Earn it back

The sun was beginning to dip below the treetops as Lucy and her group of friends settled into their luxurious cabin nestled deep in the woods. They had rented the place for a weekend getaway, seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cabin itself was a sight to behold, with its rustic yet modern charm, spacious rooms, and a magnificent outdoor hot tub that overlooked a serene lake shimmering in the twilight.

As the evening unfolded, laughter filled the air as the friends unpacked, shared stories, and indulged in a delicious homemade dinner. The mood was light-hearted and carefree, everyone eager to unwind and make the most of their time together.

After dinner, they all decided to take a dip in the hot tub under the starlit sky. Lucy, with her infectious laughter and bright smile, was the first to dip her toes into the warm, bubbling water. The others quickly followed suit, each settling into the comfort of the tub, enjoying the soothing sensation against their skin.

As they relaxed, sharing jokes and toasting to their friendship, mischief began to brew among the group. Jack, the prankster of the bunch, eyed Lucy mischievously. In a swift and daring move, he discreetly untied the strings of Lucy's bikini top while she was engrossed in a story told by Sarah.

It took Lucy a few moments to notice, but when she did, her eyes widened in playful shock. "Hey! What's going on?" she exclaimed, attempting to cover herself with one hand while the other reached out to Jack, who was grinning mischievously.

"Very funny, Jack. Now give it back," Lucy demanded, a hint of laughter in her voice, knowing that Jack was notorious for his pranks.

Jack pretended to contemplate for a moment, looking around at their friends who were all trying to stifle their laughter. "Hmm... I think you'll have to earn it back," he finally declared with a sly grin.

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't help but join in the game. "Fine, what do I have to do?" she asked, her competitive spirit kicking in.

Jack leaned back against the edge of the tub, crossing his arms with an air of mock seriousness. "You have to answer a riddle correctly."

The group chuckled, knowing that Jack's riddles were often tricky but entertaining. Lucy nodded, a determined glint in her eye. "Okay, hit me with your best shot."

Jack cleared his throat dramatically. "What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?"

Lucy furrowed her brows, thinking hard while the others watched on with amusement. Sarah, her closest friend, nudged her playfully. "Come on, Lucy, you've got this!"

After a few moments of pondering, Lucy's face lit up with realization. "The letter 'm'!" she exclaimed triumphantly.

Jack couldn't help but grin, impressed by Lucy's quick thinking. "Correct!" he admitted, fishing out her bikini top from behind his back and handing it back to her.

Lucy let out a relieved laugh, quickly tying her top back on while the rest of the group cheered and clapped. The evening continued with more laughter and camaraderie, the hot tub becoming the backdrop for shared memories and endless stories.

As the night wore on and the stars sparkled above, Lucy couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these—moments of pure joy and friendship that made life's challenges seem distant and insignificant. In the warmth of the hot tub and the company of her friends, she knew that this weekend getaway would be etched in her heart forever.