Brad's Picnic Day

The gentle breeze blew against the field of long grass, making them sway to and fro in the summer heat. A gorgeous pastel blue color panned across the sky, along with fluffs of dreamy white clouds. Brad and I made our way through the deserted field, our legs brushing against small daisies that resided in patches of soft earth. As we arrived a knoll overlooking the field, Brad set down the Fortnum and Mason picnic basket and laid a classic red and white picnic cloth next to a tree.

"How's the view?" Brad smiled. "This is the Lover's Knoll, where it earned its reputation as one of the most romantic spots in Ophrus."

"Leave it to you to find these romantic places." I gave him a peck on the cheek and sat on the cloth, beginning to retrieve the food from the basket.

"There's a river nearby where we can rent boats, you know." He nudged my shoulder. "Wanna go later?"

"Sure," I laid two scones on a paper plate and grabbed the jam and clotted cream.

"Already hungry, huh?"

"I'm starving Brad." I stuffed the fluffy scone in my mouth.

"What do you wanna listen to?" He brought out his portable speaker.

"Just shuffle and play." I tried to speak.

Lana Del Rey's 'Get Free' started to play, its melody echoing in the gorgeous summer landscape.

I laid back as we sat together under the shade of the emerald green tree. I felt particularly content, just sitting there against the tree with Brad; there was no exchange of words, but the silence felt natural and beautiful. I peered to the side and noticed that Brad had already started reading, his hand unconsciously stroking his beardy chin.

From my other side, I picked a small white daisy and tucked it behind Brad's ear.

"Heh, what's this?" He put down the book and focused his attention on me, smiling.

I said nothing and leaned my head on his shoulder.

He chuckled softly, put his arm around my shoulder, and placed his book back into the basket.

We sat there together, feeling the beauty of a summer day.

-----

"Hey, Brad." I spoke.

"What is it?" He yawned.

I told him about how I met the twins the other day and about seeing them live in action in that hotel room, excluding the part where I took part in a threesome.

"Would you be okay with me being a porn star?" I questioned.

"Hmm…" Brad was deep in thought. "I don't know, I like the idea of you in porn. But I kind of don't like the idea of you filming porn with somebody else that I don't know."

"How about if it was with you?"

"I guess that's kind of exciting." He snorted. "What? You want to be a porn star?"

"Nah, I'm just asking."

Brad laughed and looked at me. "To be honest, I guess I'm fine with you having sex with someone else as long as you tell me about it; and as long as I'm your only one."

He tickled my chin.

"Of course, baby." I kissed him. "I love you. And… I have to confess; I might have had a threesome with the twins."

"What?" He frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I… didn't know what you'd think about it."

"Ped, communication is the most important in a relationship." Brad held my shoulders. "You're my boyfriend. And while I guess I'm okay with you having sex with people, please at least let me know."

I felt immensely guilty and looked down. "Okay."

"Was it hot then?" He asked. "Do you have pictures of them?"

I searched their names on Google Images and showed Brad the results.

"Damn." He said. "You should introduce me some day."

A pop song began to play on Brad's phone, inciting a very excited reaction from him.

"I love this song!" He noted. "I'd love to hear this live someday."

"What's this song again?"

"'In Our Feelings' by Nikos Drake." He said. "It spawned that dance challenge. Ring a bell?"

"Oh yeah, it was trending a while ago." I recalled. "You really like this guy, huh?"

"Yeah, let's buy tickets if he ever has a concert here in Ophrus."

"Sure."

My mind suddenly thought of Nathan's suggestion that Kaito poisoned me the other day.

"Brad, about Kaito…"

"Yes?"

"Do you think he…"

"Oh yes!" He interrupted. "I finally remembered why you got sick that time. It was the oysters!"

"The oysters?"

"Yup, remember the oysters we ordered in that restaurant before our beach trip? The Bourbon Steak? You ate all five of them, remember?" Brad gestured with his hands. "I saw in the news the other day that they're having trouble with the Health Department now because of their oysters."

"Oh, okay. That makes sense." I was seriously going to accuse his ex of poisoning me. Close call, I thought.

-----

I was lying in the sun when I felt a desire to get myself wet.

"Let's go on the boats," I scratched Brad's chin.

"Sure, buddy." Brad stood up and began to pack up our picnic stuff.

"Where is it?"

"It's somewhere behind this knoll, I think. We'll find our way."