Chapter 6

I spent most of our shopping day trailing behind the others, answering automatically while my mind churned over feelings I couldn’t quite sort out. Sally seemed determined to spoil us. At one point, I pointed to her credit card and said, “Look, it’s overheated. See that smoke curling off it?”

Our first stop was a custom bra shop. I’d never heard of such a thing, but I escaped with three of the most perfectly fitted bras in a color close to my natural skin tone. By the time they finished equipping the three of us, we had stupidly happy smiles on. I was humming the witch Elphaba’s song “Defying Gravity” because that’s what those bras were doing—Mom’s 41D in particular.

Before I put my shirt back on, I rushed over to Sally and hugged her.

“You’re spending too much money on us. We could never pay you back, you know.”

“Terri, you’re paying me back by how you feel right now.”

I hugged her even tighter, squashing our boobs. It was fun, actually.

“Why are you being so generous?”

“It’s simple, really. John won a big lawsuit, and his share of the proceeds leaves us in a position to easily spoil you three. You were absolutely right, Patty needs an interview suit, and a computer so she can apply online. I can’t let my sister down when she’s been in such a pickle.”

That’s how the rest of the shopping trip went. We ended up with several outfits each, even though we had little need to be dressed according to Rule One. At the end of the day, I waited for John to come home from work, escape from his business suit, and come out naked to the living room. That’s when I attacked him.

“Sally says you’re ultimately to blame for all the spoiling she did today.” I climbed into his lap and covered his face in sweet little kisses.

“Hey! Whoa! Patty’s my sister-in-law, which makes you my niece. I’m spoiling you three because I easily can. And because I want your mother and eventually you girls to have successful careers, just like I want Hank and Jake to have.”

“Yeah, I understand that. I just want you to know how grateful I am.” I wiggled my ass—grinding into his lap. Then I hopped away, smiling, before he could get too excited. “Mom will take care of you tonight, John.”

At that moment, delicious smells were coming from the kitchen, as Sally and Mom collaborated. I felt a light tap on my shoulder and turned to find Jake.

“Terri, can I talk with you?”

“Sure. Uh, let’s go to the backyard, please.”

Behind the house, we found a shady spot with a couple of chairs.

“Terri, I want to apologize to you.”

“Apologize? For what?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. But something is going on with you that’s different from Deb. And I want to be sure that you’re OK.”

“Jake, uh, thank you for asking. I’m fine, really. I think you’re great, and asking about me shows what a great guy you are. I’m going to tell you what I told Deb last night.”

Jake frowned. “Deb? I don’t understand.”

“Listen, please. I told her that as far as I’m concerned, the two of you should not hesitate to enjoy each other. Certainly not on my account. I want you to be treated the same as Hank.”

“OK, but why? Terri, I’m more attracted to you than to Deb.”

“Oh, come on. There’s nothing I have that Deb doesn’t have. We’re even wearing the same size bra. Has she offended you in some way?”

“No, not at all. Look, Terri. I hardly know you, but I’m attracted. I’d like to know you better. In this house, we’re all sex-crazy, but you’re holding yourself back. It’s none of my business, I know. Let me say, though, if there’s anything I can do, I’m here for you. Like now, we can talk. I want ... I hope you will be happy living here with us.”

“I’ll remember that, and thank you, Jake. Can we, uh, stand up, please.” I gave him a chaste hug, with both of us facing in the same direction.

“Jake, you’re a wonderful guy. I know you’re going to thrill your next girlfriend, and enjoy your time with Deb in the meantime.”