'Aren't they so cute' Kim said. Joe opened one eye and found himself looking at his four sisters-in-law. 'Hmmm, hi girls' he managed to mumble. He leaned his head slightly, aware that Jill was still lying across him. 'Is she awake?' he asked Kim, stifling a yawn.
His answer came from Jill's own lips. 'Barley' she said. He chuckled. She moved a fraction, 'God you're so comfortable to lie on' she said, patting his little belly. 'I'm glad to be of service' he laughed.
She moved some more, half sat up and rested her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes again for a moment. Her tummy rumbled, surprising herself, making all six of them laugh aloud. 'I guess we'd better make some brunch' she said, turning Joe's arm towards her and reading the time on his watch. 'Stay where you are, we'll prepare something' Jan said to Jill's relief.
She leaned her head back against his shoulder, her hand resting lightly above his belt buckle. Unconsciously she began to scratch his tummy. He reached his head down towards her and whispered in her ear, for her alone to hear. 'I'm looking forward to some alone time too', he said. His voice was loaded. His intentions clear. She giggled, stilled her fingers, their secret message translated now. She snuggled closer, he wrapped his arm around her and they kissed again. A sweet and beautiful exchange. A pact made for later.
'Oh get a room you two', Kelly said, approaching them. 'I swear you're worse than teenagers', she teased. 'But I'm really glad everything worked out for you both', she said, the seriousness evident in her tone. 'We all are', she elaborated, indicating her sisters, busy in the kitchen.
'Where will we sit? Will we go outside?' Kim asked the group at large. Joe was busy reading a message on his phone, Jill was standing nearby, she hesitated and he looked towards her, noticing.
His eyes flicked to Bonny and then back to the phone in his hand, before going back to Bonny again. He raised his eyebrows and she nodded slightly. He put the phone back in his pocket.
'I'm sorry guys I have to deal with something', Joe said, 'it won't take too long. Jilly can you come with me please', he asked, turning his attention to Jill. She looked at him, dragging her eyes away from the poolside. 'Ah, yes, yes of course', she said, visibly pulling her attention back to him. He smiled, 'thanks babe', he said, taking her hand and leading her to the nerve center.
He felt her hesitate at the door, felt her hand pull slightly against him. 'Actually, do you mind if we go upstairs for a moment first', he asked. 'Sure, whatever you need' she agreed, trying to appear unconcerned but wondering what was coming at them next. Would this whole mess ever be over.
At the doorway Joe stood back and let her enter first. Immediately she saw the tiny box on the sideboard. 'What's that?', she asked, her voice tight. 'Honey, you can relax now. This is behind us ...' 'How can you be sure Joe? she said turning to face him. How do we know ...'
He stepped close and wrapped his arms around her, held her tightly to him. He rubbed her back thinking about the conversation he had overheard between her and Bonny yesterday. He had asked Bonny about it in the small hours of the night when Jill was asleep on the sofa and Joe had taken a break from the nerve center. Bonny had sat with him as he drank some Coke, needing the sugar to counteract the post adrenalin slump once he knew the video of him and Jill was no longer a danger to them.
He listened intently to what Bonny told him.
'She is so amazing. Staying so strong for everyone. But I also know she was absolutely dreading the prospect of the video being released', he said to her.
'We need to keep an eye on her over the next day or two', he continued. 'You think it's affected her that much?' Bonny asked him.
'You know her as well as I do. Jilly won't be fully convinced it's all over until I show her proof, and I've been working on that', he said, outlining his endeavors to her. When he was finished she rested her hand on his.
