I’m brushing my hair when there’s a knock on the door, and Sophia pokes her head in, snapping me out of my thoughts. “The Bay Plaza Mall has a special today. All the shops are open, even the nail salons. And since neither of us is working today, and the guys just left to start their shift…” she winks at me, “… you and I are having a girls’ day out!”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, though I have to tease her a bit and release a dramatic sigh. “Aren’t you hungover?”
She dismisses it with a wave. “Pff… forget it. No arguments. If we don’t go today, we’ll have to wait for weeks again. Also, we planned to swim tomorrow for family Sunday, and I bet you don’t even have a swimsuit.”
I shake my head, a hint of vulnerability in my voice as I admit, “I don’t swim.”
“You’re coming. Even if you’re not good at swimming, the swimming center has this huge hot tub where you can just relax. We can chill there while the guys do their laps,” she suggests, smiling.
I hesitate for a moment, then finally decide to open up, surprising myself with how honest I am with her. “Sophia, I… I’m not going to wear a swimsuit in public.”
“Because of your forearm? Honestly, I think it’s healed quite well. But if it bothers you, maybe we could look for a swimsuit with long sleeves?” she muses, her concern genuine.
I hadn’t even thought about the scars. “No, it’s not that,” I admit. “I just don’t have a bikini body.”
Sophia rolls her eyes and scolds me, “Oh, hush woman! I’d kill to have your curves. I can’t even fill an A-cup. I look like a little boy.”
I chuckle at her comment. “Sophia, you’re one of the most beautiful women I know.”
“Right back at you! And I’m certain the three guys who are head over heels for you would agree,” she says with a teasing glint in her eye.
I sigh, shaking my head. “Don’t you start with that shit too. That’s just not true.”
“You’re delusional. But okay. Let’s put the pause button on this conversation for now. Nail salon and shopping?”
“I just spent all my money on Chiara’s laptop,” I admit.
“I told you, it’s on me! Think of it as your Christmas bonus,” she insists.
“I don’t get a bonus from you,” I reply dryly. “I live in your house, Sophia, with my little sister. I think I take more than enough from you as it is.”
“Well, now you do.” She beams. “Come on, grab your jacket, and let’s go.”
“Where’s Chiara?” I ask as we head downstairs.
Sophia’s expression shifts, and her lips turn downward, her nose crinkling up. “I heard some noises from her room. Best we leave her be,” she suggests, and I can’t help but laugh in response.
As Sophia gets her purse, I take a moment to text to Chiara, ensuring she’s aware of our plans. This girl is getting way too independent lately.
I know I should be looking after her more closely, but it’s been challenging to keep up with everything that's been happening.
We’re getting our nails done and tomorrow we’re going swimming. Wanna join?
Chiara
No, thanks. Have fun.
Before I can put my phone away, another text from her lights up the screen.
Can Leo stay over this weekend?
I show the message to Sophia, who cackles. Taking my phone, she quickly types a response.
Use protection and crack a window now and then, please. XO Sophia
I huff a laugh as I read her reply, just in time to see a middle finger emoji pop up in our chat, followed by another text.
Thank you.
