The Amber Stone by Dara Girard Page B

Teresa only got that glint when she was up to something. “Wait, that was sarcasm.”
    “But it’s a good idea. That’s not something you’d ever think I’d do. It’s something a daring woman would.”
    “It’s stupid.”
    “No, it’s not.” Teresa stood up ready for action. “I’m tired of people like Helene and that police officer looking down their noses at me. I’m going to do this to prove to myself that I’m not afraid. That I can take chances. I’m not crazy. I know what I feel. Life is to be lived with courage and not fear,” Teresa said, pacing back and forth as she thought about how she would pull it off.
    “What?” Michelle asked, not understanding Teresa’s train of thought.
    Teresa stopped in the middle of the living room and stared at her sister. “Would you come with me?”
    “Absolutely not.”
    “Fine, then I’ll call, Jessie.” She grabbed the phone. “I’m sure she’ll understand.”
    Michelle frowned. “This is crazy. Jessie won’t agree to trying to impress people who don’t even matter. No one will see you.”
    Teresa grinned as she dialed. “I’ll just tell her it’s a bet. You know how Jessie feels about bets.”
    Michelle rested her coffee on the counter. Unfortunately, she did know. Jessie could never refuse a bet—the more daring the better. “Hopefully, she’s learned her lesson.”
    Teresa shushed her. “Hello, Jess...? Hi...great. I was wondering if you could go to the bay with me tomorrow morning around five. I know it’s early and cold, but I bet this guy I would jump in. Who? Uh…a police officer. Yea, a real jerk, macho type. What? Great...I’ll see you around five. Bye.”
    Teresa hung up the phone and smiled with triumph. “It’s all set.”
    “Yes, and you’re crazy as a loon.”
     
    ***
     
    “I think you two have lost your minds,” Michelle lamented as the three women drove to the bay the following morning as the sun was just about to rise.
    “You’ve already said that ten times, Mich. You might as well recognize that we don’t care,” Teresa said.
    “Yes,” Jessie agreed already in a competitive mood. “Teresa has to show this police officer where to put his opinions.”
    “If he shows up,” Michelle said.
    Jessie turned to Michelle, who was sulking in the back seat. “What?”
    “Teresa made him up.”
    Jessie turned to her. “What is she talking about? I thought you said—”
    “I just wanted your company,” Teresa cut in. “And I wasn’t sure you’d come otherwise.”
    “You don’t have to lie.”
    “It’s insane,” Michelle said.
    Jessie looked at Michelle through the rearview mirror. “Why are you coming with us when you’re against this?”
    “To keep you two out of trouble. Who knows what crazy scheme might enter your heads? You might convince her to run in naked just to prove a point.”
    Jessie waved the thought away. “This is harmless.” She turned to Teresa, lowering her voice. “Besides, skinny dipping is best left for the summer months.”
    “You’re not helping, Jessie.”
    She shrugged.
    “She’ll probably get pneumonia.”
    “No, I won’t.” Teresa parked the car. “Here we are.”
    Michelle frowned as she looked at the steep incline. “I thought you said it was off a hill, I could skydive off here.”
    “You don’t have to come,” Jessie said opening the door. “If you were really mature, you’d admit you’re as curious as I am.”
    Michelle didn’t reply as she shut the door.
    However, once they reached the beach, Jessie became more cautious. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Jessie asked Teresa. She pulled on her gloves. It was a nippy morning. “You don’t need to prove anything. I only came to support you, but you don’t have to do it.”
    “I told you I’m doing this for myself. I want to be the kind of woman who does things like this. I just want to see what it’s like.”
    “Then wait until summer,” Michelle suggested, rubbing her hands together.
    Teresa