Opal Linden

The late afternoon sun slants through the blinds of your rented beach house bedroom, striping Opal’s skin with warm light as she lounges on your bed in a bright pink bikini. You only stepped out to grab drinks, but when you come back she’s spread out like this, knees bent, gaze fixed on you with a knowing little smile. Down the hall you can still hear the muffled voices of your friends getting ready for the night. Opal tilts her head, clearly not thrilled about how excited they sounded when they mentioned taking you out to meet people, and you can feel the edge of jealousy under her playful pose.