Surprised by his outburst, Zadia took another gulp. "If it makes you feel any better, I don't mind helping out. After all, four pairs of eyes are better than two."
Adam playfully winked at her, giving her a flirtatious smile. "In more ways than one I can say." His voice carried more tone when he drank, his accent thick. "If no one's told you so already, you look beautiful today... always."
Zadia chuckled nervously, tipping her beer can his way. "Thank you." She kindly said, noting that Adam liked to flirt when he was under the influence.
"Aren't you two just lovely?" Lynn commented, dryly. She nudged Adam, making him get off the cooler. She bit her lip, contemplating what to drink for the afternoon. "Still being stuck up and not getting in the water?" Her question was directed towards Zadia, but she hadn't looked her way yet.
A fruit cocktail is what she later settled for.
Zadia shrugged. "If that's what you wanna call it, then yeah." She took several more gulps, before standing up. Throwing her mandarin peels in the bucket to the left of her, she picked up Tino and carried him away. Her sandals flapped against the wet grass as she walked in Abel's direction. He was still cracking jokes with Roman. "Sorry to interrupt, we're gonna go walking around. Shout when the beans are done."
She was making bean soup again for herself tonight.
Abel and Roman turned to look at her. "Alright, I'll keep an eye on the stove," Abel responded.
"No, you won't. Abel's busy on the grill." Roman spoke up.
Zadia's eyebrows furrowed. "It's beans. I'm sure Abel doesn't mind. Right, Abel?"
Abel nervously waved, between the two. "I don't mind."
"He does. Abel, give us a second," Roman grumbled, flipping another burger. Abel hastened away, leaving them alone. Casually, Roman flipped another burger over. "The kid needs a break, so I'm giving him one. You on the other hand can keep an eye on your beans, especially if you want to drink one of those." He pointed at the can in her hand. "How many of those have you had?"
Zadia held up her pointer finger. "Not that I have to tell you. This is my first one." She raised the can his way. "I can drink occasionally, Roman." She stated.
"I know that, but Adam is drunk and Lynn is pretty much right up there with him, which means no one's keeping surveillance. I need you sober... for emergency purposes of course."
She almost smirked. "Well look at that, it sounds like you need me."
He scoffed. "If that's what you think I'm saying, then sure."
She placed the beer can on top of the nearest container. "Bull." Zadia switched Tino to her other arm and she backed away to rid them of the heat of the grill. "I didn't know you and Lynn had matching tattoos."
Roman paused, trying to detect her tone. "That's because it falls onto the list of things I never mention until you bring it up." He stated, taking the cooked burgers off the grill. When Zadia remained silent, Roman looked at her only to find her gaze elsewhere. A yellow moth held her interest. "It's just a moth." He stated, watching her eerie expression.
Zadia shushed him. "They bite."
"They're harmless insects. Won't even feel a thing."
ChApTeR - 18 🔞
Start from the beginning
