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31.***Ethan***
32 ***Sophia***
33.***Sophia***
34.***Sophia***
35.***Sophia***
36.***Noah***
37.***Sophia***
38.***Sophia***
39.***Sophia***
40.***Sophia***
41.***Noah***
42.***Sophia***
43 ***Sophia***
44.***Ethan***
45 ***Sophia***
46.***Alex***
47 ***Sophia***
48.***Sophia***
49 ***Sophia***
50.***Ethan***
51 ***Noah***
52.***Sophia***
53 ***Sophia***
54.***Sophia***
55 ***Ethan***
56.***Alex***
57 ***Sophia***
58.***Sophia***
59 ***Noah***
60.***Noah***
61 ***Noah***
62.***Sophia***
63 ***Sophia***
64.***Sophia***
65 ***Alex***
66.***Sophia***
67.***Noah***
68.EpilogueI
69.EpilogueII
70.FreePreviewofTriplePlayfortheSingleMom
GeraldAndersonwasluckythewindowsinhisfiftieth-floorofficedidn’topen Hewasstaringoutofthemwithapensive lookonhis face while mydirect manager told me that I’d once againbeenpassed over for a promotion. The view of downtownDallaswasn’tholdinghisattention.Idoubtedheevensawthebeautyinitanymore.No,Geraldwasstaringoutof hisfloortoceilingwindowsinapracticedmovethatwasmeanttomakeitseemlikehewasn’tdirectlyinvolvedindeciding whetherornotIwouldbepromoted.TherewasareasonIwasdaydreamingaboutthrowingtheownerandCEOofAnderson Inc tohisdemise,though NothinghappenedwithoutGerald’sapproval I’dworkedatAndersonInc.forfiveyearsandoverthelastthreeyearsI’dbeenpassedoverforonepromotionafteranother. The first couple of times, I bought into Gerald’s poutyexpression. I’d mostlybelieved himwhenhe said that he would’ve givenmethejobifitwasuptohim.HepretendedtobeaCEOwhotrustedhisuppermanagementtodotheirjobsandtreat their employees fairly. I was jaded after three years of his crap, however. I no longer felt the same crushing sense of disappointmentinmyself Ifeltrage Pure,fieryrage
“Itwasatoughcall,ofcourse,Sophia.”JamesFlanneryshookhisheadandsighedlikehe’dbeenthroughwarwhiletrying to decide whether or notto screw me over yetagain “Bill Trentjusthas more experience inleadership Maybe nexttime, though.”
Hearingthenameofthemanthey’dchosenover mejustsentmymindonaspiral offury.Ihadaprettyclear imageinmy headofkickingbothGeraldandJamesoutthewindow.“BillTrent?Hestartedheretwoyearsago.”
Jamesclearedhisthroatandstraightenedhissuitjacket.“He’smovedupveryquickly.You’llbeingoodhandsunderhim.” Gerald looked over at me, his steel-colored eyes brieflyskatingover mybody The looks were never longenoughto be obvious,butIgotachilldownmybackwitheveryoneofthem.Evenasperfectlyshavedandmanicuredashewas,Istillfelt likeIwasbeingwatchedbyadirtyoldman “James,leaveus”
Jamesnoddedatourbossandthenstoodup.Whilestaringdownatme,somethingpassedoverhisfacethatIcouldn’tquite namebutitlookedalotlikepity.Hismutteredpartingdidn’tmakemefeelmuchbetter.“Goodluck.”
MaybeIjustneededtothrowmyselfoutofawindowinstead Thatwould have tofeelbetterthanbeingleftaloneinaroom withGerald,beingforcedtolistentohimoffermesoftapologiesanduselesspromisestolookintothingsforme.Iknewhis songanddance,downtothewayhe’dpatmyback
“Sophia, I think you’re a great asset to Anderson Inc.. It’s employees like you that really keep us growing and moving towardsthefutureinapositiveway I’msorryJamesdoesn’tseethat IwishtherewassomethingIcoulddo”Unfoldinghis lankybodytohisfullheight,hewalkedaroundhisdeskandleanedagainstthefrontofit.“Myofferstillstands.Ifyouwantme tostepinanddosomethingaboutthis,Iwill.Foryou.Iwouldnormallyneverquestionmymanagersbutifyouaskme,I’lldo it”
Itwashardtokeepmyfaceneutral.IhadafeelingthatGeraldAndersonwouldgivemethepromotionifIactedfriendlier withhim Hisglancesandthesubtlewaysheofferedtodospecialfavorsformegavemethedistinctimpressionthathe’dlove tohelpmeout.ItfeltlikeasituationwhereI’dbeexpectedtoscratchhisbackafterhescratchedmine,though,andIhadno intentionofevertouchinghisback
“Idon’texpectspecialtreatment,Mr.Anderson.Ijustwantfairtreatment.”Igroundmyteethtogetherwhenhemovedcloser. Hisbig,overlytanhandrestedonmyshoulderandstayedthere,leavingmeinternallycringingaway.“I’mfine.Thankyoufor youroffer,butI’mnotinterestedinbreakingprotocoltogetahead IfMr Flannerydoesn’tthinkI’magoodfitfortherole,I’ll acceptthatanswerfornow.”
Hegentlysqueezedmyshoulder,twistinghisthinlipsdowninafauxfrown “Iknow thishastobehardforyou You’rea devotedemployeeandI’mluckytohaveyou,Sophia.”
Desperatetogethishandoffofme,Istoodupandbackedaway,puttingmychairbetweenus.“Ineedtofinishafewthings atmydeskbeforeIcangohomefortheday.”
“Suchahardworker Goon,Sophia I’llseeyoubrightandearlyMondaymorning”Hewalkedbackaroundtohischairand satdown,unbuttoninghissuitjacketashedid.“Remembermyoffer,though,Sophia.Thingsaren’talwaysfairinthisbusiness. Afavorcanbejustthethingyouneedtogetaheadsometimes”
Iwalkedtowardshisofficedoorwiththefeelingofhiseyesonme.“Haveagoodweekend,Mr.Anderson.”
“You,too,Sophia”
Iavoidedhissecretary’sgazeasIwalkedpastherdesk.Tiffanywastenyearsyoungerthanmeandtherewererumorsabout herrelationshipwithGerald,butIdidn’tbelievethem.Peoplejusttalkedwhentheysawawomanalonewithherbossinour businessenvironment Ididn’tbelievethatrumoraboutthewoman,butIdidthinkshewasajerkwhofeltpowerfulbecauseof whoherbosswas.
“Betterlucknexttime,Sophia”Tiffanysoundedamusedasshewatchedmehurrytowardstheelevators Ipretendednottohear her andkeptmyheaddownas Imade mywaydowntothe fortiethfloor.Irushedthroughshutting downmycomputer andclearingmydesksoIcouldgetoutofthereasfastaspossible Ineededtogetawayfromtheentire placebeforeIjustlostitandscreamed.
Still,IhadtotakeamomentonceIwassittingbehindthewheelofmycar.Restingmyheadontheseat,Iblew outadeep breath I’d known when going in that morning that I probably wouldn’t get the promotion I couldn’t help feeling crushed, though.Iworkedhard.IspentsomuchofmylifeatAndersonInc.andIwasmorethanqualifiedforthepromotionIwanted. TherewasanitchatthebackofmymindthattoldmeIwasnevergoingtomoveupinthecompanyifIdidn’tplaynicewith Gerald.
SinceIwasnevergoingtodothat,Ineededtofigureoutmynextmove.Icouldstartlookingforother-
Acall came throughonmycar speakers, distractingme fromwhatever bigplans Imight’ve gottento. Thatwas the thing aboutlife.Changewashardenoughbutwhenmytimewasn’tmyown,Ididn’tevenhavetheenergytolookforbetteroptions. “Hi,Mrs Johnson”Itriednottosoundcompletelybotheredbytheelderlywomanwholivedacrossthestreetfromme “Thatboywiththe coloredhair is usingthatchainsaw again,Sophia.” Her voice wobbledandIcouldpracticallysee her clutchingthefakepearlnecklaceshenevertookoff “It’sanuisance Thewholeneighborhoodisfilledwiththesoundofthat thing.Andhishairisoffensive.Whenareyougoingtodosomethingaboutthis?”
Irubbedmytemples.Mytimedefinitelywasnotmyown.Sighing,Iputmycaringearandpulledoutofmyspace.“I’mon mywayhomenow,Mrs.Johnson.”
The forty-minute drive to myhouse ina suburb outside ofDallas was somehow bothtoo longand notlongenough Ihad plentyoftimetodreadthemessIwouldfindwhenIgothomeandnotenoughtimetoactuallyunwindfrommyday.Iwas stillmid-fightwiththeimaginaryGeraldinmybrainwhenIpulledintomydrivewayandsawmysister’slong-termboyfriend, Milo,wieldinghisfavoritechainsaw ThatwasprettytypicalbehaviorforMilo Itwasmysister,Ava,andmydaughter,Lily, tryingtoholdtheloghewasaimingthatchainsawatthathadmeslammingthecarintoparkandtryingtojumpoutbeforeItook myseatbeltoff
Iwrestled myselfoutofmycar and tripped over Lily’s bike. Iheard the side ofmyskirtrip and swore under mybreath whileclimbingupthesideofmycar.“Whatthehellareyouthreedoing?Turnthechainsawoff,Milo!PutthatlogdownAva! Lily,dropthelogandmoveyourbike!”
Milo looked over his shoulder atme and killed the power to his chainsaw. Swipinghis newlydyed greenhair outofhis eyes,hesmiledandliftedahandtoflashmeapeacesign “Soph!You’rehome!Ineedsomehelp”
AvawasmyyoungersisterbythreeyearsandsheknewmewellenoughtoknowthatIwasonthevergeoffreakingout.She tossedthelogdownandpushedLilytowardsherbike “Welcomehome,Sis Thatwasn’twhatitlookedlike” Milogrinnedevenwider.HiseyeswereslitsthatIwasn’tsurehowhecouldseeoutofandIcountedmyselfluckythatMrs. Johnsonhadn’tcalled to complainaboutthe smell ofMilo’s potagain. “Mynew projectis goingto be amazing, Soph. I’m goingtohavepeopleholdthelogandI’llmakeonecutthatway.Thatcutwillleadmeintomyfinalpiece.Whatdoyouthink?” Lilythrew herselfatme and wrapped her longlimbs around me. Atseven, she was taller thanall the other kids her age. “Mom!I’mgoingtobepartofMilo’sart!”
