Page 44 of Stroked by (Stroked)
With a quick push up from the side, he’s out of the pool and walking toward the photo shoot, stopping to shake hands with Jasper briefly.
“I have your towel,” Pocket calls out, falling to the ground next to me and covering my body.
I lie on the searing concrete, dazed and confused. Practically delirious from the strenuous job I have.
A shadow casts over me and through blurry eyes I see it’s Jasper. “Good job, Bellini. We will talk about tomorrow’s setup. Get some rest.”
He walks away without letting me speak my mind. In a blur, Pocket helps me up from where I’m lying, walks me over to my chair, and sits me down. Carefully, she takes off my swim cap and offers me water.
“I can’t believe they made you swim for so long.”
“I think I saw death at one point,” I answer, leaning back in my chair and looking up to the sky. “I need to get my lawyer to look over those contracts again. And after a long night of researching lesbian bars, I can’t keep up with this kind of demand. I’m only one person.”
“But think of all the good you’re doing.”
“True.” From the side, I see Mauve approaching. “Pocket, quick, hand me my flag.”
Scurrying behind me, Pocket digs into my purse and then places a small rainbow flag in my hand just in time for Mauve to walk up and see me waving it.
“Hello, Mauve. How are you doing?”
She glances at the flag and asks, “I’m fine. Why do you have that in your hand, waving it around like you’re in a parade?”
I laugh. “Oh Mauve, it’s called gay pride. I want to make sure you feel comfortable around me. I’m pro-vaginas touching. I’m waving your colors for you. It’s to show my support for you.”
“Such a humanitarian,” Pocket compliments me from behind.
What I expect to happen is for Mauve to lighten up, maybe brush her hair from time to time, and applaud my decision to be an activist for her rights, but instead, she ignores me and opens up her notebook.
“Tomorrow, Jasper and the crew will be over around noon. Melony, will be at the house around eleven for hair and makeup. They want to record you having a conversation with your dad about your swimming lessons with Reese. He’s already been informed. Wear something comfortable and casual, something you would wear while lounging around the house. I’ll arrive around ten thirty. If you need anything before then, let me know. I have to finish up the photo shoot with Reese, and then I’ll be heading home. Oh, and your dry cleaning is in your car.”
“Um, are you not going to react to my blatant display of generosity?” I wave the flag a little faster, this time in her face.
Mauve pushes my flag down and leans closer. “Bellini, that’s not . . .” She looks around and then I realize what’s going on.
“Oh my God, no one knows you like ladies.” I place my hand on my chest flabbergasted.
Mauve cringes, looks around one more time and then nods. “Yup, so, if we could just keep this between us, that would be great.”
She wants to keep this a secret? I guess I can do that. But who really wants to live a life in secrecy?
“Well, I was unaware. I thought since you wore combat boots in public, you were telling everyone about your personal choices.”
“You know it’s not a choice, right?” she asks.
I wave my hand at her. “Nature versus nurture, whatever. Now, stop standing in front of me, you are blocking the spectators’ view of my divine body in this Missoni striped bandeau halter-top bikini I’m wearing.”
“So you will be ready for filming tomorrow?”
I cock my head to the side and study her. “Are you aware of these two pieces of cartilage hanging off the side of my head? They’re called ears. They unfortunately help me hear your lackluster monotonous voice every time you squawk at me. Of course I will be ready. If anything, I’m a professional. Now beat it, before I renege on my flag waving. You’ve annoyed me.”
With sealed lips, she nods and walks away.
“Ugh, why I decided to take that lesbian under my wing is beside me. She’s exhausted me even more. Pocket, bring me my Tic Tacs. I’m hungry for lunch.”
Chapter Twelve
**REESE**
