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I look at her. “Why, what would you have worn? A burka?”
She laughs and flicks me with water again, the tone of her giggle melodious to my ears.
“Ha ha, very funny, Mason. No, I probably would have just worn a one-piece that was full coverage. It’s not just my ass, you know. It’s these girls too. A lot of bikini tops don’t cover enough, but as you can see, I’ve let that go. If I’m going to wear postage stamps, then so be it.”
I stare at her chest, and it’s true. There just isn’t enough fabric to hold my girl in, and the sides and bottom of her breasts hang out from the white material. But it looks sexy and lush, and not obscene and skanky. I stare some more and then meet her eyes.
“Sweetheart, you know that I’m glad you don’t look like those women in advertisements. I love full-figured ladies, and you’ve got the perfect amount of curves. If anything, I think you should put on even more weight.”
She blushes.
“Really?”
“Hell yeah,” I nod. “I think that’s why you’ve been able to handle me so well in bed, sweetheart. I can be rough and demanding, but you’re plush and able to accommodate a virile man’s needs.”
She giggles.
“Well, that’s true. And I love the way you give it to me too, Mason. But believe it or not, that’s one of the things I like about my mom. You know Rose is full-figured too, and she always taught me that I should appreciate my curves because being bigger is nothing to be ashamed of. She’s always been really vocal about body-positivity and walks the talk too, with all those curve-hugging outfits.”
“Good,” I growl, taking Charity’s hand. “Because I love the way you’ve been dressing, sweetheart. I love the crop tops and short skirts, and wouldn’t change even one thing about you. You’re gorgeous.”
But I guess Charity’s still not off the topic of her mom because then she throws me a sideways look as we float down the river.
“What’s wrong?” I growl, my eyes still closed. “I can feel you staring at me.”
Sure enough she takes a deep breath and squeezes my hand.
“It’s not that anything is wrong, exactly, but I just wasn’t sure how to bring this up.” She takes a deep breath and meets my eyes. “I think my mom’s over your relationship, Mason. In fact, I’m pretty sure my mom’s been dating Harvey Pindot because word is that they’ve been seen around town a few times, and were lovey-dovey to boot.”
I squint my eyes against the sun then. “Harvey Pindot? The old geezer who lives in the mansion on the outskirts of town?”
Charity nods, biting her lip. “Yeah, him. I know, right? I think he’s something like forty years older than Rosanne, but it doesn’t seem like it matters. Are you upset? Are you okay with this? I know you guys just broke up.”
The question catches me so off guard that I throw my head back and laugh out loud. Charity looks confused.
“What’s wrong?”
I finally get myself under control and shoot her a grin.
“Sorry, honey, but no. I’m not devastated by this.”
She blinks.
“Really?”
“Yeah, really.” I shake my head. “Sweetheart, my relationship with your mom was fizzling for a long time before we actually ended it. We weren’t really hearing each other, nor were we connecting, so really, the break-up was inevitable. And now, if eighty-year-old rich guys with liver spots and canes are what she’s into, then I’m happy for her.”
Charity smiles sweetly. “I’m so glad to hear you say that.”
I shoot her a sideways glance.
“Why, were you worried?”
She’s thoughtful for a moment.
“A little bit. Not really. Rose is your ex, after all, and finding out that an ex has a new partner is always a little weird. But dating Harvey Pindot takes the cake. I wonder if he can even perform!” she giggles.
I laugh too, and then all discussion of Rosanne and her romantic life stops because it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m in love with a girl who’s sweet, intelligent, charming, and exactly what I need. Maybe we’ve only just started dating, but my heart knows what it wants, and Charity Denver is it.
8
Charity
Three months later.
It’s the night of the Annual Fireman’s Ball, and my heart’s jumping crazily in my chest because Mason and I are going together as a couple. When he first told me that he wanted me to attend as his date, I was immediately taken aback.
“But then people will know about us,” I said slowly.
The handsome man merely shrugged.
“I think it’s time they know, don’t you agree, sweetheart?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Why, are you nervous?”
I nodded.
“Very much. I mean, well, just our ages, and the fact that …”
He merely smiled.
“It’s okay sweetheart. It’s time, and I want people to be aware that we’re together. Besides, you’ll be graduating from high school soon, so it’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with what we’re doing, and I want everyone to know that the most beautiful woman in the room is with me.”
