AllFreeNovel
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“No,” I lie.
“You know, there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun. Your secrets are safe with me. What happens in Alta stays in Alta. That was the purpose of bringing you. Living a little and having lots of fun. I swear, I won’t tell anyone,” Stacey says, mimicking zipping her lips, locking them, and then throwing away the key.
“Nothing to tell.”
“Mm, because that little napping session sounded suspicious to me earlier.”
I wave her concern off. “No...I um...okay, you caught me masturbating,” I lie.
I’m unsure why I’d rather she believe that than tell her the truth.
“Oh. Um...okay. TMI? Maybe you should hook up with Kincaid. Take the edge off,” she suggests, looking worried.
“I just need some time to myself, is all. I don’t have time for male drama. This has been good for me to free my mind of the clutter and just to take a break from life. I needed time with Yaya.”
“Has it done you any good?” she asks, her eyes growing sympathetic for the first time ever.
I smile wearily at her. “It has. It’s been just what I needed.”
“Then back to reality, right?” she says, stretching out and yawning.
“Back to reality.”
Stacey takes my hand and squeezes it. “Yaya, I know I’m often wrapped up in myself, but I see more than I let on. And I know we haven’t been close, but I’m glad you contacted me. Whatever made you reach out to me, I don’t want you to let that go. When we were younger, we were both bratty.”
“You not so much,” I say.
“Yeah, I was. And I was mean as hell too.”
“I get it, though.”
She nods and smiles at me.
“Still, I want you to know I’m here for you as your big sister. I know that what you went through a few years ago was hard on you, and I wasn’t there for you then, but I’d like to be now. Stepsisters don’t have to be mortal enemies.”
“Thank you, Stacey. That’s sweet of you.”
“But I mean it,” she emphasizes.
“I know.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“For?”
“Getting out and doing something for yourself. Something that doesn’t consist of pleasing your mom and doing what she expects of you. Something that might take you a long way toward healing. So for the rest of this trip, just relax, let go, and enjoy yourself. Do things you normally wouldn’t.”
“I’m not doing any of the stuff you guys—”
Shaking her head, she presses a finger to my lips. “No, I’m not suggesting that you do drugs. And I get why you always want to be free, clear, and in control and not under the influence of any intoxicants stronger than a beer or wine. You shouldn’t bash yourself for the fun you might want to indulge in. Even if that includes a certain six-foot-two bachelor with a gorgeous olive tone and the bluest eyes we’ve seen this side of the Atlantic,” she giggles.
I mouth the words, “He’sfine!”
“You know!” she giggles again. “Hell, don’t tell Shep I said this, but between the two, I don’t know who’s the finest, and if I had my way, I’d do them both!”
We both giggle, and I shake my head. “Have you suggested it?” I ask jealously.
“No, and I won’t. Kylie did, though.”