IkissedthetopofherheadandfrownedwhenIsmelledpeanutbutter.“Didyoudoanotheroneofyourspadays,Lily?”
“Ihave tomove mybike,Mom!” Lily’s avoidance toldme thatIwas goingtofinda mess inside the house Her spa days werejusthertakingrandomfoodandusingitinnew,creativeways.Theytypicallyendedinthehousebeingdestroyedandher smellinglikewhateverfoodshe’dusedlast.
Avawalkedovertomeandheldoutherhands “I’llcleanitup”
Itookadeepbreathandheldupmyhands.“Nope.Ican’ttalktoyouyet.NotuntilIinformyourboyfriendthathisnewidea isidiotic”
“Aw,Soph.Youreallythinkso?”Miloscuffedhisshoeacrossthegroundinfrontofhimandfrowned.
“Milo Yes”Isteppedoverscrappiecesofwoodtorestmyhandonhisarm “We’vetalkedaboutsafetyamilliontimes Doyouthinkit’ssafeforyoutochainsawsomethingthatsomeoneelseisholding?” Hegroaned.“You’reright.Damn.”
Ilethisinnocentnatureimprovemymood “Ilovetheidea,though It’sbeautiful Youjustcan’thaveanyoneholdthewood you’recutting.Okay?”
Henodded “I’llfigureitout”
Iwatched himmeander away, alreadylostinhis ideas. Turningbackto mysister, Isaw she was shakingher head while smiling “What?”
“Itriedtotellhimthatamilliontimes.Hewouldn’thearit.Yousayitonetimeandsuddenlyhecan’tagreefastenough.IfI didn’tlove how muchhe loves youand looks atyoulike family, I’d be pissed.” She hesitated and thengroaned. “Shit. You foundoutaboutthepromotiontoday Theypassedyouupagain?”
Theurgetocryhadmyeyesburningbutinsteadofgivingintothetears,Ipinchedthebridgeofmynoseandnodded.“They gaveittoaguywho’sbeenwiththecompanyforlessthantwoyears” “Didtheysaywhy?”
“Supposedlyhe has more leadership experience.” I watched as Mrs. Johnsonstood inher yard, pretendingto water her flowersasshestaredatus.“Iknowit’sprobablybecauseIwon’tstayattheofficeforeightytoninetyhoursaweek,butIcan’t helpthinkingitcouldhavesomethingtodowithGerald”
“That creep. Of course it has something to do with him, Soph. You’re always saying that you feel like he’s hinting at somethingwithyou”Shegavemeaknowinglook “You’vegotthebestgutI’veeverknown You’reneverwrong”
IwavedatMrs.Johnsonandforcedasmile.“Shecalledmeagainonthewayhome.Apparently,Milo’shairisoffensive.” Avaimmediatelyraisedhermiddlefingerattheoldwoman “That’sright,youoldhag Getyourpantiesinatwist Milo’s hairisbeautiful!”
IpulledAva’shanddownandsighed.“Youknowshe’sgoingtocallmeaboutthat.”
“What?Shecouldn’thearme”
“Youflippedheroff,Ava.”IwatchedMrs.JohnsonstompherwayinsideherhouseandturnedmyattentiontoLily.“How wasshetoday?”
“She was good.” Ava hesitated. “Ipromise I’ll cleanup the mess inside. Maybe Ishould go ahead and do thatnow. Why don’tyoustayoutherewithLily?”
“It’s fine.I’drather justcome inside andnurse mywoundedego.” Ismiledfor whatfeltlike the firsttime all dayas Lily camerunningtowardsme.“Where’sthefire?”
Sheheldoutmyphone “UncleJack’sonthephone!” Ilookedinmypurseandraisedmyeyebrows.“How’dyougetmyphonewithoutmenoticing?”
Avaclearedherthroat “HowaboutwegoinsideandstartcleaningwhileMomtalkstoUncleJack?” “AuntAvataughtmehowtopicklepocket,Mom!”
AvatookLilybytheshouldersanddirectedhertowardsthehouse.“Ha.Ha.That’sagoodjoke,Lily.You’rehilarious.” Ibroughtmyphoneuptomyearandgroaned.“Jack,Iliveinacircus.”
Mybestfriendsince middle school,JackHenrywas mylifeline mostdays.He was myrock.“Are youjustnow realizing that?There’sevenaclown WhatcolorisMilo’shairtoday?”
“Green.Mrs.Johnsoncalleditoffensive.”Ismiled.“Whatdoesitsayaboutmethatherhatingitmakesmelikeitmore?” “Itsaysthatyou’retakingyourpowerbackwhereyoucan IcantellbyyourvoicethatAndersonfuckedyouoveragain”He pausedbutwhenIdidn’tsayanything,heletoutacolorfulstringofcurses.“You’renotpoutingandfeelingshittytonight,Soph. You’recomingoutwithme.”
IcouldhearLilyandAvaarguingfrominsidethehouseaboutwhowasgoingtocleanwhat.Ilovedmycrazylittlefamilybut afterthedayI’dhad,Ididn’tthinkIcouldstayinandlistentothembickerallnight.“Whenareyoupickingmeup?”
glaredatJackfromacrossthehightoptableweweresittingat He’dtakenmeouttoabarthatwasfullofchildren Maybe notchildren,buttheymightaswellhavebeen. Blaze wasaclubthatJackhadjustinvestedinandhewasproudofit,butif I’dknownhewasdraggingmeouttoabarfullofpeopleintheirearlytwenties,Iwould’vepassed.Atthirty-seven,myearly twentiesfeltlikealifetimeago
“Relax, Soph. Youfitrightin.” Jackreached over and tookmyhand. “Youlookhot, youdon’thave a single line onyour face,andI’vealreadyseenmultipleguyscheckingyouout”
Glancingaround, Inoticed thatmostofthe womenaround us were tiny. Ithad me suckinginmystomachand wishingI’d wornmySpanx.LookingbackatJack,Isawhealreadyhadhiseyesonacuteguyacrosstheroom.“Oh,no,youdon’t.You’re notleavingmeyet.Youcanfindhimlater.”
“Lord,you are stressed. I’mnotgoinganywhere, babe. Itold you. I’mgettingyouhammered tonight. You’re goingto feel betterbythetimeyoucrawlintoyourbedtonight”Jackglancedbackatthecuteguyandsmirked “I’malsogoingtofeelbetter bythetimeIcrawlinto his bedtonight.”
Thewaiterappearedatourtablewithatrayfullofshots “Mr Henry Jensaidifyouleavesobershe’llhavetogiveyour moneyback.”
Jacklaughed his boisterous laughand helped the younger manunload the shots. “Tell Jenthat she can’t get rid ofme so easily.”
IwatchedJackashemovedwitheaseandexistedasifhebelongedineveryspaceheoccupied.Itwaseasytobejealousof him HewaslargerthanlifeandlookedliketheBrawnyman,iftheBrawnymanwashotter Hislaughdrewpeopletohimand everyonelovedhim.Henevergotpassedoverforpromotions.HewouldtellMrs.Johnsontostopcalling.
“Oh,shit”Jackpushedashotatme “Icanseeyoufeelingsorryforyourself That’snotwhatthisnightisabout Thisnight isaboutgettingdrunkanddancinguntilyouforgeteverythingelse.Taketheseshots.Rightnow.”
Ididashesaidandwincedasthetopshelftequilasettledinmystomach.“Peoplewhosaytheexpensivestufftastesbetter arefullofshit”
“You’rejustalightweight.”Hethrewbacktwoshotsinarow.“Itmakesyouacheapdate,though,soI’mnotcomplaining.” “Cheapandmessyifyou’renotcareful”Ithrewbackanothershotandstoodup “Alright,then Let’sdance”
“You’renotevengoingtoletmegetabuzzfirst?”Standingwithme,hewrappedhisarmaroundmywaistandledmetothe dancefloor Despitethebarbeingpacked,thedancefloorwasn’tsobad Jackpulledmeintohischestandthenspunmeaway fromhim.WhenIletoutaloudlaugh,hetuggedmebackandthendippedme.“That’sthelastofmymoves,sodon’texpect muchmore,babe.Plus,oncethoseshotshit,you’llendupflatonyourassifwedothatagain.”
Ithrew myheadbackandlaughed,lettingthestressofthedaymeltaway BetweentheshotsandJack,Iwasfeelingbetter already.“Ibetyou’ddipmeagainifIwasoneofyourboytoys.”
Jack’ssmilewascocky “YoubetyoursweetassIwould Ishowupforpeoplewhoputout” “It’snotmyfaultthatyouonlylikeyoungermenwhomakeyoufeellikethebigstrongbearthatyouare.”Igestureddownat myself “Ican’thelpthatthisisthehandIwasdealt”
Hespunmeagainandthenplayfullypattedmyass.“IfIwasintowomen,babe,you’dbelockeddownwitharingbynow.” Irolledmyeyes.“Ifyouwereintowomen,wewouldn’tbebestfriends.Weneverwould’verecoveredfrompromnightand we’dstillbeavoidingeachother” “Didyouseriouslyjustbringuppromnight?” He narrowedhis eyes.“Are youdrunkalready? Youhate talkingaboutthat nightnormally”
“Itwasn’tmyfinestmoment.Afteraquicktenminutesinthebackseatofyourcar,youknewforsurethatyouweregay.My
vaginaconvincedyouthatyoudon’tlikevaginas”Iscoffed “Myvaginaisn’tthatbad Imean,it’snotbadatall Youdon’t evenknowwhatyou’retalkingaboutwhenitcomestovaginas,sowhywouldIcarewhatyouthink?”
Jackletoutawildlaugh “God,Iloveyouevenmorewhenyou’retipsy Yourvaginaisastrangetopicofconversationfor thedancefloor,butI’mdown.IonlyknewIwasgaybecauseifIdidn’tenjoy your magicvagina,Iwasnevergoingtoenjoy anyvaginas”
Ifeltmycheeksturnbrightredandscrunchedmynose.“Youknowwhat?You’reright.Myvaginaisaterribletopicforthe dancefloor”
“Iwenttoofarcallingitmagic,right?IsthatwhereIlostyou?”
