“Of course you can! Now, put it on, because I want to take some pictures before we head out.” Peri looked stunning in a baby blue dress that hit high up on the thigh, her perfect breasts jutting out of the square neckline, defying gravity.

They drank good champagne on the floor of the bedroom, forgoing glasses, swallowing huge sips out of the bottle instead, the bubbles making Odilie sneeze, laughing at the silly photos they took on Peri’s phone, their heads touching, Peri leaning hers on Odilie’s shoulder, Peri and Odilie pecking each other on the lips, Peri cupping Odilie’s face.

“How do you even know the Sanderses?” Odilie hiccuped.

“My boyfriend is trying to get the dad to invest in his company. And I’ve seen the kids around. You know, New York party scene and whatnot.” Odilie did not know, but she nodded along like she did. Peri must have sensed Odilie’s unease. “You fake it until you make it, like me. Everyone just loves to talk about themselves. Nod along, compliment them. And soon, you’ll know all the same people, be invited to all the same parties.”

“Will your boyfriend be there?” Peri didn’t talk much about him, the elusive man who was the reason she was summering in Wyneck in the first place. All Odilie knew was that he was a workaholic. Odilie had the feeling that Peri held the reins in their relationship; she couldn’t see it any other way.

“Nope. He’s in the city tonight.” Peri took one last swig from the bottle before getting up, pulling Odilie up with her. “Let’s go. If we stay here any longer, we won’t leave.”

They walked there, arms linked, using their phones as flashlights. Odilie knew a shortcut, down all the beaches, essentially people’s backyards. The ocean was quiet for now, its waves incongruously peaceful for what seemed like such an exciting night.

“God, you’re so easy to get along with,” Peri sighed, her feet brushing against Odilie’s as they padded through the sand, their steps in sync.

“Why?” Odilie giggled. She was feeling amazing, her chest blooming with anticipation of what everyone would say when they noticed her with her painted face, her beautiful dress. They had left Kitty in front of the TV, Cheez-It crumbs dusting her chest. Odilie couldn’t believe that only a few short weeks ago that was what she’d have been doing on a Friday night, too.

“You’re just so...easygoing. Hanging out with you is effortless,” Peri answered and for a second Odilie’s heart deflated. She wanted to be adventurous, fun, amazing. Not easygoing. But if easygoing was why Peri had chosen her as a companion, then so be it.