ASTRID
“Igot you something,” Gwen says, pushing into my bedroom on Friday evening.
“Hello to you too!” I shut my English book and get up from my desk. “I wasn’t expecting you to drop by.”
“It’s a quick visit,” Gwen flops onto my bed, and I sit beside her. She thrusts a bag at me. It’s black, and the words Miranda’s Lingerie are painted on both sides in gold lettering.
I arch a brow. “What is this?”
“Open it and see.” She waggles her brows.
“Is that new?” I ask, running my eyes up and down her cute outfit. Gwen has paired a pink lace blouse with baggy black pants, a denim jacket, and retro sneakers. I have never seen her wear any of it before, and it’s not her usual style.
“Yes. Scott took me shopping in Burly.” She stands up and twirls. “Do you like it?”
“You look amazing, but you know you don’t have to change your style for a guy, right?”
Annoyance splays across her face. “That’s not what I’m doing,” she barks, and I open my mouth to apologize, but she beats me to it. “Sorry for snapping.” She reclaims her spot besideme, linking our fingers. “I’m liking experimenting with different colors and textures. Scott isn’t making me do anything.” She giggles. “Truth is, he much prefers me without clothes.”
“I got that memo.” Gwen and Scott are having crazy monkey sex all the freaking time. She loves giving me a rundown of all the ways she’s driving him wild. Makes my hand-job story sound so lame.
“Open your present, Azzie. Scott’s outside, and I don’t want to keep him waiting long.”
I open the bag and remove the items wrapped in gold tissue paper, my eyes out on stalks as I inspect the teeny red lace bra and crotchless panties set. “Um, wow, thanks, Gwen.”
“You don’t like it?” Her face falls, and I feel like an ungrateful bitch.
“No, yes, I mean I do!” I pull her into a hug. “Thank you so much, but why are you buying me things? I know money is tight. You shouldn’t be wasting it on me.”
She shucks out of my hold, and I seem to have aggravated her again if the scowl on her face is any indication. “I told you things are a little easier now, and why can’t I get you things? You have been so generous to me for years, and I just want to pay it forward.”
I stand. “You don’t need to do that, but if you want to, I will not turn gorgeous lingerie down. Thank you, Gwen. It’s really thoughtful.”
Her shoulders relax, and a smile reappears on her face. “I’m doing you a favor. Next time you’re alone with Callan, wear that, and he won’t be able to resist. Then you can make it official, and we can double date!” She flings herself at me. “I want you to be as happy as I am.” She eases back, holding my gaze. “You need to tell him how you feel, babe. There’s no way he doesn’t feel the same. Renee and I think you totally need to just put it out there.He’s not going to turn you down. The guy can’t take his eyes off you for a second. I doubt he was ever faking it.”
“You know I want to, but what if I’m wrong? He has never had a girlfriend, Gwen, and he said he doesn’t want one until he’s older and settled.”
“You’re already boyfriend and girlfriend. When he realizes he’s already in a relationship, he’ll be fine.”
A car horn blares from outside. “Scott’s getting impatient.” She kisses me on both cheeks before rummaging in her purse. “Here.” She hands me red nail polish. “I bought that to match the lingerie. Go all out!”
Red really isn’t my thing, but I don’t want to offend her. “Thanks, babe. Now go before your man shows up at the front door.”
“Good luck tomorrow. I bet he loves it so much he climbs in your window tomorrow night and ravishes you. Make sure to put the lingerie on under your PJs.” She winks before waving. “Toodles, babe. See you on Sunday at work.”
We’re both off tomorrow because Gwen is part of the cheerleading team going to Wilmington with the soccer team for an important game. Callan will be gone all day Saturday, which gives me time to put my plan into action.
“Enjoy your date, and say hi to Scott,” I call out after she leaves my room. Then I hide the lingerie at the back of my closet, where Mom won’t find it, and resume my homework.
“This is so easy to bake,” I acknowledge as Roni tips the barmbrack mixture into a greased loaf tin.
“It is. As long as you remember to soak the fruit in the tea the night before. I only add the coins and rings at Halloween, butif you want to do the same, ensure you sterilize them fully and wrap them tightly in greaseproof paper before adding to the cake mix.”
“And the cake will last until next week?” Halloween is only a week away now.
“It will. I’ll wrap it up nice and tight and keep it in a secure tin. It helps the flavors to mature and keeps it nice and moist.”
“What did you say the rings were called?” They are so pretty.
