She was dressed in a light blouse and shorts, the long expanse of her tanned legs provocative against the white of the cloth. Her hair was askew, however, and perspiration beaded her face, and it was obvious that she was tired from the shopping she'd done. Still, there was a fresh, young beauty about her in spite of the fact she had a teenaged daughter; firm taut breasts, trim flat stomach without the slightest stretch mark to interrupt the silken smoothness of her skin, and the same kind of pouty, sensual face as Tamera's.

"There's another bundle in the car," Carla said. "I'd ask you to get it, but I can see you're not dressed." She eyed her daughter's bare sun-browned body with disapproval.

"Aw, Mom," Tamera objected. "I was just resting like this."

"Resting to do what? Strip-tease for the neighbors?"

"I've got more on now than when I'm wearing my bikini, for crying out loud."

"Listen, honey," her mother retorted waspishly. "I don't care if you run around the house completely naked. In fact you have a lovely body and it's enjoyable to see, compared to most girl's figures. But a bikini is one thing, see-through panties and bra are another – and especially when the curtains are open and everybody passing can see you."

"Oh," Tamera said. "I forgot."

"Uh-huh." Carla sighed, exhausted and too uncomfortable to continue arguing, and sat down on the sofa to the right of her daughter. "What a mess at Goodermann's today. You'd think it was the Fourth of July or something. I'm bushed."

"I'll get dressed," Tamera offered, "and get the other sack of groceries for you."

"No, no," Carla replied wearily. "No need. I'll get a second wind in a little bit."

"I have to get dressed anyway," Tamera said, rising out of her chair. "I mean, it's almost time for Eddie to get here."