“The fact you worry about being loyal says everything about your loyalty. Jean wouldn’t let you stay if she knew. You know that.”
“I know, which is why it’s a rubbish excuse.”
“You don’t want to go,” I state.
She shrugs, smiling softly. “My gut told me no.”
“Then you did the right thing,” I affirm. “Don’t ever think you need to be more than you are right now, Luce. You may be feeling a little lost, but I know exactly who you are. So do you, deep down.”
“Thanks, Nina.”
“Always.” I stand and take her hands, urging her to get up. “And don’t worry, there’s always Botox.”
“Piss off, you cheeky bitch.” She laughs, standing and slipping her arm in mine as we head for the shoreline.
* * *
It’s late afternoon,and the girls are all holed up in Mason’s and my room. The boys are sat below us on the patio, their chatter drifting up and into the room.
We have been here for four days and have to go home soon, and I don’t want to leave. Mason is happy here, and I mean really happy, which is remarkable given what he and Scar have endured recently.
I wish we could hide away here forever.
Me and my Mase. The happy version, where there isn’t work and money and responsibility.
I pull open the shower door and frown. Megan is in the bathroom pulling on a floral two-piece.
“I’m pretty sure that’s mine,” I tell her.
“But look how good it looks on me.” She pouts.
“I know, it’s super cute. That’s why I bought it.” I smile, checking her out as I slip on my underwear. “It does wonders for your tits mind.”
“Right!” She sulks as she starts taking it off. Lucy and Scarlet are already dressed and are lying on the bed, looking at something on Lucy’s phone. I drop my towel and start to dress.
I can feel Megan watching me as I pull on the shorts. “Fuck off. It’s my outfit; get your own.” I chuckle.
“I wasn’t looking at that.” She nods to my stomach and frowns.
I look down, running my hand across my belly defensively. “What?”
“Turn to the side.”
I spin and look down in the mirror, noticing Lucy and Scarlet’s eyes now on me also. “I’m really bloated,” I say in annoyance, slumping my shoulders and pulling the shorts higher over my hips. “I’m due on, I think.”
“That’s quite the bloat.”
“Alright! I haven’t been dancing as much. I’m back to it now, though. It won’t take long to lose the few pounds I’ve put on.”
“Oh, please! You look phenomenal. That’s not what I meant, silly.” Megan tries to assure me, but I feel crappy. “You have… a… a little… bump.” Her brows shoot up as she says it.
“Nina?” Lucy questions.
“I’m due on, and I’m bloated. Stop being a dick, Megs!” I tut. “I’m on the pill.”
“Nobody actually said that word,” Megan says.
“But you implied. With your judgey eyes.” I glare, pulling the top over my head.