Istretcheduptoplantakissonhischeek.“No,Ithinkit’ssosweetthatyoucalleditmagic.Itneedsthatkindofegoboost. Afterayearofcelibacy,it'snotsosureofitselfanymore”
“Well,that’sunacceptable.”Jacklookedaroundthebar.“Thereareplentyofmenheretopopthatregrowncherry.” Islapped his shoulder and shookmyhead “No freakingway, Jack These guys are too youngfor me and I’mprettysure they’renotlookingforasinglemomwholiveswithhersisterandhersister’schainsawlovingboyfriend.” “God,babe,getoutofyourownway Youneedtogetlaid,notremarried Themanyoumeethereisnevergoingtoknowyou haveakidorasisteroranythingotherthantitsandavagina.It’sahookup,Soph.” “You’resoromantic.”
Jacklookedatsomeoneovermyshoulderandgrunted “Oh,yeah,he’lldo Hangon,babe”
Irealizedwhathewasdoingtoolate.Hespunmeawayfromhimandthesmileonhisfacewaspureshit-eater.Igaspedas heletgoofmyhandandfoundmyselffallingbackwards Thescreamforminginmythroatneverhadachancetoescapebefore Ilandedonahardlap.Thelap’sarmswrappedaroundmebeforeIcouldfallfartherandthemusclesIfeltripplingagainstmy bodyfelttoogood.
“I’msosorry!Ididn’t-”IlostmytrainofthoughtinthemiddleofapologizingwhenIsawthemanIwassittingon.Icould practicallyhearmybrainscreechtoahalt. He was gorgeous The first thingthat I noticed were his ice blue eyes Theywere surrounded bythick, darklashes that softened the sharp angles of his face. The second thing I noticed was his sharp jaw and the shadow covering it. I had a weaknessforamanwithabeard,anythingfromshadowtoZZTopstyle
Clearingmythroat,Ireachedupandpushedmyhairbehindmyears.“God.Sorry!Sorryaboutthis.I’lljustgetoffnow.” “Yourboyfriendshouldkeepabetterholdonyou.Thenextlapyoufallintomightnotbelongtoagentlemanwhocankeep hishandstohimself.”Deepvoice.Check.Lapmanwasdefinitelyyoungerthanme,butIcouldn’tplacehisage. Ifound myselfsmilingand lookingdownat where his hands were still grippingmyside and hip. “Youdidn’t keep your handstoyourself,though”
Theyoungermanglancedatmymouthbeforeslowlyliftinghiseyesbacktomine Iwould’vepaidmoneytoknowwhathe wasthinkingatthatmomentbecauseIfelthisfingersflexonmyhipbeforehisgriponmevanished. Iforcedmyselfoutofhislapandsmiledathim.“Suchagentleman.Thankyouforthecatch.”
IturnedaroundtofindJackandallbutrantowherehewaswatchingfromtheothersideofthedancefloor Ilightlypunched himinthestomachwhenIgottohimandhepretendedthatithurt.
“Ican’tbelieveyoudidthat!”Iglancedovermyshoulderandfoundthemanstillwatchingme Jerkingmyheadbackaround toJack,Iwidenedmyeyesandwhistled.“Holyhotman,Jack.Youreallydidpickwell whenyoudecidedtotossmeaway. He’stooyoung,though.Andhethinksyou’remyboyfriend.”
Jackleanedintomyspaceandpressedhislipstomyear.“Oh,he’snotafanofme.Hiseyesaregluedtoyourass.” IgaspedwhenJackpattedmyass.“JackMichaelHenry!”
Helaughedandpulledaway “I’msorry!Icouldn’thelpmyself Iwouldgivemybankaccountforthatmantobegay He’s somethingelse.Thoseeyesareintense.”
Iglancedbackagainbutthemanwas interactingwithtwoother menwho’djustjoinedhim He’dalreadymovedonfrom me,justlikeIneededtodofromhim.Brushingthewholeinteractionoutofmymind,IrestedmyhandsonJack’sshouldersand smiledupathim.“Justacouplemoredanceswithmeandthenyoucanrunofftoyourcutieinthecorner.”
Jackpressedhisforeheadtomine.“Babe,youcanhavetherestofmydances.Youknowthat.”
“Youmakeeverythingbetter.Thanksformakingmecomeouttonight.Iwould’vejuststayedhomeandfeltbadformyself. Thisismuchbetter”
“Ofcourse,itis.Especiallyconsideringthefactthatyoucouldgetlaidtonightifyouwanted.Yourboytoyisstillwatching you He’sgotfriendswithhim,too Allthreeofthemareappreciatingthosecurvesofyours”JackspunussoIcouldseethe tableoverhisshoulder.“Youhavetheirfullattention.”
MystomachfluttereddeepdownwhenIsawthethreeguyswatchingus.BeforeIcouldmakeoutwhattheothertwolooked like,Jackspunusagain “Hey,wait-”
“Hush,babe.I’mgivingthemashowforyou.”Jackdippedme,despitethefactthathewasdefinitelytipsierthanhe’dbeen forthefirstdip Heevendippedmelowerthanbeforeandittookmeafewbeatstorealizethatanyonebehindmewould’ve beenabletoseestraightdownmytop.
“Jack!”Ilaughedashepulledmebackup “You’reterrible!”
“Theywantto devour you, babe. You’re welcome.” He grabbed a few shots froma passingshotgirl and we bothtossed themback.“Let’sreallyputonashowforyouradmirers.”
Betweenthealcoholandknowingthetableofyoungermenwerewatchingme,mybloodranhot Itseemedlikeagoodidea togoalongwithwhatever Jackwas doing.Whenheturnedmearoundsomybackwas tohis chest,Imentallyshruggedand dancedonhimlikeweweretwenty-oneagain
LaughinglikeIhadn’thadthedayfromhell,IlookedovermyshoulderatJack.“Ihaven’tbeenoutlikethisinforever.”
“Youneedto Thatjob’sgotyoualltiedup Youneedtogetlaidandgetloose Letyourhairdown” “Myhair is down.”
Hespunmeoutandthenbackinperfectly.“Barely.”
Iscoffed “What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Itmeansthatyou’vebeenlettinglifepassyouby.Youhaven’tbeenlaidsincethedivorce,haveyou?”Hemoveduscloser tothetableofmen “Ialreadyknowtheanswer Youhaven’t”
“So,what?I’vebeenbusy.”Inoticedhewasbringingmeevenclosertotheguys.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Settingyouupforsuccess.”Hedippedmeagainandsmiled.“ThatwasafreebiesinceI’mabouttoembarrassyou.”
Itriedtoholdontohisarmstokeephimfromdoingwhateverhewasgoingtodo,buthewasslipperywhenonamission.He spun me out and instead of spinning me back in, leaned over and said something to the table of drop dead gorgeous men watchingme.Icouldn’thearitoverthemusic,butIalreadyknewIwasgoingtohavetomurdermybestfriend.Thenhepulled mebacktohisarmsanddepositedmeinthesamelapI’dfalleninearlier
“Sophiaherelikestequilashots,longwalksonthebeach,andhasn’tbeenlaidinnearlyhalfadecade.Enjoymybestfriend, boys”Jackboopedmeonthenoseandthenstrodeaway,inthedirectionofhislatestboytoy
Ichoked onhis audacityand feltmyentire bodyburnwithembarrassment. No amountoftequila was enoughto make me okaywithwhathe’djustdone.Igrippedthetableandmovedtogetupbutstrongarmsonceagainwrappedaroundmywaist. “Youokay?”
Ilookedintothoseiceblueeyesandnodded.“Unlessit’spossibletodieofembarrassment.”
“Doeshedothistoyoualot?”AnotherdeepvoicefrombehindmespokeandwhenIturnedtoseehim,Iwasonceagain struckbyhowhandsometheyallwere.
IpattedLapMan’sarmuntilheletmeclimboffofhim “No Itseemshe’sgettinghisrevengeformenotgoingoutwithhim much.Sorryheseemstobetargetingy’all,though.”
ThethirdguyatthetableleanedforwardandifIhadn’tbeenembarrassedenoughalready,Imight’vegasped.Hiseyeswere somehowlighterthanthefirstguy’sandtheywerehaunting Thethingthatmademewanttoleanincloser,though,wasthathe wascoveredintattoos.Theypeekedoutofhisshirtcollarandoutfromthesleevesofhisshirt,trailingdowntohisknuckles. I’dalwayslovedtattoos,despitebeingtoochickentoevergetone Theseguys,withtheirbeardsandmuscles,weretoohotfor metoevenlookat.Withthetattoosaddedin,IwasgoingtomakeafoolofmyselfifIdidn’tgetawayfromthem.
“I’mnotsorryhe’stargetingus.”Thetattooedonesmirkedandonesideofhisfulllipslifted.“Although,Iwishhehadbetter aim.I’moverhere.”
“Hisaimwasjustfine.”Thefirstguyrestedhiselbowonthebackofhischairasheturnedtofaceme.“Youdidn’tbother correctingmeearlier He’snotyourboyfriend?”
Ilookedatthethreeofthem,allwatchingmewithintensegazes,andrealizedtheyhadtobeplayingnicetokeepmefrom beingevenmore embarrassed There was no waythree younger menwho looked like themwere actuallyflirtingwithme KnowingthattheywerejustplayingaroundtooksomeofthepressureoffandIwas able tolaughsome ofmyawkwardness away.
“He’snotmyboyfriend.He’smybestfriendwhohappenstobemoreintomenwholooklikethethreeofyou.”Irestedmy handonthebroadshoulderofLapManandflashedthemallmybestsmile.“I’llletyougetbacktoyournight.Thanksforbeing goodsportsabouteverything”
’donlybeensittingbackatourtableforafewminuteswhenJackshowedupwithhiscutieonhisarm Ididn’tneedtohear himsayittoknowhewasreadytotaketheguyhome.
“Don’tbemad.”Jackbithislipandleanedclose.“He’sfuckingpacking,babe.Isweartogod,I’minlove.” Ismiledandrolledmyeyes “Go Havefun”
“Comewithus.I’llhaveacarwaitingtodriveyouhomefrommyapartment.”JackcastalookoveratthetableofguysI’d beendoingmybestnottostareat “Sinceyouwastedthatopportunity,Iassumeyou’renotgoingtofindanotherone?” IdidlookbackatthemthenandfoundLapManstaringbackatme.MybreathcaughtinmythroatattheintensityIcouldfeel radiatingoffhimfromacrosstheroom.WithoutevenknowingIwasdoingit,IshookmyheadatJack.MaybeIwascrazyand wouldembarrassmyselfevenmore,butifIwaswrongabouttheguysjustbeingnice,Iwantedtoknow.
