Ingrid's Weekend Part 2

“Remember when I said that I wasn’t going back to work?” Kristina asks as they stand on the sidewalk half an hour later. Beth and Riona are chatting quietly while Adella takes selfies with fans.

“You lied,” Ingrid says.

“I lied,” Kristina confirms, squeezing her hand. “But don’t worry. I’ve set you up for success.”

“Success?”

“That’s Adella,” Kristina whispers. “Here. For you. This is your last chance before you’re married.”

Ingrid is indignant. “You want me to cheat on Riley?”

“Come on. It’s no secret that she wants you. She was always making those comments when you were on TV together. And you think she would come to Sweden just because I asked? She likes you. It’s your chance to live a little.” Kristina licks her lips. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to? The whole point of this is to party.”

Ingrid sighs.

“Have fun.” Kristina gives Ingrid a side hug, then kisses her cheek and hurries off.

Beth and Riona appear as if by magic.

“Let me make sure I have this right,” Beth says, slipping her arm around Ingrid. “Your married sister is dealing with her midlife crisis by trying to vicariously have a shag with the hottest woman on earth by taking advantage of your stag weekend?”

Ingrid sighs again.

INGRID

Kristina hasn’t been completely selfish. She’s at least thoughtful in the itinerary that she’s prepared, yet inexplicably left Beth in charge of executing. The plan is considerate, composed of things that Ingrid would enjoy under normal circumstances. She was half-afraid that she would spend the weekend being dragged to clubs and pressured to do a lot of drinking.

Ingrid’s not exactly displeased to see Adella, but having her around is stressful. Partly because she’s a true celebrity and partly because of the way that she behaves. During her FUTA days, Ingrid never did fully get the hang of parrying Adella’s nonstop flirting and compliments, and she’s no good at it now. Fortunately, Beth and Riona are keen to help.

“Takes me back,” Riona says wistfully, looking at the rows of backpacks in the hiking store. “Remember that night in the woods before all the FUTA business? When we just camped for an activity?”

“And everyone listened to Adella creampie you twenty times in a tent?” Beth replies.

“That’s the one,” Riona replies.

“You’ll look good in this, Sweden,” Adella says, startling Ingrid. She has a puffy vest.

“Stop it,” Beth chides her. “Ingrid has her own stuff already. She lives here. Get what you need.”

“I have what I need right here,” Adella says, moving closer to Ingrid. “You look even more beautiful than you did the first night I saw you. Oof!”

“Didn’t see you there,” Riona says, putting the camping skillet back on the rack. “You should wear brighter colors for safety, Della.”