“The beach is right here,” I say, pointing to it.
“A real beach,” she says. “One you can actually use. I have beach towels and sunscreen in my car.”
“Um, yeah, we could do that.”
“You don’t want to,” she says, sensing my lack of enthusiasm.
I shrug. “I’m not really a beach person, but I’m open to giving it a try.”
“We could do something else. It’s just that I’m kind of low on cash so I need to do something cheap.”
“I can pay. Brock gave me a debit card. I haven’t even used it yet. I might as well break it in.”
“Thanks, but I’d rather pay my own way. I don’t want you thinking we’re only friends because you have money.”
“I don’t think that, but I understand.” I go to my closet. “So lunch and the beach. Is there a place to change there?”
“A public restroom but it’s gross. Just wear your suit under your clothes like me.” She lifts up her t-shirt, showing me her bikini top, which is white with orange and yellow flowers on it.
“I’m not sure I want to be seen in my swimsuit. It’s really old and worn out. I need a new one.”
“I bet you have one.” She goes to my dresser and opens the drawers. “See?” She holds up a hot pink bikini.
“Where’d that come from?” I ask, taking it from her.
“The stylist must’ve brought it over. I was working that day. She brought over a ton of stuff. Not just clothes but all the stuff for your room.”
“Why’d she get me pink?” I ask, holding it up. “I almost never wear pink.”
“Try it on. I think it’d look great on you.” She pulls another one from the dresser. “Or there’s this.”
I take the black bikini from her. “This is definitely me. I’ll wear this one.”
“You’ll get more guys with the other one,” she says, sitting on my bed.
“I’m not looking for guys. I have a boyfriend.”
“Already? That was fast.”
“Not here. My boyfriend is back home in New York. We’ve dated for two years.”
She nods and looks away.
“You don’t think it’ll last,” I say, feeling my anger rising. I’m really getting tired of people assuming Axl and me will break up. They don’t know us. They have no idea how much we love each other.
“It’s just hard. It doesn’t mean it won’t last.”
“I know it’ll last. We’re planning our future. We’re moving in together when I go back.”
“That’s great,” she says, but her lackluster tone makes it clear she thinks we’ll break up.
“I’m gonna try this on,” I say, taking the black bikini to the bathroom.
She jumps up from the bed and grabs the pink bikini. “Try this one first.” She tosses it to me.
“Okay, but I’m not wearing it.”
“Even if you aren’t looking for a guy, it’s still fun to get attention.” She smiles. “The beach is full of hot guys.”