“Whatareyousayingnoto?”
IsmiledupatJackandhisnewfriend “I’mgoingtostay”
ProtectiveJacksnappedintohighgear.“Areyousure?Doyouhaveyourphone?Isitcharged?”
Inodded “I’mfine Gohomeandenjoyyourself”
“Textmeassoonasyougethome.Ifyougotosomeoneelse’splace,textmetheiraddress.I’mserious.”Hewrappedmein atighthugandheldmyfaceinhishands.“Donotgetmurderedonme,okay?I’mnottakingoverraisingAvaandMilo.Lily wouldbefine,butyoursisterandherboyfriend?NowayamItakingonthosetwo.”
Ipushedhimawayandlaughed.“BenicetoAvaandMilo.”
“Benicetoyourself Gohomewithone,orall,ofthoseguys”Jackpulledouthiswalletandshovedawadofcashintomy tightjeanspocket.“Justincaseyourcarddoesn’twork.Itstressesmeoutthatyoudon’tcarryanycash,ever.”
Ipushedhimawayandscowled “Go You’regoingtokillthemoodforyourself”
“That’simpossible.Doyouseethisman?”Jackwrappedhisarmaroundthenewguyandwinked.“Getlaid,babe.” Iwavedhimaway.“Goodbyeandgoodnight.”
“Loveyou!”
Irolledmyeyes.“Loveyou,too,Jack.”
IpulledoutmyphoneasIconsideredmyoptions Staringattheblackscreen,Idebatedgoingbackovertotheguys Ifoneof themwas interested, maybe it would be good for me to release some of my tension with them. If they weren’t interested, though,Iwasn’tsureI’deverrecoverfrombeingtheolderwomanwhocameontoyoungermenwhodidn’twanther Myego was onlybuiltso tough. Before Ihad a chance to make a decision, the scentofleather and citrus had me lookingup for the sourceandIfoundmyselfeyetoeyewiththetattooedguy.
“Comeandsitwithus”Hedidn’task Hisstancewithhishandsshovedintohispocketsandhisbodyslightlyleanedinto minedidn’tleaveroomforargument,either.
Ilickedmylipsandwatchedashiseyesdroppedtothem “Areyousure?”
Pullinghishandsoutofhispockets,hegrabbedthebackofmychairwithonehandandtheedgeofmytablewiththeother. HeleanedevenclosertomeandIsawthathiseyesweresolidgray Whatcould’vebeencoldburnedhot,though “I’msure” I had to tip myhead backto lookhiminthe eye and I watched those unusual grayeyes move to mythroat. Swallowing aroundaclumpofwordsIwantedtosaytokeepmyselffromgoingoverandmakingafoolofmyself,Islidoffmychair.He didn’tshiftawaysoIbrushedagainsthischestwhenIstood
He reached around me and grabbed the small crossbodyI’d hungonthe backofmychair. Instead ofhandingitto me, he tuckeditunderhisarmandpressedhishandtothesmallofmyback “Youseemlikearunner”
MylaughsoundedbreathybuttherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit.Isuddenlyfeltlikeateenageronherfirstdate.Looking
upathim,Inodded “Onlyemotionally”
Asmiletransformedhisfaceintosomethingevenmoredangerous.Withwolf-likeeyebrows,atrimmedbeard,andallthose tattoos,helookedlikethebadboyI’dalwaysavoided “What’syourname?”
“Sophia.”IsteppedsidewaysasadrunkguystumbledpastusandmytattooedheropulledmeintohissidesoIdidn’tget trampled Thefeelingofhisbodyheatagainstmysidehadmybodyreactinginbigways IstammeredasInoddedupathim “Thanks.”
“Sophia Pretty”Hepulledoutachairformeattheirtableandflashedmeanotherpanty-meltingsmile “I’mAlex Noah’s thesuitandEthan’stheonewhoneedsahaircut.”
Havingthreesetsofeyesonmewasasexhilaratingasitwasterrifying.Withthemallwatching,myeverymovewouldbe noticed Ihadnoroomformistakes
Alexsatnexttomeandrestedhisarmalongthebackofmychair.“ThisisSophia.”
IlookedatLapMan,Noah,andthenatEthan Hishairwaslongerthantheothersanditcurledoutrandomlyall over His beard was longer thanthe other two, as well. Withhis darker blue eyes, the wild hair gave hima friendlier vibe. Whenhe smiled,IsawhehadaslightchipinoneofhistopteethandIimmediatelywantedtoknowthestory “Idon’tthinkyouneeda haircut.”
Ethan’s smile widened and he sankhis teethinto his bottomlip as he leaned across the table withhis hand extended. He shookmyhandlikeagentlemanbutthewayhisthumbstrokedmyhandbeforepullingawaywasanythingbut Thatthumbhad feltpositivelyseductive. “Thankyou. These two are always talkingaboutmyhair. It’s nice to find someone who has good taste”
Noahgrunted.“We’renotdiscussingyourhair.”
Ethannodded.“Agreed.We’rediscussingSophia.”
“Yourfriendleftyou?”Noahshotalookacrossthebar,likehecouldstillseeJack.“He’snotworriedaboutyouendingup inthewronghands?”
All ofmychildishnerves fluttered awayatthe idea ofthemthinkingpoorlyofJack Iraised myeyebrows and found my handssolidlyplantedonmyhips.“Jackwantedtodrivemehome,butIsaidno.Heknowsthatifthewronghandstriedtosnap meupthatI’dbemorethancapableofhandlingmyself”
Noahrested his elbows onthe table as he shifted closer. “Ihave no doubtaboutthat, Sophia. I’mperfectlysure youcan handleyourselfinalltypesofsituations.”
Heatscorchedmyfaceashisheatedgazemovedovermyface.Ilookedatthetable,suddenlydesperateforadrink.Awaiter appearedlike magic witha glass ofwater. Itookitanddrained halfofitinone longgulp. Iwas inover myhead. Itdidn’t matter thatIwas older thanthe mensittingaround me Iwas inexperienced and Ihadn’tso muchas flirted witha manwho wasn’tgayinoverayear.
“Dancewithme”Noah’sdemandseemedtoshockAlexandEthan,buttheydidn’tsayanything SensingthatIwashesitant, Noahstoodupandheldouthishand.“Iknowyoucan.Youandyourfriendputonquitetheshowearlier.”
putmyhandinNoah’sandlethimpullmetothedancefloor Assoonashereachedthespothewanted,heturnedaroundand gentlytuggedmeintohisarms.Istumbledslightlyandendedupfullypressedtohimfromchesttoknee.
Noah’s hand rested low on my back and he had the decency to ignore the grunt I’d made when our bodies connected. “There’ssomethingyoushouldknowaboutme,Sophia”
Placingmyhandsonhisshouldersfeltdaring,likeIwasleaningintowhateverthehellwashappening.“Whatisit?” He leaned downuntil his mouthbrushed the shell ofmyear as he spoke “Idon’tlie, evenbyomission Iwasn’tbeinga goodsport.”
Isucked ina sharp breathwhenhis words registered. I’d accused themofbeinggood sports byactinginterested earlier. Whenheleanedbackandmetmywide-eyedgaze,Ifelteverysecondofhissharpgazefromthetopofmyheadtothetipsof mytoes.“Oh.”
“Wecancall youacarifyou’dliketogohome”Hisfingersdippedlower,restingonthetopofmyass “Oryoucanstay anddancewithus,knowingthateachofusisdyingtoseeifthatblushextendslowerandjusthowfar.”
Myheartthumpedwildlyinmychest Mylips partedbutIcouldn’tforma complete sentence Istammeredfor a beatand thensnappedthemshut.GlancingbackatthetablewhereEthanandAlexwerewatchingus,Itookadeepbreath.“Who…Who doIgohomewith?If…IfIstay,Imean.”
Noahsmiledthenanditwaslikewatchingawolfcloseinonitsdinner.“Anyofus.Allofus.Ifyou’remoreinterestedin justoneofus,IshouldtellyounowthatI’mnotaboveshovingmybrothersoutofthewayforanightwithyou.”
Thatwasalotofinformationtotakeinatonce Brothers Ofcourse,thatmadesensewhenIlookedatthemagain Theyeach hadthesamestrongjawandgeneralbuild.AlexandNoahevenhadthesamesharpeyebrows.ThefactthatIcouldhaveallof them, however, was harder to make sense of Ilooked betweenthe three ofthema few more times before bitingmylip and frowningupatNoah.
“IknowI’mbeingblunt,butitwouldn’ttakeyoulongtofigureoutthatwe’realllookingatyoulikeyou’rethelastwoman onearth It’snoteverynightthatawomanfallsintomylapandit’sevenlesscommonforonesofuckingbeautifultoappear I’dbeafoolifIdidn’ttrytogetyouinmybed,Sophia.”
Maybe it was the atmosphere or the pushfromJack, but havinga manbe upfront about what he wanted felt good After havingmenrubmyshouldersandstareatmytitsatworknonstop,havingamanlookmeintheeyeandtell mehewantedto takemehomewasrefreshing Shocking,butrefreshing IletmybodymeltintoNoah’sandsmiled “Let’sdance”
Hemovedhishipstothemusicandkepthisgriponmyupperass.“Ishould’veknownhewasn’tyourboyfriend.Whenhe dippedyouandgavetheentirebaraviewdownyourshirt,itshould’veoccurredtomethatnomanwho’shadyouinhisbed wouldwillinglyletanothermanlookatyoulikethat”
Hiswordsstokedthefireburninginme,butItriedtohidehowaffectedIwas.“Youdon’tbelieveinamannotneedingto claimawomanlikethat?”
Noahdipped me then, keepingme ata level thatletno one else see downmyshirt. His eyes moved frommyeyes to my mouthandback “Ibelievethattherearemenwhodon’tneedtoclaimtheirwomen Ibelievetherearewomenwhodon’tneed tobe claimed.Ijustdon’tbelieve youinspire thatkindofopenness inmostmen.Ibelieve you’re the kindofwomana man feelspossessedtoclaim.”
Ilockedmyarmsaroundhisneckandwhenhepulledmeupagain,ourfaceswereevencloser “That’scrazy” Heslidoneofhishandsupmybackandgrippedthebackofmyneck.“Icouldshowyou.”
