Free STROKED LONG by Meghan Quinn

that devastating and life-changing night. I can still see the blood. Hear Eva’s screams. Because of me.
    I hate remembering her face when we buried our parents, when we said out last goodbyes.
    “He would have found a way in the house no matter what. He was a psycho with a vendetta, Bodi.”
    “Yeah, but I made it easier for him.”
    “Don’t,” Eva says firmly. “Don’t fucking start with the pity party. We’ve moved past this with Dr. Auburn. We’ve made progress from the past and we’ve moved forward. Do not start blaming yourself again. Do you understand me?”
    That night will forever be branded in my brain as my fault. No matter how many times I talk about it with Dr. Auburn. I might act like it wasn’t my fault to move forward in therapy, but deep down, I harbor the feeling of failing my family, of taking responsibility for everything that happened that night.
    Without my mistake, there’s a huge chance my parents could still be alive today. No doubt in my mind.
     
     

Chapter Five
    RUBY
     
     
    “Gah, this thing is so tight. Why do they make them so tight? I don’t understand. I don’t have any room in here.” Struggle is my middle name right about now.
    “Because it’s a bathing suit and most people like to make sure they stay on when they’re swimming around,” Lauren calls out from her stall. “And you are the only person who insists upon getting dressed in the bathroom stall.”
    “Sorry that I don’t like to have people watch me shimmy into my bathing suit. I kind of like to keep my private parts to myself.”
    “How hard is it to put a two piece on? You would think my one piece would be more difficult.” Her stall door unlocks, and her feet rest at the front of my stall. “Come on, Ruby.”
    “You’re so im . . . patient,” I grunt. “Screw you, bottoms.”
    “Why are you having such a hard time? Isn’t it just a pair of undies and bra you have to put on?”
    “It’s more than that,” I answer, a loud snap sounding in my stall. “Jeeze,” I huff, resting my hand against the wall, boobs still out and about. “I’ve worked up a sweat already.”
    “I’ve got to see this bathing suit.”
    “It’s adorable.”
    “Adorable isn’t really what is conducive to swim lessons.”
    It is when you’re taking them from Hotty McHotty Pants with the destructive blue eyes and sixteen-pack of abs. Yes, sixteen. Each individual ab has its own set of abs. He’s devastating with his shirt off.
    After speaking with Eva, since Bodi wasn’t taking my calls, I will blame his ignoring tendencies on the Target incident, I realize I know nothing about swimming and to make an impact on the foundation, I need to get to know the sport a little more. Therefore, I signed up for one of Bodi’s classes . . . swimming with a bunch of kids. Even though I will be floating around with a bunch of booger-eating earthlings, I felt it important to buy a new bathing suit.
    Am I trying to impress Bodi? Uh, yeah.
    That’s why I’m putting on my vintage-inspired, high-waist two-piece I purchased off ModCloth two days ago. That speedy shipping just about broke the bank, but it was an important investment. Too bad I didn’t try the sucker on until just now, something I probably should have done before I showed up at the pool.
    Please look cute, please look cute.
    The model in the photo couldn’t have been more adorable in the navy blue polka-dot bathing suit with matching sweetheart top and red pipe stitching. It’s so nautical and adorbs. Ahoy mateys!
    The soft fabric gathers at the back of my neck where I tie it off with a secure double knot. Just because I want to do my boobs some justice, I lift them up individually and situate them to look more perky. Smoothing my hands down my bodice, I appreciate the high waist of the bottoms that shape my curves into a Jessica Rabbit-type figure.
    I guess it’s a good thing the bottoms are tight.
    Feeling pleased, I make my debut and do a little spin for Lauren