, on the other hand, is demonstrating childish and callous behavior.”
This discussion is clearly because of the attention I’m giving Journi. One look from Joshua’s I told you so look on his face confirms it. Time to end this. I won’t let Journi be a victim to my mother’s bullying attitude over some foolish dream. I open my mouth to speak, but Journi stands. She removes her sheer cover-up, revealing all her curves.
“Oh. And maybe you didn’t know, but you have stretch marks.” Larissa’s voice carries an air of victory.
“Yes. I have one here.” Journi turns and perks her delicious ass up. “And can you see these?” She dips her chest forward, putting the sweet globes of her chest on full display. “And… Oh! Right here.” She runs her hand over the delicate skin of her side so seductively that there’s no way I’ll be able to stand up for a while. “You don’t think my stretch marks are beautiful, Larissa?”
“They’re gross.” Larissa tries to act superior, but clearly, Journi has proven her remark isn’t getting under her perfect skin.
