Chapter ６

When Leonid joined us shortly after, he beamed at the newcomer. “Daphne! Damn, haven’t seen you since we left high school. California is treating you well; you look good.” Leonid nodded to himself, looking her up and down, and added quietly, “Dammed good.”

I was reminded then of all the rumors I heard on campus. About him and other girls. Rumors that continued, even after we became exclusive. Was I a fool for trusting him?

“I think the question is, Leonid, what are you doing up so early?” Machel’s voice brings me back to the present.

“Just need some water. I’m heading straight back to bed.”

If I were any other girl, I would have walked back to bed with him. But I stay where I am.

“Oh, Arlene?” Leonid glances at me. “Georgiais picking us up at eleven.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, all the guys are playing ball today.” He starts to walk out of the kitchen, but throws over his shoulder, “And, sweetheart, wear a bikini or something, will you? The girls normally sunbathe while watching us play.”