Chapter 2

The following week-end came with summers first really hot sunshine.

Both mother and I are sunbathing in our new bikini- swimsuits on the grass beside the little pool. Music filters around us from the radio. Gerald had set up the cocktail trolley, and mother even invites me to share a drink. “ Come on Jade, your old enough now for a cocktail; Gerald, mix her a stiff Martini!”

The cocktail tasted good and its heady effect gave me a pleasant feeling that was relaxing. Margo was chatting with me like a friend and we giggled together over Gerald’s antics to persuade us to pose for his photos. Eventually we pose together in our bikinis for him.

“Oh how I love to see girls in bikinis!” he said taking the snap. “ Well, mother laughed, you need to get yourself of to France Gerald, they’re all sunbathing top-less over their these days, Oo la la!”

Gerald replied impishly,” Must I travel all the way to France when I have my own two beauties here on the lawn in England?” Mother laughed and waved her finger at him, “ Oh you naughty flatterer, your daring me aren’t you, well just for that I am going to do it, so there! And with that she unhooked her top, unveiled her breast and struck a pose. She had a pair to be proud of; capped with large ruby nipples; which had seen plenty of recent sunshine.

Gerald tip-toed theatrically to her and swivelled her gently for the best light and and then stepping back took the shot. “ That’s a great one for the album Honey!” he chuckled.

Mother was so pleased with herself but then turned with pursed lips studying me, “ Hey, come on Jade, get your top off and have one taken for the album!” she challenged.

I froze at the thought of how little bust I had to show... “ Oh ... No thanks all the same.” I stammered.

Mother gave a knowing glance to Gerald, “ I thought you said she was growing up?” she gibed warmly.

This was difficult. If I refused, I was spurning acceptance and friendship; yet in front of mother it felt demeaning. Gerald came up close and softly spoke to me a moment. I’m not sure what he said but I gave willing smile and unhooked my bikini-top. Then looking mother in the eye, I pulled the top away and brushed my naked breast casually with my wrist. Gerald gently cheered and swayed to the music.

Margo raised her glass in acknowledgement and we exchanged a smile; then facing Gerald I struck a pose and my topless snap was taken.

“Well done Jade, you’ve been a good sport.” smiled mother as she came over to me, “ Anyway darling, you’ll have a pair like mine before long!” she jested.

We all laughed together. Margo really had broken the ice; calling me darling!

“This is marvellous!” cried Gerald going to the cocktail trolley, we’ve all earned another drink!”