Ourgazeslockedandtheroomaroundusfadedintothebackgroundassecondstickedby Iwantedhimtoshowme Iwanted toknowwhatitfeltliketohaveNoahfeelpossessedtoclaimme,ifevenforjustonenight.Iwasscared,though.Iwasn’tsure
Icouldhandlehim
“Lookslikemytime’sup,Sophia.”Noahleanedcloserandpressedakisstothecornerofmymouthbeforeslippingaway. IturnedtoseewherehewasgoingandfoundmyselffacetofacewithEthan Heeasilysweptmeintohisarmsandmoved me around the dance floor like a pro. He led withconfidence and leftme breathless whenhe pressed his thighbetweenmy legs Themusichadturnedsultryandwewerehardlytheonlycoupleonthedancefloormovingagainsteachotherthewaywe were.Ethanjustdiditbetterthananyoneelse.
Heranhishandsupmysidesandbackdowntomyhips Wemovedtogethersilently,ourbreathmixingaswewatchedeach other.ItstoppedfeelinglikedancingwhenIfelthimhardenagainstmythigh.Ifhewasembarrassedbyhisbody’sreactionto mine, he didn’tshow it. Mylips parted as mybreathinggrew heavier. His thighbrushed againstthe seamofmyjeans and I rodethatfrictionshamelessly
“Comehomewithus,Sophia.”Ethan’seyeswerealloverme,takingineverybreathandexpression.
Thefeelingofsomeonepressingintomefrombehindshould’vesentmescreaming,butmybodyalreadyrecognizedAlex’s smell.Hegrippedmywaistandpressedhisfaceintomyhair.“Therearetwocarsoutside,Sophia.Onewaitingtotakeyouto whateveraddressyougivethemandanotherwaitingtotakeustoourhome”
“Yes.” I saw Ethan’s surprise and then his hunger. That one word from my lips had both men rushing to disentangle themselvesfromme.Noahmetusattheedgeofthedancefloorwithmypurseinhishands.Iflashedanervoussmileathim andheldoutmyhand HetriedtohandmemypursebutIgrippedhisarminstead “I’vebeeninvitedover” Helickedhislipsandnodded.“Let’sgo.”
Two blacked outSUVs satjustoutside ofthe bar Adriver stood atthe backdoor ofeachone, dressed inmatchingblack suits.Theoneinthefrontnoddedattheguysandopenedthedoorforthem.NoahmotionedformetoclimbinfirstbutIfelt rudejustignoringthedrivesoIhesitated.
“Hi Thankyoufor pickingus up” Ismiled and thenraised myeyebrows whenall four menstopped and stared atme I lookedaroundatthemandhesitated.“What?”
ThedriverduckedhisheadbutIcouldseehimsmiling “Ofcourse,ma’am” Ethanpattedthemanontheshoulder.“We’vebeenkeepingthewrongcompany,Pat.” IclimbedintotheSUVandturnedtoNoah,whoclimbedinrightafterme.“What’sthatabout?”
Heleanedacrossmetograbmyseatbeltandhesitatedwithhisfacejustinchesfrommine.“Yougetusedtosomethingforso longanditjustbecomesnormal.MostpeoplejusttreatPatlikehe’snotthere.” Imadeaface “Gross”
Noahnoddedandleanedincloser.“Thefactthatyoulooklikeafuckingdreamandarealsokindisunfair.”
FromthatcloseIcouldseeflecksofdarkerblueinhiseyesandIcouldsmellhimwithoutanythingelsearoundtomuddlehis cleanscent.SoapandsomethingthatIimaginedwaspurelyhimteasedmysenses.ThenhiswordsregisteredandIlaughed. “What?”Hefinishedbucklingmeinandsatbackinhisownspace.
“Sorry.It’sjustbeenawhilesinceI’vebeencomplimentedandI’ve never beencomplimentedquitelikethat.” EthanandAlexwere inthe seats behindus andEthanleanedforward.“Maybe you’re keepingthe wrongcompany,too,if youhaven’tbeentoldhowstunningyouarelately”
Ilookeddownatmylapandcursedmypaleskinthatshowedeveryblush.“Thankyou.”
“We’llshowyou”Noahgrippedmythighandsqueezed “Overandoveragain”
Mypulsewentcrazy.Iwasn’tthinkingaboutwhatIwasdoing.Ididn’twanttobereasonableandthinkabouttheagegapor thefactthatIwasgoinghomewiththreebrothers.“Yeah,okay.”
Toosoon,PatstoppedinfrontofTheStar LuxuryapartmentsinthemiddleofdowntownDallasweren’tcheapandI’dheard tales ofhow amazingtheywere. The Star was the bestofthem. Itookinthe toweringbuildingand the doormanstood just outsideoftheornatefrontdoors Iwasalongwayfrommyhousewiththebikeandwoodscrapslitteringtheyard EthanhelpedmeoutoftheSUVandtuckedmyhandintohiselbow.Noddingatthedriver,hesmiled.“Haveagoodnight, Pat Gohometoyourwife”
Iliftedmyhandinawave.“Thanksfortheride.”
NoahwalkedaheadofusandIwatchedasthedoormanpulledopenthedoorwithaflourishI’donlyseeninmoviesabout NewYorkfromthenineties Theguysledmeacrossamarbleflooredfoyerthatwasbeyondfancyandthenintoanelevator I’d watched Noahswipe a card over a discreetreader and Ifigured outwhywhenthe elevator climbed higher and higher and finallyopenedintotheirapartment
Alexwalkedacross theopenfloor plan,his steps echoinginthemassivespace.Moremarblemadethespacefeel likean extensionoftheentrywayandIalmostwould’vebelieveditwasareallyfancyofficeratherthanahome Everythinghadbeen buildinguptothatpointandIsuddenlyfeltlikerunningaway.Ididn’tknowwhotheguyswerebutitwasclearthattheywere wealthierthanIwouldeverbebyleapsandbounds.
“Come here, Sophia” Alex’s tone was demanding and I found myself walking towards himwithout thinking it over He grippedmyhipsandpulledmeclose.“Doyouneedsomethingtodrink?”
Inodded WhatIreallyneededwasasecondtocalmdown Thingshadseemedeasierinthebarwherethelightswerelower andJack’sencouragementwasfreshinmyhead.
Ethanwalkedpastusandpulledaglassbottleofwateroutofthefridge.“Areyouokay?There’snopressure,youknow?If youchangeyourmind,we’llcallanothercarforyouandhaveithereinminutes.”
Idrankalongpull ofthewaterandputthebottleonthecounter behindAlex Hisgriponmyhipsdidn’tchangeandthere waspatienceonhishandsomeface.TheyweremorerespectfulthanmostofthemenI’ddatedinmylife.Knowingthatthey’d stillcallmeacarandtakecareofmeputmeatease Thebarwaslow,sure,butitletmerelaxenoughtowrapmyarmsaround Alex’sneckandleanintohim.
“Idon’tknow how this works” Ipressed mylips to Alex’s jaw and felthis chestvibrate as he groaned Leaningback, I glancedupathimandfoundthosegrayeyestrainedonme.“ButIwanttostay.”
Noahsettledonabarstoolatthekitchenislandandslowlyunbuttonedthebuttonsathiswrist.“Ifyoudon’tlikesomething, letusknow Ifyoudolikesomething,letusknow Justkeeptalkingtous,Sophia” Ishuddered.I’dneverbeenavocalpersonduringsex.SexhadneverbeenanythingIwasencouragedtocommenton.Ijust typicallyacceptedwhatIgotandwentaboutmybusiness Icouldgetmyselfofflater,I’dalwaysfigured
“We’llmakeitworthit.”Alexslidhishandsaroundtomyassandsqueezedasheliftedmeoffmyfeet. IgaspedandstartedtoshakemyheadtotellhimtoputmedownbutAlexslantedhismouthovermineandIlostmytrainof thought.Wrappingmyarmsaroundhisneckandmylegsaroundhiswaist,Iforgottoworryaboutmyweight. Alexkissed me slowlyatfirst. He pressed his softlips to mine inslow, lingeringkisses. Icupped his head and pressed myselftohimharder,needingthefeelofhishardchestagainstmybreasts Withalowrumbleofagrowlhecuppedthebackof myheadandstrokedhistonguepastmylips.HetastedlikespiceandcitrusasIeasedmytongueoverhis,testingthewaters.I hadn’tbeenkissedlikethatinaverylongtimeandIwasworriedthatIdidn’tknowwhatIwasdoing Myworries faded to nothingwhenAlex’s hand cuppingmyass squeezed tighter and Irealized thatthe pole Iwas feeling betweenmylegswasactuallyhiserection.Myeyesflew openbutflutteredclosedwhenhegentlybitmybottomlip.Ifelta renewed sense of need that pushed me to get what I wanted. I worked myhips against that steel pole and explored Alex’s mouth.Bitinghislipandsuckinghistongue,IdidthingsI’donlyeverreadabout. Iwasonanotherplanet IwasgoingtohavetosendJackflowers Giantflowers Giant,hardflowers Alexliftedhismouthfrommineandgrunted.“DidyoujustcallmeJack?” Ikissedacrosshisjawandnibbledhisear “No IwasthankingJackforencouragingmetodothis” Hewalkedmebackwardsuntilmybackpressedagainstcoldmetal.Thefridge.“Howaboutyouthankme instead?”
hadn’twantedtomeetmybrothersatthebar Ihadotherthingstodoandthelasttimewe’dallthreegoneouttogether,we’d endedupinsideajailinalittlevillageinRussia.It’dtakenalotofsweet-talkingandpalmgreasingtogetoutofthatone. We’dbeenthreeyearsyounger,butIstillgotanitchatthebackofmyheadatthememory.ThemomentIspottedSophia,my moodhadshifted
I’dnoticedherthemomentshewalkedin.Herassfilledoutherjeanslikethey’dbeenstitchedexactlytohermeasurements. Herbreaststestedthelimitsofthetopsheworeanditseemedlikeeverymanintheplacehadinstantlybecomeawareofher Eveninthedimbarlighting,I’dbeenabletotellherhairwouldbesilkytothetouch.Deepredandinthickwavesdowntoher shoulders,IwantedtofistthathairmorethanIwantedmynextbreath.
Shehadn’tnoticedmeuntil herfrienddumpedherintomylap.Themomentthosebiggreeneyesliftedtomine,I’dhadan insane urge to pickher up and carryher out ofthe bar right then. Seeingher desire flashacross her face so clearlyhadn’t helpedthesituationarisinginmypants Insteadofstaying,she’drunbacktoherfriendandhe’dspenttheirtimeonthedance floortorturingme.
