𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 | 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐢

Use Protection

The first day in Italy.

I was getting ready to hit the beach with the others after updating Josie on last night's events.

Jose
Whaaaatttt?
Veronicas cheating on Cheryl?!

Me
Right? Idk how I played it off after I
saw those texts last night
Afaik she doesnt suspect I know

Jose
What you gonna do about it?

Me
I feel like I should tell cheryl...
but idk

Jose
I get it
ppl could easily get the wrong impression

Me
Yh
Esp if something ever does happen
between me and her fr

Jose
You need proof
until then... waiting it out seems like
your best bet

Me
Thx.
I needed an outside perspective

Jose
I always got your back x

I put my phone away and started looking through my closet for something to wear, feeling better now that I'd talked it out.

"Cher, what do you think of my new swimsuit? Tres chic, non?"

I glanced out the window and spotted Veronica in the courtyard, showing off her one-piece.

I turned away before I could hear Cheryl's response. If Veronica thought she looked sexy in that, just wait until they see me in this.

With a smirk, I quickly changed into my newly bought tie-dyed, crotcheted bikini with faux shell detail. It fitted snug and sexy, not to mention it made my butt look amazing!

I took one last look at myself in the mirror, then headed out to meet the others.

. . .

Soon, the five of us were driving through a quaint town towards the coast.

"I'm glad you were finally able to join us in Italy, Marcus. The past few days haven't been the same without you." I said to the driver.

He looked at me through the rearview mirror. "It's my pleasure, Ms. Topaz. Although I'm grateful Ms. Blossom gave me the time off to visit my family."

Cheryl smiled. "Please. With how much you do for my family, it was the least I could do."

"Do you think we'll find any crabs at the beach?" Chelsea asked me.

I shrugged. "Maybe. I bet there's all kinds of sea life just waiting for us."

My eyes shifted towards Veronica, who'd been suspiciously quiet as her fingers flew over her phone.

Hmm. I wonder who's got her attention. I sneaked a peek at her phone and read her last text.

Veronica
Now's not a good time.
I'm on my way to the beach with her

My eyes widened. Was she texting her mysterious lover? That's so rude, Cheryl's sitting right there.

Shaking my head, I turned to her. "Hey, V. Who are you texting? We're on vacation."

The car suddenly fell quiet as Cheryl looked at us with a raised eyebrow.

Veronica shrugged. "Just a friend."

I let out a long hum while Cheryl made a confused face before Casey suddenly asked, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

"No. But we will be soon, okay?" Cheryl said to them gently.

After a few minutes passed, Veronica scooted close to me. She lowered her voice so only I could hear.