Page 25 of Space Oddities

Veronica’s eyes narrow. “How nice for you to be able to stay with someone of Ian’s stature.” She looks over Trish’s bathing suit. “Must be such a departure from your normal hangouts.”

I know it’s wrong, and that I should be above such thoughts, but all I want to do is throw Jell-O on them and ding a bell.

Trish hums a noncommittal reply before sliding her hands down my arm, circling one around my waist, her eyes still on mine. Without thinking, I wrap my arm around her shoulder.

Turning so her head rests on my shoulder, Trish looks Veronica over. “Oh. Did you get your hair done? It looks so nice.”

Veronica blinks at the surprise compliment. “Uh, thank you.” Looking unsure for the first time, Veronica’s lips turn down at the corners.

Trish taps a finger to her chin, thinking. “Tell me, what do they call that color?”

I never understood the term ruffled feathers until Veronica vibrates in anger. “I’m anaturalblonde.” She fluffs her hair. “I just get highlights.”

“Sure, sugar.” Trish winks before grabbing my hand, pulling me toward the plate of cookies. I follow without thinking. I’m so far out of my depth. I’d bet my trust fund that if more women were in politics, within a year all major problems would be solved. They are so much more cunning than men.

Reaching down, Trish plucks a cookie off the top with two fingers and takes a bite. “Oh, store bought.” She places the cookie back down, unfinished, making a show of trying to swallow. “Well, itisthe thought that counts.”

Veronica’s eyes look like they’re going to pop out of her head. “Well, I never—”

“Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift, Veronica, dear.” Trish brushes her fingers together as if to get rid of unwanted crumbs. “But I’m afraid Ian and I can’t visit right now. Ian insists he rub sunscreen on my back before mowing the yard. He does dote on me, you know.” She flutters her lashes at me now.

“I see.” Nostrils flared, Veronica finally takes a step toward the door. “I’ll just be going, then.”

Quickly, I head to the door, swinging it open wide. “Thanks for stopping by, Veronica.”

“But pleasedocall first next time,” Trish calls out from the kitchen, pushing the plate of cookies farther away from her like they’re poison, all the while smiling. “Bye now!”

Veronica doesn’t respond, just power walks out, marching across the flagstone path.

When I shut the front door, a sense of relief flows through me. That is, until I turn around and see Trish, hands on hips, platform shoe tapping on my wood floor.

“Trish?” Warily, I walk back to the kitchen.

Her eyes narrow, making her look like a pissed-off chipmunk. “Does she normally come over offering you herbakedgoods?”

I stifle the laugh her adorable pique inspires. I’m sure she wouldn’t appreciate me pointing out that she’s acting as green as her bathing suit. “Um, no. That’s the first time she’s ever come over before.”

She snorts. “Uh-huh. Sure.”

“Really. I don’t know what that was about.”

She cocks one eyebrow in response and picks up the plate of cookies. “Bless your heart. Aren’t you the naïve one?” Spinning, she opens the cabinet with the trash can and tosses the cookies in, plate and all.

I can’t help but laugh now. “Jealous much?”

“I amnotjealous!” She stomps her foot. Her boobs bounce in the triangle-shaped top. And unlike Veronica’s, I can’t seem to look away from them.

“No?” I point to the trash, smirking.

“Don’t be so full of yourself. I was just…” She waves her hands in the air, the gesture making my pants feel tight. “I was just trying to protect you from store-bought processed food.” She turns partially away, arms crossed, looking out the French doors. “You’re welcome.”

I choke on a laugh. “Thanks,” I manage, trying to control my amusement. “I’ve heard processed food can be really dangerous.”

Not looking at me, she nods. “It is.” Her lips purse in a pout. A very kissable pout.

In profile, she looks even more naked, just the ties on her hips visible. “And the bikini? Is that for me too?”

“Yes.” She nods again. “Wait.” Hands shooting down to her sides, she turns and glares at me. “I mean no. Of course not. I was simply…”

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