ThenitwasAlexwhowastorturingmebytakinghissweetasstimewithher We’dgotherhomewithusandIstillcouldn’t getmyhands onher.Shewas skittish,Icouldtell.Noneofus wantedtoscareher awaybutitwas clear thatwewereeach dyingtogetourhandsonher.
We hadn’tshareda womaninyears andwe weren’tas smoothas we once were.Ihadn’tsharedone ofthe womenIwas sleepingwithinsolongthatInolongerhadthepatienceneededforit.IwantedtograbSophiafromAlexandsmearallthat prettyredlipstickmyself
IstoodupandEthanheldhishandup,silentlytellingmetowait.Ididn’twanttowait,though.Imadeafrustratednoiseand jerkilyrolledmysleevesup Ineededtotasteherandfindoutifshewasassweetasshesmelled AlexworkedhishipsagainstSophiaandshewasmakingthesebreathylittlegaspsthatampedupmyneed.Ethan’spatience wasrunningthin,too,andIwatchedashesqueezedAlex’sshoulder,signalinghimtostophoggingSophia.
Alexgroanedasheuntangledhimselffromherandsteppedback StaringdownatSophia,wheresheleanedagainstthedoor onunsteadylegs,hegrippedherchinandpulledherinforonemorekissbeforelettinggo.“It’sgoingtobehardtoshareyou.” ShelookedaroundatthethreeofusandIwatchedthewayherthroatmovedassheswallowed Herhandspressedintothe fridgebehindherandashysmilestretchedacrossherred,poutylips.“I’massumingyouthreehavedonethisbefore.” Isteppedcloser “Wehave”
“Ihaven’t.”SheshiftedhergazefromEthantomeandIfeltajoltofenergyfromherexpressionalone.“Aslongasnoone peesonme,I’mopentolearningtonight.”
Ethan’s surprisedlaughmademewantSophiaevenmore Itwasn’teasytosurprisehim,notwhenhewas theonealways makingeveryoneelselaugh.“Okay.Nopee.That’snotanissue.”
“Haveyoueverbeenwithtwomenatthesametime,Sophia?”Alexpressedhishandsagainstthecountertopafewfeetfrom herandIcouldseehewasfightinghisownragingdesiretograbher.
Sophia took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders “No I’ve never had sex that wasn’t deemed normal by the Catholicchurchandit’sbeenyearssinceI’veevendonethat.Idon’tgetoutmuch.”
Mymouthwentdry.“Comehere,Sophia.”
Shebitherlipandwalkedtome Icouldseethewayherhandsshookasshepressedthemintoherhipsandstaredupatme “You’rebossy.”
Inodded “Willthatbeaproblem?”
Sheconsideredheranswerforafewseconds.“No.I…Idon’thateit.”
Decidingtotesther,Iflashedadarksmileandnoddedatherchest.“Takeyourshirtoff.”
Thewayhereyebrowsnarrowedslightlybeforerelaxingmademewonderwhoshewasinherreallife.Ihadafeelingshe’d tell me to kiss her ass ifIbossed her around inanyother way Astrongwomanlettingherselfgo for me happened to be a weaknessofmine.Anotherweaknesswasaperfectsetoftitsthatbouncedandswayedwithanymovement.
Sophiagrippedthebottomofhershirtandpulleditoverherhead Shekepthereyesonmine,challengingmewithoutsaying aword.WhenIdroppedmyeyestoherchest,Isaw thewayherskinreddenedbutshekeptherhandsatherside,lettingme lookmyfill Inawhitelacebra,herbreastsbeggedtobemarked Shehadpale,creamyskinandIwantedtoseemybitemark onthetopswellofherbreast.
Takinghershirtfromherhand,Islowlyfoldedit,punishingmyselfbydraggingitout.Glancingdownatherlegs,Inodded. “Andthepants”
She hesitated for a moment before unbuttoningand unzippingher jeans. She tucked her thumbs inside the waistband and pushedthemdownherhipsuntilIhookedmyfingerunderherchinandliftedherfacetomine
“Slowly.Bendatyourwaistasyoudoit.Letmybrothersseeyou.”
Ashudder wracked her body but she did as I said Alex and Ethan stood behind her, their eyes tightened in desire and probablypainastheywatched.WhenSophiasteppedoutofherjeansandstoodbackup,Itookthemandfoldedthemeverso carefullybeforeallowingmyselftoseeher.
Her panties were neonpinklace and so far fromwhatIexpected I’d expected a womanwho looked like her to be ina matchingsetand the factthatshe wasn’tjustmade me wanther evenmore. Her bodywas a perfecthourglass, witha small waistandhipsthatdemandedattention Herthighswerefullandherlegsshapely,allthewaydowntoherankles Therewasn’t asinglepartofherthatwasflat.Shewassoft,completelyfeminine,andhadthemostbeautifulfacetocompletethepackage.I couldn’trememberseeingawomanmorebeautiful.
IrealizedI’dbeensilentfortoolongwhenSophiaputherhandsonherhipsagainandnarrowedhereyesatme.“Well?This isit.”
Iclosedthegapbetweenusandgrippedthesideofherneck,usingmythumbtopressjustunderherchinandliftherfaceto mine.Hereyeswerewideasshelookedatme.“You’refuckingbeautiful.Iwanttodothingstoyouthatwouldprobablyscare you”
Thatstubborntilttoherheadreappeared.“Idon’tscareeasily.”
Ireachedaroundandgrippedthehookofherbra.“No?”
She heldher breathwhenIunhookeditbutthatbreathcame rushingoutwhenIslowlydraggedthe straps downeacharm withmyfingerstrailingoverherwarmskin.Whenthebrahitthefloor,sheglancedatit.“You’renotgoingtofoldthat,too?”
Ethanand Alexbothmoved closer She was right there withus Her sass while showingher tits to me for the first time proved that. I leaned downand grabbed the bra and let her nipples brushover myface whenI straightened. Her whimper tuggedatmeandIwasn’tsopatientwithfoldingherbra Itjoinedtherestofherclothesbutithungoffthecountertopinaclear displayofmyslippingcontrol.
“Nowthepanties.”Ishookmyheadwhenshetriedtobendoverandremovethem.“Ethancandoit.”
IkeptmyeyesonherasEthankneltbehindherandslowlypulledherpantiesdown Icouldtellbyherbreathingeachtime hetouchedher.Icouldsmell her arousal andknew wewereall dyingfromneediness.We’dgivenher timetorunandshe’d stayed Itwastimetostopteasing
NoahledSophia downthe hallwaytohis roomandIfollowedbehindwithmyeyes gluedtoSophia’s ass Longlegs and curvesfordays,shewasmyidealwoman.Iwould’vehappilyfollowedthatassoffabridgewithoutcaring. SophiaglancedbackatmeandAlex,likeshewasmakingsurewewerestillfollowingher.Hersmilewasplayfulwhenshe noticedoureyesonherass ThensheswayedthosehipsalittleharderandIwantedtoscream
Inside Noah’s room, he led her to the sittingarea nextto his floor to ceilingwindows. He sankinto whatIknew was his favoritechairandpattedhislap “Let’sdothistherightway”
Whenshe tried to sitacross his lap like she had inthe bar, he gripped her thighs and easilymaneuvered her so she was straddlinghim.Shegaspedbutitturnedintoamoanwhenhepulledherflushagainsthim.
“This ishowyousitonmylap.”NoahglancedatmeandAlexbeforehegrippedthebackofSophia’sheadandpulledher mouthtohis.HewasintensewhenhewantedsomethinganditwasnodifferentwithSophia.Hekissedherhardandleftherno roomtowonderwhowasinchargeoftheirkiss
AlexstoodbehindSophiaandgentlyranhisfingersdownherback.Istoodtohersideandleanedovertokisshershoulder. Weeasedherintothesensationofthreementouchingheratthesametime WhileNoahtookhermouth,Alexgrippedherwaist frombehindandIranmyhandfromherhiptoherinnerthigh.Thecloserwegottohercore,themorerestlessshebecame.She rockedherhipsoverNoahandkeptbreakingthekisstopantwithneed.
IwatchedasAlexcuppedhersexanddippedmyfingersforwardtopressagainstherclit.ThatwasallittookforSophiato comeforthefirsttime.ShethrewherheadbackandgrippedNoah’sshirtassherolledherhipsfaster.Watchinghercomeso easilymademewanttodoitahundredmoretimes
Noah wrapped her thick red hair around his fist and pulled her head back to look at him. “You’re just getting started, Sophia”
Alexlickedhishandcleanandswore.“Onyourhandsandkneesonthefloor,Sophia.”
Noahhelpedher offandwe watchedas she settledonthe thickcarpetlike AlexwantedandIsaw her eyes widenas she realizedwhathewanted ShetriedtomovebutAxelgrippedherassandgrowled “Stay”
Shefrozeandremainedperfectlystillashecrawledunderherandstaredupathercore.EveryinchofSophia’sbodyturned redwhenAlexwrappedhisarmsaroundherthighsandpulledhersexdowntohismouth Sophiastruggledagainsthisholdand thenstoppedmovingwhenhistonguetouchedhersex.“I’llsuffocatehim.”
Alexletoutadarklaugh “Doit”
IyankedoffmyclothesandsawNoahdothesame.Hegaveuphispreciousfoldingandmovedtostanddirectlyinfrontof Sophia’sface.TheurgetoshovehimoutofthewaywasstrongbutIlikedwatching,too,soIstoodback. “Suckme,Sophia Takemeintothatprettymouthandletmesmearthatlipstick” SophiawentuponherkneesandmoanedatwhatAlexwasdoingtoher.Shewasdetermined,though.ShegrippedNoah’s thighs andstaredupathimas she tookhis dickintoher mouth WhenNoahpulledouta few seconds later,itwas clear she knewwhatshewasdoing.Hewasalreadybreathingheavilyandswearinghername.Whenhepusheddeeper,shegaggedbut shefollowedhimashetriedtowithdraw,keepinghimlodgeddeepinhermouth “Fuck,Sophia!”Noahtooktwohandfulsofherhairandpulledout.Bendingdown,hetookhermouthinaheatedkiss.She brokeawayandcriedout,nailsdiggingintoNoah’slegsandfacepinchedasshecamehard.
“Alex!”Shewhimperedhisnameanddidn’tseemtonoticehowmuchhersoundsturneduson Shehadnoideahowfucking sexyshewas.
