Brendan's Baby - Annie J. Rose Page 0,1

any fun dressed like that. You’re way too pretty to dress like a pillow on somebody’s patio chair.”

“You’re just being silly,” I said, putting on some hoop earrings and taking my hair down.

I shook my curls loose from the messy bun and gently combed my fingers through them. The sea air was definitely giving me some beachy waves. I loved that. Shame about the dress, I thought.

“Do you have a belt?” I said hopefully, “Just a skinny one? To give it some shape?”

“Uh, did I mention all the eyeliners? Could I interest you in any of these three eyeshadow palettes?”

“I’ll take that as a no on the belt. Exactly what kind of mischief are you planning for us?”

“The naked kind,” she said.

“I only like you as a friend,” I deadpanned.

“Your loss. My boobs are amazing,” she said with a laugh, “but I plan to find a gorgeous beach bum with a year-round tan and one of those pukka shell necklaces, and we’re going to go all night long.”

“Making necklaces from shells you find on the beach,” I said sarcastically.

“Yes. I assume that’s how he makes his living—selling shell necklaces. And hopefully his favorite hobby is full-body massage.”

“Ah, I see. A renaissance man,” I giggled.

“And you’re going to find one, too. You’re so serious. You’re not even thirty. Live a little. You’ve been so caught up in your career, you forget to let your hair down.”

“My hair is, quite literally, down,” I said, indicating the red hair tumbling down my back, “Look, I even got highlights before we came. So I look beachy.”

“They’re good. Very subtle. Unlike that dress.”

“Oh my God. I’m taking it off right now,” I whipped it over my head and flung it in disgrace onto a chair.

“When we get back home, maybe have it made into some throw pillows.”

“I’m gonna throw a pillow at you any minute now,” I said, “now find me something else to wear. I don’t know how to dress for a vacation. Just the office.”

“That is so sad. Especially when you brought enough clothes for both of us to survive the apocalypse.”

“Just help me,” I said.

“Wear this,” she said, pulling out a romper with tiny polka dots on it, “this actually looks like someone in their twenties would wear it. Tell me again how you own something this cute and trendy?”

“You bought it for me,” I groaned.

“Exactly. I have fabulous taste,” she said.

I wiggled into the romper and changed sandals.

“Better?”

“Yes. Now how do I look?”

“You came here in those shorts. And that tank top. What did you even do?”

“I put on more eye makeup since that’s mostly what I packed apparently.”“Were you planning on doing makeup videos on the smoky eye from the hotel room?”

“I have no idea what I was thinking. Our flight out was at six this morning so it’s a miracle I even showed up in time. I can’t be held responsible for idiotic packing choices.”

“That purple eyeshadow is so… purple,” I teased.

“Yeah, it goes good with your throw pillow dress,” she said sarcastically.

“Let’s go find you some beach boy to bang. No reason to waste any time,” I said.

“I’m not picking someone up tonight. I’m going to be jet-lagged tomorrow. I need to rest up, lounge around.”

“We’re working tomorrow.”

“You’re relentless. Are you trying to make sure I don’t have the energy to have fun?”

“Nope. You’re more than welcome to hook up with whoever you want on this trip. I won’t say a word.”

“Bullshit. Of course you will.”

“Okay, I’ll tease the hell out of you, but I’m not going to judge or anything. I want you to have fun,” I said.

“Thank you. I want that for you, too. Promise me you’ll try. You won’t be closed off to anything.”

“I’m not forward like that. I can’t go after guys.”

“Sure you can. You go after what you want at work,” she protested.

“I know, but this is different. I don’t want guys to think I’m easy,” I admitted.

“Honey, I promise. Everyone knows you’re difficult,” she said flatly.

“Asshole,” I responded with a smile.

“You know what I mean. You do not give off the vibe of a woman out for a good time.”

“Really. What vibe do I give off?”

“Waiting for a reply to a priority email you just sent to the office. All business. All work and no play,” she said.

“Really? Even in the cute romper?”

“Yeah. It’s just a romper, honey, it’s not a disguise,” she said.

“You’re so salty today, I swear,” I laughed.

“Let’s go,” she said, “My purple eyeshadow and I are ready to