Chapter two hundred and eighty eight:
Becky and Christy wandered the mall arm in arm. They had decided
to go to the mall together, bringing Jimmy with them to supervise them. He was
kind enough to walk several paces behind them, where he could still watch them
protectively, but was out of ear shot.
The two girls had already gone for manicures and pedicures, and
had chatted eagerly about celebrity gossip and the articles in the latest
issues of Cosmo.
They had wanted Jenna to go with them, but she politely declined,
claiming she wanted to do some work around the house and spend time with Luke.
Both girls suspected something was up, but neither were brave enough to bring it up in the other’s presence. It
wasn’t that they didn’t trust the bodyguard; they simply didn’t want anything
to get back to the boys.
At last, both girls made the excuse of needing a rest-room break. While
Jimmy politely waited outside the women’s washroom, both Becky and Christy
stood at the counter.
“So what do you think is really wrong with Jen?” Christy asked.
She had been the first to doubt Jenna’s excuse to stay home.
Becky shrugged. “She said she wanted to contribute something to
dinner tonight, whatever that means.”
“Oh crap. I hope not more tofu burgers. I mean, the last time I
just barely choked it down-“ Christy sighed, fluffing
her hair in the mirror.
“I don’t think it’s that.” Becky replied. “Who knows, maybe she is
making something for dinner, but that wouldn’t take the place of a day at the
mall. Do you think something is wrong?”
“No, she would have told us that.”
“Well, maybe she and Luke wanted the time alone… you know.” Becky
suggested.
“That’s probably it. It’s probably a privacy thing.” Christy
nodded. She pursed her lips and examined her reflection. Checking for a
‘baby-bump’ had become a reflex whenever she was in the presence of a mirror.
“So what do you think of
“A girlfriend? I thought it was only one date.”
Becky asked in confusion, turning on the taps to wash her hands.
“When Isaac called earlier, he filled me in. He said
“Hmmm…” Becky considered this. “I’m interested in meeting her. I’m
curious.”
“Me too. At first I wondered if she was a
pro.”
“A pro?” Becky asked in confusion.”
“A hooker.”
“Oh.” Becky paused. “That’s gross. I’m sure
“You can never tell. There are high-end hookers.” Christy laughed.
“Well, at least he’s done pining for Jen.”
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Jenna finished laying the last layer of her vegetarian lasagna in
the pan. She had wanted a vegetarian alternative to the lasagna that Becky had
made that morning.
The girls had gone to the mall to visit the spa and to buy
clothes, but Jen remained behind. Luke was busy working to finish his essays
for school. Still a little freaked out by what had happened the night before,
she didn’t feel up to the task of straying too far from home.
Luke came into the kitchen, whistling idly. He smiled broadly
seeing her standing at the island, sprinkling cheese onto her dinner masterpiece.
He leaned over the counter, and kissed her cheek lightly.
“What’s this you’re making?” He asked with a smile.
“Vegetarian lasagna.” She replied without looking
up.
“Well, even though it’s missing all the good stuff, I promise to
try yours just because you made it.” He reached into the bowl of shredded
cheese and lifted a handful to his mouth.
“Luke!” She laughed, playfully. “That’s for the lasagna!”
“Sorry all gone.” He teased, sitting on one of the stools.
“Good thing I made extra then.” She laughed, dumping the rest of
the contents of the bowl on top of her lasagna. She lifted the dish and
carefully placed it in the oven, setting the timer.
“Are you almost finished your papers?” She asked, walking around
the kitchen island to stand next to him.
“Just about.” He replied proudly. “It feels good
to be nearly finished.”
“Good… maybe we can go out tonight, and celebrate or something.”
She shrugged.
Luke smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her
onto his knee. “That sounds perfect. Just you and me?”
“Or we could see if Zac and Becky want to go…” Jenna shrugged.
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