Noahcuppedherfaceinhishandsandslowlypushedhisthumbsinhermouthtoopenit Hisfacewashardasshelookedup athim.“You’renotgivingoutonusalready,areyou?”
Hereyesnarrowedandshebitdownonhisthumbs.Assoonashermouthwasfree,sheleanedforwardandtookhisdickto thebackofherthroat.HercheekshollowedandshesuckedhardenoughtomakeNoahgrowlhername.Sensingshe’dpushed himenough,shesmiledaroundhisdickandbattedhereyelashes Noahletoutastrangledlaugh.“Cute.”
Alex moved out fromunder Sophia and his face glistened with her wetness as he ripped his clothes off He positioned himselfbehindherandgrippedhisdick.Herubbedhistipthroughherwetnessandthenshiftedhishipstolinehimselfupwith hercore
I could see the moment he pushed himself inside bythe wayhis jaw went tight and his eyes tookonthe lookof a feral animal.Sophia’s muffledcries aroundNoah’s cockgrew louder witheachthrustofAlex’s dick,until his thighs pressedinto herassandshewasfullyimpaled
AlexbrokeoutinsweatandgrippedSophia’sassinawhite-knuckledgrip,buthedidn’tmove.Theveinsinhisarmsstood outandhegroundhisteethhard “Tight ”
Noahpulled out of her mouthand we bothstood backand watched Sophia. Her head dropped forward and she moaned brokensoundsthatmight’vebeenwords,butitwasimpossibletotell Shebracedherhandsonthefloorinfrontofherandshe slowlystartedrockingherhipsbackandforth,fuckingherselfwithAlex’sdickwhileheremainedfrozen.
Alexgrowledandhiscontrolsnapped.Hetookcontrol,fuckingSophiainlong,hardstrokes.Hertitsswungunderherand herassbouncedwitheachhardthrust Hercriesgrewlouderandclearer “Yes!Fuckme,Alex!Please,don’tstop!”
recumbeadedatthetipofmydickandItookNoah’sspotinfrontofher Sophia’seyeswereunfocusedasshelookedupat mebuthermouthopenedandshestuckhertongueouttolapatmytipbeforetakingmeincompletely.Irealizedpainfully fastthatNoahhadn’tbeenexaggerating. Her mouthwas a hotvacuumthattried to suckthe come frommyverysoul. Itwas somehowboththebestthingI’deverfeltandpainfulenoughtokeepmefrompassingoutfrompleasure
Alexreached under Sophia and the momenthis fingers settled over her clit, she came evenharder thanbefore. Her body shookbetweenusandIgrowledoutasshetookmydickevendeeper Ifeltmydickwedgeintoher throatandIshoutedher nameandforcedmyselftopulloutsoIwouldn’tcomeinstantly.
Sophiasuckedinabigbreathandthenscreamed.Shecollapsedforwardandsankherteethintoherarmtosilenceherself. Alexheldherhipsupandslammedhisdickintoherafewmoretimesuntilhisthrustsgrewshakyandheburiedhimselfinher oncemore.Hisvoicewasbarelyrecognizableasheshoutedhernameandcamehard.
IkneltbesideSophiaandstrokedherhairoutofherfaceassheslowlycamedown NoahmovedtostandnexttoAlexandI watchedhisfaceafterAlexpulledout.HiseyesgrewevenhungrierandheleanedforwardtostrokeSophia’sassinreverence.
AlexsankontoNoah’sbedandstruggledtoregainhisvoice Sophiablinkedherprettyeyesopenandalazysmiletippedher lipsupatthecorners.Itracedthelinesofherfacewiththetipofonefingeranddidmybesttoremainpatient.
NoahslidtwofingersdeepintoSophia’spussyandthendraggedthemixtureofcomeuptocircleherass.Hewatchedher facecloselyandteasedher.“Haveyouevertakenanyonehere?”
Sophiatriedtoshakeherheadbutwiththesideofherfacestillpressedintothecarpet,shewasforcedtospeak.“No.” “Isitoff-limits?”
Hereyesmetmineandshestillmanagedtoblush.“Um…No.”
Allthreeofusmoanedatheranswer Noahdippedhisfingersintohersexagainandthenslowlypressedoneoftheminto her ass. Sophia tensed, but he dropped his other hand to her clit and stroked her. He continued while Alexand I watched silently,onlybreathingwhenwehadto.TheideaofSophiatakingoneofusineachofherholeswastooalluring.
Sophiahadanother,smaller,orgasmandthenpushedherselfbackuponherhandsandknees Shelookedoverhershoulder atNoahandlickedherlips.“Fuckme.”
Headdedanotherfingerandpumpedintoherassfaster “How?” Shemoaned.“Please,Noah.”
“Tellmewhereyouwantmetofuckyou,Sophia”Hepumpedherassharder “Askmetofuckyou”
Shewasquietforamomentbeforelookingbackathimagain.“Fuckmeinmyass,Noah.Please.Ineedtofeelyoufuckmy ass.”
Noah pulled his fingers out and grabbed Sophia around the waist She laughed when he tossed her on the bed and immediatelywentuponherhandsandknees,preparedforhim.Noahconfusedher,though.HenoddedtomeandIlaiddown acrossthebedandpulledherontopofme
Icuppedherbreastsandliftedmymouthtosuckonherhardnipples.Nippingatthem,Ikissedmywayupherthroat.“Put thatgoldenpussyonmydick,Sophia”
ShedidjustasIsaidandslowlysankherselfontomyfulllength.Shemoanedandtriedtopressherselfupsoshecouldride me, but I wrapped myarmaround her and brought her chest downto mine. I struggled to staystill whenher pussypulsed aroundme so perfectly She was sogoddamnhotand tightthatIwanted to offer her myinheritance and begher to never go anywhere.
Igripped her hair and broughther mouthto mine Justbefore kissingher, Imether gaze “Noah’s goingto fuckyour ass, Sophia.Grindyourclitintomeandtrytostayrelaxed.”
HereyeswidenedbutwhenIkissedher,shegaveherselffully.IkissedhersoftandslowuntilIfeltNoahsettlebehindher. Whenshestartedtotense,Istrokedmytongueintoher mouth.Icouldfeel Noahpressingintoher ass andIfoughttostayin controlashercoretightenedaroundmeevenmore Shestartedmakingtinymovementsthatrubbedherclitintomeandpanted into my mouth. I tightened my grip on her hair and nipped at her lips, doing everything I could to distract her from any discomfortshefelt
WhenNoahwasfinallyfullinsideherass,weallexhaledtogether.Noahgrippedherhipsandwehelpedhersitupasmuch asshecould AlexstoodnexttousonthebedandhestoppedtocupSophia’sfaceandkissherbeforestraighteningandeasing himselfintohermouth.Thatmoment,withallthreeofusdeepinsideSophia,stretchedasfaraswecouldhandleit.Therewas magictohertakingusallthatway.
Wecouldn’tcontaintheneedtotakeherforlong,though Noahmovedfirst,easinghimselfoutandthenbackintoherassa fewtimesbeforemovingfaster.Alexheldherheadinhishandswhilefuckinghermouth.Iwaitedthelongesttomove.WhenI did,Sophia’snailsbitintomychestandIfelthercoretightenandpulse “She’sclose.”Ireachedupandgrippedherbreasts.“Fuck,Sophia.Yourpussyissofuckingperfect.”
Noahpumpedhimselfintoherassfaster “I’mnotgoingtolastlong Toogood”
SophiascreamedaroundAlex’sdickandsurprisedusallbybuckingherhipsbetweenus.Shesilentlydemandedmoreand whenNoahandIbothfuckedherfaster,shegrabbedmyhandandpulledituptoherthroat.
Iheldherthroatandgentlytightenedmygrip MybloodwaslavainmyveinsandwhenSophia’scoreclampeddownonmy dick, I lost it. I came harder thanI could ever remember comingand the feelingof mycome floodingher core sent me to anotherlevelofpleasure IhadtoforcemyfingersfromaroundherthroatsoIdidn’thurther Noahcamewithaferalcry,pinningSophia’sbodybetweenus.AlexcameatthesametimeandIcouldhearhimchantingher nameashedid.Assoonashepulledoutofhermouth,sheslumpedforwardonmychestandIwrappedmyarmsaroundher, holdingheragainstme.WhenIcouldbreatheagain,IopenedmyeyesandmetNoah’sgaze.Icouldreadinhisexpressionthat hewasthinkingandfeelingthesamethingIwas.
Sophiadidn’tfeellikeanothereasyfuck
The sound ofa door shuttingstartled me awake Iblinked myeyes openand instantlyfelt a mixofleftover pleasure and exhaustion.I’dusedmusclesthatIwasn’tsureI’deverusedandIwassore.IwasalsopinnedbeneathEthan’sheavyarm andAlex’s heavyleg.Mycheeks burnedatthe image we presented.All ofus nakedandstill coveredinfluids thatIwasn’t willingtoeventhinkabout,welookedlikethecoverofaverydirtyporn Iwasn’tsurewherethebeddinghadgonebutwith themsurroundingme,Ihadnoworriesofgettingcold.
Iliftedmyhead,expectingNoahtobegone,buthewasstillpassedoutontheothersideofEthan Seeingthatwewereall stillinbed,myheartjumpedatthethoughtofsomeoneelseintheapartment.Oh,god.IstartedtopanicasIrealizedthatIknew nothingabouttheguysI’dgonehomewithandthepersonwho’djustshutthedoorcould’vebeentheirgirlfriendorparents.I wasathirty-seven-year-oldwoman.Iwaspastthestageofmylifewhereparentswalkedinonmewiththeirsons.
IstruggledtocrawloutfromunderAlexandEthanbutIfinallysankofftheendofthebed,intothefloor,andbarelymanaged tonotcryoutwheneverypartofmybodycomplainedaboutthemovement Istoodupandlookedaroundformyclothes When Ididn’tspotthem,Ihadavisionofstrippingnakedintheirkitchen.IcursedmyselfevenasIgrabbedoneoftheirshirtsand tuggeditover myhead Takingasecondtoappreciatethewaytheir shirthungoffofme,Ilookedattheguysoncemoreand sighed.
They’dproventomethatIwasn’tquietduringsexifthesexwasgoodenough.They’dgivenmedozensoforgasmsandhad thestaminaof…guystheirage…Ishiveredandpushedmyhairoutofmyface.IfoundmyselflingeringwhenIthoughtabout thefactthatI’dneverseethemagain.They’dgivenmethebest,wildestnightofmylifeanditwashardtogivethatup.
