Mark stepped in closer, talking softly. “We’d love to. In fact, Alicia wanted to know if maybe you wanted to bail with us after dinner.”
“What do you mean?”
Mark chuckled and said, “Alicia knows how your Mom is. She’ll want you celebrating all night, as is tradition, but we also you know your Mom will try to steal the thunder.”
“You got that right.”
“We think we can get your Mom to bend the tradition a bit and leave with us early.”
“How? Tell Mom that you and Alicia have something planned for us after dinner?”
“That’s right. We do have something planned. We could get you out of there by 10:30, I bet. What do ya say?”
“I’d love it! Have you asked Bernie?”
“Alicia’s doing that.”
I had no idea if Mark and Alicia’s intention was to keep us up partying into the wee hours of the morning, as is tradition for Nude Day, but they were definitely freeing us from the grasp of Mom. That was the important thing. If they wanted to entertain us with a post-dinner double date of sorts, it would be a dream come true for both me and my brother. I caught up with Bernie later, as we were wrapping up the picnic. He kept his line of sight away from me as I approached. He didn’t want to risk getting a woody. “Hey, did you talk to Alicia?” I asked.
“Yes!” Bernie shouted. “You heard about it then? Their idea? You in?”
“Fuck, you know the answer to that. Of course, I’m in.”
“I never knew Mark was into you.”
“What do you mean?”
“He didn’t tell you? He mentioned he noticed how much you’ve grown through college. He’s super impressed. He also said you have a fine set of tits.”
I probably should been upset that Mark was so crass when talking about my body, but I loved it. “Tell me more. Anything else?”
“I think I might have a real shot at Alicia.”
“Really?”
Bernie was all smiles, his cheeks flush with an invigorated energy. “Yeah, I don’t think she’s ever been that talkative around me before.” I found it curious how quickly he has building his confidence while in this naked state, considering the months of worrying we endured.
“Maybe being naked around her drops her guard. Allows her to open up.”
“Huh. Maybe.”
“Or maybe she just likes checking out your junk.” I had to joke. After all, I’m still his sister.
“Haha. Very funny. No, I think she might actually like me.”
“Worth a shot, Berns,” I smiled.
**
“Hey, are you taking a shower before we go to Ernesto’s?” Bernie asked, peeking into my room. I was on the floor, writing in my journal. I noticed that ever since we got home from the picnic, Bernie would sometimes take brief glimpses of my naked body. I suppose the handjob may actually have helped earlier.
“Yeah, I was going to jump in soon. Why? Do you want to go first?”
“Well, uh… I dunno,” Bernie stepped inside my room now. Of course, that put me face to crotch with the monster. “I was thinking, why not take a shower with you? I wanted to talk to you about a game plan.”
“Game plan? What do you mean?”
“Come on, Beebs. The thing tonight! Can you believe it? Alicia AND Mark both being into us? Surprising us with this date thing. I thought maybe we should put a little plan together. Like, if Mark wants to take you somewhere private, you can signal whether that’s something you’re cool with.”