Page 121 of A Temporary Forever

Saar’s blond hair is in a messy bun, and she doesn’t take off her large sunglasses. Even wearing a simple white tee and black leggings, she looks like the supermodel she is. “Who is that eye candy over there?”

“Don’t you dare.” Cora swats at her.

“Do you want him for yourself?” Saar teases.

“Yes, but not in the way you think.” Cora rolls hereyes, but she isn’t really mad. This is just us, and it feels so good and normal to hang out.

“When did you arrive? Why didn’t you tell us?” I ask.

“One of my jobs got canceled, and I just needed a change of pace. I’m only here for three days though. And I plan to sleep for most of them.”

“What’s up with the glasses?” Cora bumps her with her elbow.

“I partied all night and then decided it was time for home sweet home, so I’m a bit light-sensitive, shall I say?” She shrugs.

“Jesus, I wish I had your energy.” Cora sighs. “Did you party with someone interesting?”

Saar snickers. “Okay, you wouldn’t believe this, but the guy took me for dinner and then we went dancing. He was gorgeous, and I thought, this might be someone I could stand for longer than one night.”

“Oh my God, the relationship cynic is thawing.” Cora claps her hands.

Saar seems to have sworn off anything resembling commitment. I guess it runs in the family.

Last night’s encounter with Charles van den Linden reminded me that the van den Linden siblings grew up with an example that didn’t really show them what a healthy relationship looks like.

That they can be loving. Mutually enriching. Trusting.

But then I didn’t grow up with such an example, and it didn’t turn me off the idea of romance. Perhaps it’s my mom’s boasting heart that left a more lasting imprint than all the other stuff with my father.

“Hardly. No relationships for me. Listen to this, we’re dancing and having fun and there are touches and we made out a bit… and then he licked my armpit.”

I spit out the coffee I just sipped. “What the fuck?”

“What do you mean he licked your armpit?” Lily laughs.

“Exactly that. I was wearing a sleeveless dress, had my arms up dancing, and the dude leaned in and licked my armpit.”

“By accident?” Cora sounds incredulous.

“No accident. Apparently, for some men, a female armpit is like a pussy.”

“My dry spell has stretched for a while now, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t orgasm if a man licked my armpit instead of my pussy.” Cora shakes her head.

“To each their own kink, but I agree.” Saar shudders.

We continue chatting for a moment before Lily pulls out her tripod again.

“Can I take a picture of you here? It would really help with Cora’s marketing…” Lily fidgets.

Saar looks from her to Cora and then at me.

“Sorry, I know you came to have a break,” Cora interjects after a beat of silence.

“Dude, are you kidding me? Of course you can take my pic. What’s the concept behind it?”

Lily perks up and explains to Saar what she has in mind.

“I guess I’m dismissed as your model,” I tease.

---