Gwyneth agreed, and we headed inside to change. I took the guest bathroom that was closest to the backyard and slipped out of my clothes. My fear was confirmed when I faced the mirror. The triangles were two sizes too small, and no matter how I adjusted them, far too much of my breasts were exposed. The bottoms weren’t much better. The back cut in, revealing more than I wanted to. At least that part of me would be covered by water. I’d have to slouch down to keep my chest from view. I was worried if I made one wrong move, I’d end up naked in front of everyone.
I didn’t want to go the short distance through the house in so little clothing, so I slipped on my shirt and tugged it as far down as I could before running for the backdoor. Luckily, it was away from the rest of the party, and I didn’t see anyone on my way out, but my fortune ran out when I saw that everyone was already in the water.
How had they all changed so fast?
“Hurry, Ave. It’s so warm in here.” Sky waved me over.
I forced a smile and mustered as much confidence as I could. If I didn’t signal there was a problem, then they wouldn’t pay attention.
A pile of clothing sat on one of the chairs several feet from the hot tub. I’d have to walk about three yards. That wasn’t too bad, but the longer I stared at the distance, the more it stretched out.
“You okay?” Gavin asked.
I nodded and pulled my shirt over my head and dropped it on the pile. I couldn’t look at them. I stared at the floor and carefully closed the distance. I wanted to sprint over, but I was almost certain my top couldn’t handle that much movement.
“Holy shit,” Vince whispered, and my eyes locked on him, but his gaze was zeroed in on my chest.
I crossed my arms and made it to the edge. I kicked my leg over the edge and lowered myself between CeeCee and Luca.
“Damn girl. I underestimated you.” Gwyneth giggled.
“I was right, though. Your top never would have worked,” CeeCee said.
I wanted to sink below the water and only resurface when they were gone.
“Yeah, not a chance.” Gwyneth sat up and adjusted the straight band of her top. The brief, three or four inches of fabric looked great on her, giving her the illusion of more curves than she really had. They were right. I never could have been able to squeeze into that.
“I do not mind,” Sky said with a cocky grin.
I shook my head and lowered myself until my chin was grazing the water.
“Stop,” Gavin snapped at him. “Leave it.” He looked at the others.
I risked a glance at each of them and found them suddenly interested in anything but me.
“Now that we’re here and have some privacy,” Gwyneth spoke up, “let’s check-in. What have you guys been able to find out about relocating us? Have you spoken to your parents?”
Gavin went first. “I’ve tried to get information without being direct. The fact that they haven’t brought anything up is very suspicious. They’re pretty open with me.”
“That’s true,” Vince agreed.
“I’ve been listening for any news, but my dad hasn’t said anything. Do you think something’s changed?” Luca asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing. My dad hasn’t mentioned the attacks or moving us either.” Gwyneth sighed. “I was hoping one of you would know something. I hate just waiting for them to decide our futures.”
“We’ve gone weeks without hearing something, so maybe the threat is gone,” CeeCee suggested.
I wanted to believe that. My life already gave me enough stress to occupy my mind. Thinking about being sent away was too much.
“Can we talk about something else?” I asked.
All eyes turned to me.
“Like what?” Gwyneth asked with a healthy dose of sass.
I sighed. “Something happy or positive? I know this is important, but we don’t know anything and it’s getting overwhelming.”
Her eyes softened a bit. She wasn’t always the bossy, mean girl she portrayed. From the messages we’d exchanged, I learned she was as worried and insecure as I was. Once she showed me her softer side, I saw through her facade and realized we might be friends.