Secret Friends by Marie Cole

Author:Marie Cole [Cole, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Twenty-Two

We arrived at my parent's house ten minutes later than I'd expected, but with Ainsley by my side, I was fairly sure my mom would forgive me.

As we entered, we were immediately surrounded by women. My sisters to be exact. They hugged me, ruffled my carefully styled bedhead hair, and, all chattering at once, took Ainsley's purse.

Ainsley was smiling and getting a word in when she could. I was slightly taken that she wasn't folding into herself. Most people, even overly confident people, would cower or run from such attention. But apparently not Ainsley.

"Come on, Ainsley, come into the living room and sit with us. We have so many questions."

I clenched my fists as I followed her with my eyes. She was with the sharks now, there was nothing I could do. I stepped away and moved towards the kitchen.

My mother was the only one in there, prepping the salad. As soon as her eyes locked on me she grinned. "You think I don't know what you're up to, James Montgomery?"

I felt sweat pop out along my collar but I remained cool. "What are you talking about?"

"You bringing a girl home? It's awful quick and awful coincidental that right after I kick you out and tell you to grow up that you happen to find someone serious."

I shrugged as I grabbed a slice of tomato and popped it into my mouth. "What can I say, mom? I'm a great listener."

She scoffed. "That's a big load of horse manure."

"Mom, come on. I'm eating here."

She slapped my hand away as I reached for another slice.

"Go set the table, Mr. Follows-Directions."

"Yes, ma'am."

As I finished, I heard giggling in the living room. A quick peek at the women sitting around pointing at pictures of my baby penis had me running out there. "Woah, woah. She doesn't need to see the goods just yet."

"Just yet?" Jessica raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You mean she hasn't seen your--you guys haven't…?"

Ainsley was looking everywhere but at me. "No, of course not. Ainsley isn't some slutty girl who just lets any guy in there."

My sisters all groaned. "James. Ew."

"I don't understand why she'd give you anything at all. I love you but you're so..." Jayla paused while she searched for the right word.

"Crude," Ainsley finished for her.

I stared incredulously at all of them. "I am not crude. I'm a realist."

"No, you're crude, James. But..." Ainsley paused for effect, "I think it's kind of cute. Humorous at times."

Janie shrugged. "Some people are turned on by crude, I guess." Ainsley shook her head and held up her hands in defense. "Woah, don't put words in my mouth. I'm definitely not turned on by crude. But," she sighed, "how do I explain it? It's like when the nerdy boy comes up to you and stutters and stammers and says stupid stuff because he likes you so much." She nodded. "Yeah, it's like that."

My sisters stared at her and after a moment they all nodded in agreement and understanding while I was left standing there confused.

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