Page 102 of Bump and Run

“Ty let me in.”

“Oh.”

“Why aren’t you dressed?” she asks. “Did you forget about Mom’s birthday?”

I cringe. “Kind of…?”

She tilts her head with annoyance. “Well, hurry up and shower first. You smell like sex.”

“Shh!” I lay a finger against my mouth and lower my voice to a whisper. “I need a few minutes here—”

“Wait…” She takes a step back and glances over my shoulder with an upturned nose. “You really do have a girl in there.”

I nod. “Give me like twenty minutes—”

“What happened with Eliza?” she accuses.

“It is Eliza.”

“Seriously?” She bites her lip, cringing. “Did she hear the bimbo thing?”

“Yes, she heard the bimbo thing.”

“Sorry,”she hisses. “I want to meet her.”

My chest jolts. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because—”

Maggie pushes forward and throws the door open before I even know what’s happening.

“Mag—”

Luckily, Eliza was blessed with the glorious gift of foresight and she’s already dressed in her blouse and skirt by the time I follow Maggie inside.

“Hi! You must be Eliza.”

“Hi,” Eliza says, forcing her tangled hair to one side of her neck.

“Ellie…” I sigh. “This is my sister, Maggie.”

Maggie takes several steps forward. “It’s so great to finally meet you. I’ve heard all about you.”

Eliza’s eyes flick up at me. “Really?”

“Well—” Maggie waves a hand. “Nothing too personal or anything.”

“Mag—” I tug her back towards the door. “Can you excuse us, please?”

“Oh, sure. I’ll just wait in the living room— Oh, hey!” She pulls her arm from my grasp. “Eliza, you should come with us to the party.”

“Party?” Eliza mutters.

I grab her again. “No, Mag, bad idea—”

“It’s a great idea!” she argues. “Today is our mother’s birthday and we’re going to see her. You should come along. It’ll be fun.”

---