sunsets with jude

chapter twenty-two: jesus and therapy

My room is kind of a mess right now. Instead of a single C-Cup bra or bikini set on the floor, my swimsuit drawer occupies more than half of the carpet. Even though I know exactly what I'm wearing to my friend's house, I'm lazy and am sitting on my bed. The pile will get put away by the end of the month. 

Other than desperately looking for something to wear, I check my phone every once in a while. Last night, Jude was being extra flirty and I was certain he likes me. Much to my disappointment, he hasn't sent a single message. Not even my daily "hey gorgeous" text pops up on the screen. It's only been about fifteen hours since he almost kissed me in his car, so I cut him some slack.

On a positive note, Eva's picking me up and we're having a sleepover. We haven't seen each other in what feels like forever. Plus, her tan looks really good in her Instagram pictures and I'm sure she's glowing even more in person. 

They say sisters before misters and I hope seeing a close girlfriend helps me forget about my neighbor's bullshit. 

Eva finally lets me know she's outside and I run out, grabbing my stocked overnight bag. I shoot my parents a quick text and make my way to the beautiful white Jeep. 

My best friend received a beautiful and dark tan in the Keys. I was right, her skin is literally glowing like a model's. "Long time no see, sweetheart!" I missed being in her arms with the smell of her strawberry perfume in my nostrils. 

"I missed you, Eva." I say, playing with the end of her blonde ponytail. "When Victoria's home, we better do this again."

Eva puts her hands on her hips and gives me a stern look. "I'm starting to think you like her more."

"Never!" I confirm. "Can we go now?"

She shakes her head and smirks, revealing her pretty teeth. "Patience, Shapiro." 

One of the windows in the back rolls down. "Evangeline! Take me back home!" Carson whines, alerting me of his presence. The cousins have matching pairs of Pit Vipers, only Carson is using his as glasses instead of a hair accessory. 

"Since this is a democracy, we're heading back." Eva gives in, making herself comfortable in the drivers' seat. After she puts her sunglasses on, we speed out of my driveway. 

I have to pray the rosary at least ten times. To put it lightly, Eva isn't the safest driver. It's like being on a ride at Universal with its unpredictable speeding up, slowing down, and turning. Universal's a fun spot, but there's no reason driving should feel like the fastest roller coaster at that theme park. 

Still, I enjoy the ride. Her cousin unfortunately doesn't feel the same. The rearview mirror indicates Carson will pee himself all over the leather seats of Eva's baby. 

"There's no need to floor it." Carson begs, holding onto his seat for dear life. I don't know if Eva heard, let alone heeded his request, but we slow down as the gate becomes closer. That's when she drives us like a normal person. 

Finally the car is a block away from the Hamiltons' and Eva side-eyes her chicken of a cousin. "We're home. You can stop screaming like a little girl now."

"Uncle Tommy and Aunt Nikki won't be too happy about your first speeding ticket." 

"That's not happening anytime soon."

The three of us step out and Carson offers to take my bag from me. I declined and thankfully he's too tired from the eventful drive to press the issue. Eva shifts her attention back to me as she recounts her visits to the picturesque beaches the Keys boast. 

"We have to go for one of our spring breaks." She raves, earning a nod from Carson and I. "The house is walking distance and we can just tan for however long we want."