Free Love Letters by Geraldine Solon Page B

several times before Nicole opened the door wearing a robe, her hair wet.
    “ You’re not ready yet?” Chloe asked, entering the house.
    “ Sorry, I took a nap when I came home,” Nicole said. “Maybe you can buy the nachos first.”
    “ Okay, that’s a good idea.”
    Nicole looked her up and down, and then whistled in appreciation. “You’re smoking, girl.”
    Chloe laughed. “Thanks. Now be ready when I get back.”
    Back in her Jetta, she went to Safeway to buy the nachos and salsa. When she returned, Nicole was coming out of the door wearing a short black dress with high heels and matching Prada bag.
    “ Are you ready to party?” Nicole asked, as she ducked into the car.
    “ I’m driving, remember,” Chloe said, shifting the gear to reverse.
    “ C’mon, one drink’s not going to hurt you.”
    Chloe grinned at Nicole’s response. They arrived at Josh’s house ten minutes later. Half Moon Bay was a small town so it was easy to get from place to place. They overheard loud voices and music coming from inside the house. It was an old ranch style house that needed a paint job. It was evident that the previous owners had abandoned what used to be a colorful landscape in the charming courtyard, if the shaggy lawn was any indicator.
    “ I thought we were the only ones invited,” Chloe said as she parked her car and they got out.
    “ That’s what I thought,” Nicole said. “Maybe Phil invited some friends.”
    “ Hmmm.”
    As they strolled up the walk, Matt opened the door and came outside to greet them. “Come in, ladies.”
    They followed Matt inside Josh’s three bedroom house. As they entered, Chloe saw three men playing Xbox at the couch, while two ladies were playing pool in the family room with Josh and Phil. From the outside the house had looked old, but inside it was clear that it had been remodeled. It had high ceilings, and white crown moldings that offset the taupe wall coloring and dark hardwood floors.
    “ Hello, ladies, so glad you came,” Josh said walking towards them. “Remember my brother Phil?”
    “ It’s been a long time,” Phil said, shaking their hands. “It’s good to see old friends.”
    Phil looked amazingly similar to Josh, but his skin was much darker, perhaps from surfing, and his hair was darker too.
    “ You both look so lovely,” Josh said, his eyes glued to Chloe. “Let me introduce you to the others.”
    Nicole and Chloe followed him to the dining room where two decidedly beautiful women sat on one side of the table.
    “ Chloe, remember me?”
    Chloe squinted.
    “ It’s Heather, from fourth grade summer camp.”
    “ You two know each other?” Josh asked.
    Chloe scratched her head. “Heather… Heather?”
    “ That’s me,” Heather said, giving her a wide smile.
    Oh my gosh, she looks like a Barbie doll. Chloe remembered her as lanky with thick glasses and braces. They used to call her “The Ugly Duckling.” She was definitely a swan now . “It’s nice to see you.”
    “ Yeah, small world, and this is my friend Amber.” Amber had shoulder length light brown hair while Heather had long brown hair with blonde streaks. They were both wearing a mini skirt and a halter top with high heels.
    “ They look like Barbie twins,” Nicole whispered from behind. Fortunately, the music was quite loud so the two women couldn’t overhear Nicole. “Looks like they’re searching for their Ken.” Chloe nudged Nicole.
    “ I’m serious. They both look like they’ve had a makeover,” Nicole added.
    “ You think so?” Chloe whispered over her shoulder. “Now I feel bad for teasing Heather.”
    “ Let me take those nachos, I’ll put them in a bowl,” Josh said. “Do you want me to mix you both a drink?”
    “ You betcha,” Nicole said, walking over and taking a seat on a bar stool by the dining room.
    “ All right then. I’ll be back in a minute.” He winked.
    Nicole leaned over and whispered, “He hasn’t stopped looking at you, girl.”
    “