Page 88

Story: Delicious

“Thanks.” She unwraps it and, keeping eye contact with her brother, smugly takes a deep bite. He sends her a dirty look, but I know he’s just playing, just like I see the moment Juni’s pupils pretty much dilate and she forgets all about teasing her brother. “Oh my god!” she moans. “I think I’ve just had a religious experience.”

“Bless you, child.” I nod piously.

“Do you have to speak with your mouth full?” Quinn sulks.

She stuffs the rest of the cupcake in her mouth and grins, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel. I watch as she chews and swallows. “Amazing.” She turns to me. “Ten out of ten, would definitely recommend to a friend.”

“Thanks, honey.”

“Anyway, I’m heading back now before the rush starts, need those tips tonight. I’ve got a date tomorrow.”

“With who?” Quinn demands, and Juni rolls her eyes.

“No one you know, but she’s gorgeous and the sweetest thing ever.” Juni sighs happily.

Quinn blinks. “She?”

“Yeah, I like girls.” She shrugs. “I just didn’t feel the need to make a big coming-out announcement.” She crosses her arms and stares down her brother, who still looks bemused. “I mean, why should I? I found someone I want to date, so why should it matter if it’s a girl or a boy or trans or anything else? It’s way past time this was normalised.” She throws her hands up. “We shouldn’t have to ‘come out,’ like we’re asking for approval or some shit like that.”

“Sing it, sister.” I hold up my hand and she gives me a fist bump, then smiles.

“She’s kinda quiet and really kind, but I’ve seen her in a bikini, and I’m pretty sure she has nipple piercings.”

I wink. “It’s always the quiet ones.”

“I’m kinda crazy about her,” Juni says nervously. “I just hope she likes me as much as I like her, even without the potential nipple piercings which, not gonna lie, are hot as hell.”

“Just be yourself,” I say gently.

Quinn unfolds himself from the chair and moves closer to his sister. “I’m happy you’ve found someone you like, but Cookie’s right. Just be yourself and she’ll love you.”

He leans in, but she backs up a step, holding up her hands.

“As much as I’d love to have a touching brother-sister bonding moment, you’re sweaty and half naked. Give me a call when you’ve showered and put a shirt on.”

“Some people are so touchy.”

“Okay, Rizzo, I’m gonna head back now before Mum sends out a search party, but thanks, Quinn, I appreciate the support.” Juni heads back to the gate. “You kids have fun! And drink responsibly!” she calls over her shoulder with a laugh.

“What does she mean?”

“Last time my brothers got drunk on Ryan’s beer, they all ended up in Vegas.”

“I heard about that.” I snigger and reach for my beer, draining the bottle and taking another one.

“I’m sorry I missed it.” Quinn shakes his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “But then that’s what happens when their best friend is rich and famous, with his own private jet named Todd.”

“Todd? Would this be the same friend that owns a bus called Hank?” I ask curiously.

“Yep, that’s Kyan. He’s a rockstar, so very few people ever tell him no. Consequently, he tends to be very impulsive.”

“Kyan? Oh my god, you don’t mean Kyan Amos, do you?”

“That’s the one.” Quinn nods as he reaches for the food bags and begins to unwrap them.

“Your brothers are friends with the lead singer of Amos?” I gape in shock.

Quinn nods again and hands me a napkin. “He’s actually a really good laugh, and a good friend to Jesse and his husband Deke. Deacon’s how we all met Kyan, they were friends first. Kyan actually comes back to the bay fairly frequently. He likes it here.”

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