Lauren
I lay in bed, tossing an orange into the air. Words. I need *good* words. All week I’ve been grinding, trying to write a decent paragraph for the current book. And I’m still coming up empty. My phone’s been buzzing like crazy. I finally gave up, shut down my laptop, and grabbed my phone. Three messages from James. One from Dad. And sixteen memes from Andy. I opened Dad’s first. “Will be home late. Order pizza. Love you.” Alright, Dad. Pizza it is. I opened James’ messages and a smile tugged at my lips. He sent a selfie with his dog. I went out to the balcony to reply, needed a breath of air. I typed:
Lauren: I don’t know who’s cuter—you or the dog.
James: He’ll bite you if you don’t answer correctly.
Lauren: You or the dog? lol
James: *Sent a photo*
I played the photo he sent. Hello, half-naked James. Okay, the dog is cute. But *half-naked James*? For crying out loud. “Mia! Come over here.” I heard him say. “No!” A voice snapped back. James rushed toward the sound. Mia appeared in the shot, brushing her teeth. “Mia, say hi to my girlfriend.” He edged closer. Her eyes widened. “James! Stop!” And the bathroom door slammed shut. He laughed, and the video ended.
James: So yeah, that was my sister. Hahaha. Mia.
Of course. I remember. The first girl to see him naked, and it has to be his boyfriend’s sister. I rolled my eyes. It’s been a week, but it still burns. Hold it. I re-entered my room and sat back in bed, powering up my laptop. A different scenery. Yes. *That’s* what’s been missing from this story. Scratch condo living. He’s near the sea now. Where the breeze and the color of the ocean can bring him both sorrow and joy. I hope I can bring this character to justice. For the next hour, I typed until my battery died. Evening slipped by, productive as hell. I checked my phone and realized it was past midnight. I’d forgotten to text James. I read his last message.
James: So now who’s cute? Me or my sister?
James: Babe?
I winced. Two hours ago. I quickly typed a reply. “Babe, I’m sorry. Been writing. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I splashed some water on my face and prepared for bed. Eager for a new day. I replayed our conversation since this morning, the photos he sent. His last message lingered. ‘Who’s cute? Me or my sister?’
Mia
“You ready for the game tonight?” Ben asked, eyes full of expectation. “I’m *always* ready to kick some butt, Ben.” Two hours left till shift’s over. It’s always a long, hard day on Fridays at the Pink Bean Cafe. I’m so ready to go home, change into my sweatpants, and be greeted by my furry little best friend. The bell above the door jangled, and it swung open. “What’s up, James?” Ben greeted the customer. I turned around, not just to see my brother, but his hands around Lauren. She immediately met my eyes. God, she’s stunning. She looked a bit surprised to see me, but she smothered a smirk anyway. And that’s all I needed to smile back. James and Ben continued their conversation as I prepared to take their orders. Seconds later, Ben went back to his station as I punched down James’ favorite beverage. “What do you want, babe?” He pulled out the Spider-Man wallet I gave him last Christmas.
“Uhm… I dunno.” She scanned the menu above my head. Of course, she doesn’t know it. She’s never been here before. If she had, I’d definitely remember. “What’s your favorite drink here, Mia?” She looked back at me. Well, *that* was unexpected. No one’s asked me that before. I glanced at James. “Have you two met?” He pointed back and forth between us. “Because this is my sister, Mia. I don’t think I’ve made introductions.” He looked dumbfounded. Lauren hadn’t told him about our… uh… encounter. Why didn’t she tell him? Is it hot in here? Who turned down the AC? Three more customers came, and we all turned toward the door. Saved by the bell. “I’ll just have whatever you recommend.” She said. James handed me a bill. I thought for a moment. “Vanilla Cream Bean it is.” I smiled as I finalized their order. More customers came and went before we could even say it was nice to meet each other. Again.
I glanced at my watch. Closing time. I’ve been watching the table of our last customers since they stepped into the cafe. James and Lauren are deep in conversation. And I have to admit, they look good together. I’d be lying if I said James is the ugliest brother in the world. And paired with someone as gorgeous as Lauren? They’re one hell of a couple. James held her close and kissed her on the lips. She smiled and glanced around, catching me staring at their love affair. She seemed embarrassed and softly pushed him away. I’ve seen James kiss girls before. It’s not a big deal. But I appreciate Lauren’s concern about her little sister witnessing such an intimate scene.