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We talk mainly about the weekend and some work stuff, and by the time we’re done, we’re pulling up in my driveway. I’m dragging my feet after I feed the pups, let them run around the front yard to go to the bathroom, and cook dinner. Work was long. Shopping was…interesting, to say the least. I just want to close my eyes and get lost in slumber.
The rest of the week is pretty mundane, a bit more routine. I work, come home, read, sleep, and repeat. Theo hasn’t said much to me at all. In fact, I have gotten only one text from him, and it was asking me if I’ve had anymore weird activity happening at night.
Other than that, radio silence. So is this just a him thing? Only comes when he has time to fuck and leave? God, he’s cold and hot. Like Antarctica melting into the Sahara Desert.
But that’s the arrangement. Sex. He owes me nothing, as I owe him nothing. I’m not going to ponder on it. Not at all. Or so I hope.
“This is beautiful, Brenda.” I look around at the crystal lake; it’s almost completely see-through, clear enough you can see your feet. It’s surrounded by tall pine trees. And between the sun and just the right amount of breeze, I would say this is as close to paradise as I’ve ever been.
“Yeah, it’s my favorite. We came here all the time growing up. Over the years, it’s become overrun by the younger crowd, fewer families coming now. We come here a lot during the summer months,” she tells me, setting up her lounge chair.
“I get it. I would be here every day if I could.”
“We will come here as often as possible.” Brenda nudges my shoulder. “Also, love the suit you picked.” I look down at the simple black one piece and black semi-sheer cover-up that is wrapped around my hips and knotted at the side. The top of the suit drops into a deep V with three straps to help give some cleavage. Not that I need it. My naturally large breasts already give me enough of that.
“Thanks. Still feels weird. I haven’t worn a swimsuit since high school,” I admit.
“Not many places in the city to wear one?” she asks, filling the cooler with the ice and drinks we brought. I start taking the beers and waters out of their boxes to help.
“No, I mean there are places to go, but I wasn’t a fan. You know me. Indoors. Books. And all that. It’s more my thing.”
“Well, we will make you a swimsuit-wearing, sun-loving, South Carolinian in no time!”
I appreciate Brenda for never making me feel like being an introvert is a bother. We are polar opposites, but she makes it work. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met an extrovert who is as kind to an introvert as she is. Those two can coexist, but usually it takes a lot of work. But she and I, it’s somehow effortless.
Soon, all the girls show up. Semra, who is the sweetest—but I feel like she’s the badass of the group. Takes-no-shit type. Then Vanessa, I call her the giver, always asking what we need and being the first to show up. And last, Heather, she’s the ride-or-die type. First in line to back you up. I’ve not spent much time with these ladies, but the times I have, this is what I’ve gathered.
I also take notice that this group of girls so far seems to lack any cattiness. Every group usually has at least one, but so far, nothing. They all seem genuine.
“So you and Theo?” Semra asks, taking up her spot next to me.
I shake my head. “No, we’re just friends. Who said something?”
“Word spreads fast here, babes, and when he knocked out Jerrick for you, people started talking,” Vanessa adds.
That’s new, something I knew about small towns but never experienced before, since news doesn’t spread like that in New York. “No, we were just hanging out. He’s a nice guy.”
“Psh, nice? Hanna, everyone here knows Theo is anything but nice. Someone must be taking a liking to you,” Semra says, leaning in and nudging my shoulder.
“You guys, stop. The poor girl already has to deal with my brother,” Brenda inserts, and I mouth a thank-you when they agree and say their “fine” and “you’re right.”
“So since you’re just friends, have you thought of maybe going on a date with anyone?” Heather finally joins the conversation after putting on her sunscreen. She lays out on a towel in front of our chairs.
“No, not really. I’ve never been the dating type.”
“Dating type? Isn’t that part of how you find a boyfriend?” She giggles, and when I just look down at my hands in my lap, the entire peanut gallery gasps.
“You’ve never had a boyfriend?” Semra exclaims.