Rollingmyeyesatmyself,Isilentlymademywayoutofthebedroom EvenifIdidstickaround,therewasnowaythethree ofthemwereexpectingmetostickaroundsotheycouldgivemeevenmoreorgasms.Iwastoooldforthemandwe’dhada goodnighttogether Therewasnoreasontostickaroundandmakeitawkward
Thankfully,therewasnooneelseinthekitchenasIhurriedlypulledmyownclothesbackon.Whenitcametimetoputmy shirton, Ihesitated,though. Ipulledthe larger shirttightaroundmybodyand thenshookmyhead.Iwas a grownwoman. I didn’tneedtostealaman’sshirt WhenIwasfullydressed,Ifoundmypurseandgrabbedapenandanoldreceiptoutofit Quicklyscribblingoutashortnotetosaythanksandgoodbye,Ileftitontheislandandthenwenttomakemyquickexit.
OnlywhenIturnedaround,therewasanolderwomanstandingontheothersideofthemassiveroom,watchingmewitha wide-eyedexpression.Islappedmyhandover mymouthtocontainascreamandnearlyjumpedoutofmyskin.Thewoman heldupherhandsandhurriedcloser
“I’msosorry!Ididn’tmeantoscareyou.I’mjustcleaning.Ididn’texpecttheretobeanyoneelsehere.”Sherushedaround meandopenedthefridge.“Wouldyoulikesomethingtoeat?Icancooksomethingbeforeyouleave.” Ishookmyheadandfeltmyhair moveas oneunit Wincingathow Imustlook,Ilaughedawkwardlyandstartedbacking away.“No,thankyou.I’mjustgoingtogo.Ihave…anappointment.”
“Oh,ofcourse!Well,letmehelpyouout Unlessyouhavethecodetotheelevatororacard,itwon’tletyouout”Something aboutherfacewasfamiliar,butIchockedituptoherresemblingtheguysinsomeway,evenifIcouldn’tplacewhy.Shewas pleasantly plump and had the kindest eyes, but she was catching me in an awkward position, so I couldn’t appreciate her kindness.“Itelltheboysallthetimethatitseemslikeasafetyhazard,butdotheylisten?No.”
Boys.Thealcoholfromthenightbeforethreatenedtomakeasecondappearance.IstumbledandcaughtmyselfjustbeforeI crashedintoaveryexpensivelookingsidetable “Boys?”
Shetookonelookatmyfaceandgiggled.“I’msorry.Ishouldn’tcallthemboysstill.They’reperfectlylegal,honey.” Icoveredmymouthagainandpressedafistintomystomach “Ireallyhavetogo”
Afew beats later, Iwas inside the elevator onmywaydownto the exit, butthe womanhad joined me. Ileaned heavily
againstthewall,tryingnottohaveacompletefreakout Boys Perfectlylegal Justhowoldwerethey?
“ShouldIwakeuptheboysandhavethemcallacarforyou,honey?Youdon’tlooksogood.”Shescoffed.“Imean,you’re beautiful Youjustlooksick IsitbecauseIcalledthemboysagain?Iamsosorry They’renotboys,Ipromise They’reintheir mid-twenties.Andifyousaw thewaytheycarriedthemselves,you’dthinktheywereevenolder.Although…Iguessyoudid seethewaytheycarrythemselves Aren’ttheysuchgreatbo-men?”
Ifound myphone inmypurse and shookmyhead, desperate to getawayfromher. “Icanhandle it. Thankyou, though. I think IthinkIjustneedsomefreshair”
“Ofcourse.Theseelevatorridesalwaysmakemesick,too.Iwishtheydidn’thavetoliveonthetopfloor.Me?Iliveonthe firstfloor ofmyhouse.Maybe whenIwas younger,Icould’ve handledthis elevator everyday,butIhave anissue withthe crystalsinmyearsnowthatI’malittleolder Theysaysixtiesarethenewfifties,butIdon’tknowaboutthat”
ThedoorsopenedandIsprintedout.“Thankyou!Ihavetogo!”
Sherushedafterme,stilltalking “MynameisMary,dear Maybethenexttimeyoucomeovertoseetheboys,wecanhave teaandgettoknoweachother.”
Iwasleggingitdownthesidewalk,doingmybesttogetawayfromtheirbuilding,butMarywasn’tgivingup Icalledtoher overmyshoulder.“IfIseethemagain,thatwouldbenice.Thankyou!” She justjogged faster. “Whatdo youmean? Ofcourse, you’ll see themagain. Myboys will call youiftheyknow what’s goodforthem You’rethemostputtogetherwomanI’veeverseenthembringhome Notthatthey’vebroughtanyonehomein forever.Theydon’tliveathomebecausethey’regrownupnow.Oh,goodness.Ijustthinkithastomeansomethingthatyou’re notamess Ibetthey’llbecallingyoubeforeyouevengethome”
spunaroundsofastthatMaryranintomeandwebothwentdownhard Ilandedonmyelbowandhip,butMarymanagedto scrapebothhandsandknees.MyheartlodgedinmythroatwhenIsawtearsforminhereyes.Immediately,Itookherhands inmineandlookedthemover.“I’msosorry,Mary.Here,letmehelpyoubacktothebuilding.”
Sheforcedalaughandletmehelpherup “I’mfine You’regoingtobelateforyourappointment”
Isighedandmetherlightblueeyes.Lightbluejustlike her boys.Wasthattheonlythingnaggingatmybrain?Shelookedso familiarbutithadtobetheeyes “Truth?”
Shenodded.“Iwasjusttryingtoescape.Idohavetogethometomydaughter,butshe’swithmysister,soI’msureshe’s mostlyokay.”
“Youhaveadaughter?That’sgreat!”Shenoticedmyexpressionandlaughed.“Ihavethreesonsintheirmid-twentieswho haven’toncementionedkidsorsettlingdown.Atthispoint,I’macceptinganykindofkid.Ijustwantagrandbaby.”
“Mary ”Igrunted “Ithinkthere’sbeenamisunderstanding I’mnottheir girlfriend Ijust Imean,Ijustspentthenight withthem.Idon’tnormallydothingslikethat,but-”
“So,theymust’vebeensomethingspecialtoyou,too”Shewasn’tbackingdown “Itwasaone-nightstand,Mary.I’mreallysorryforgettingyourhopesup.”Irubbedmyhanddownmyfaceandfeltgritty mascarasmearedundermyeyes.“Lookatme.Youdon’twantmeasyourdaughter-in-lawanyway.Trustme.Itrieddoingthe daughter-in-lawthingbeforeanditdidn’tendwell.”
Marygrinnedbrightlyasshelookedaheadandthenglancedbackatme.“Thereareworsethingstotrytwice,honey.” I opened mymouthto tell her that I was never goingto trythat particular thingtwice but the feelingof the air pressure changingaroundushadmeliftingmyhead.Comingoutoftheirbuildinginjustapairoflow-slungpants,Noah’seyeswereon meandtheywerenarroweddangerously
“Oh,look.Here’s myNoahnow.” Marypattedmyarmandreacheduptopatmyhair.“Iguess it’s fine since he probably madeitthatway…”
Myentire bodyfeltlike I’d beenputinanoven Their mother was crazy Iwould’ve loved everybitofher ifshe wasn’t focusingthatcrazyonme.
“What the hell happened? You’re both bleeding” Noah’s voice was even deeper first thing in the morning and when I glancedupathim,thestyledhairfromthenightbeforewasgone.Hishairlookedworsethanmine,ifpossible.Only,hismade himcharming,whichwasn’tfair
Marytskedatherson.“Noah,watchyourmouthwhenyou’respeakingtoalady.Iwaswalkingyourfriendoutandwehada spill.Helpusuptotheapartmentandgiveussomefirst-aid.Ithinkyourfriendhereneedsmouth-to-mouth.” Noah’scheekspinkened “Mother Really?”
Iheldupmyhandsandtookastepbackwardsbuthisgazeshiftedtomineandthehardstareheshotmehadmefreezing.“I wasgoingtoletyoutakecareofyourmother Ihaveanappointment ” “No,shedoesn’t.”Marygiggledatme.“You’renotgettingawaythateasily.” “Bothofyouneedtohavethosecutscleanedup There’snotellingwhatyoupickedupfromthesidewalk Comeon”Noah noddedatme.“Don’tmakemepickyouupandcarryyouinside.”
Maryclappedherhands.“Oh,Noah!Thisisjustlikethatbookwereadinbookclubafewyearsago.Theonetheyturned intoamoviewiththatbeautifulIrishactor Somethingaboutgray Oh!”
IwasgoingtodigtheholeIneededtoopenundermeifIdidn’tescapethetwoofthemfast.“Fifty Shades of Gray.” NoahshotmealooklikehewasdemandingtoknowwhyI’dhelphismotheroutwiththetitle,butIwaswonderingthesame thingmyself.“Mom,stop.Please.”
Inodded.“Yes,please.I’monlysostrong.ThisisofficiallythemostembarrassedI’veeverbeenandI’dliketorunaway now.”
Marygasped “Donotbeembarrassed What’syourname?” Isqueezedmyeyesshut.“Sophia.”
“Do not be embarrassed, Sophia You’re a modern woman You have needs and going home with three very eligible bachelors is perfectlyfine. Ifanyone looks atyoudifferentlybecause ofthat, theycansitona corncob. Do youunderstand me?”Sheturnedtoherson “Didyousayanythingtomakeherthinkthiswasembarrassing?” Noahhelduphishandsandstaredupatthesky.“You’rekillingme.”
“IfIfindoutthatyouoryourbrotherssaidanythingtomakeSophiathinklessofherself,I’llpullyouovermykneeandspank you You’renottooold”
“Jesus,Mom!”
Ihadtogetaway PanicandhorrorwouldbemyexcuseifIwasaskedaboutmychoiceslater,butIwasbeingpushedtomy limit.IgaspedandpointedbehindNoah.“Isthatthepresident?!”
AssoonastheywerebothlookinginthedirectionthatIpointed,Isprintedaway I’dneverruntrackbeforebutwhenIfelt the wind whippingmytangled hair backand forth, I thought I could’ve beena trackstar. I never looked back. Acab was stoppedatthesidewalkaheadofmeandIdoveinside,stealingitfromamaninabusinesssuit.
“Go!”Ipushedthebusinessman’shandsoutofthewayandslammedthedoorshutbeforelyingflatacrosstheseat “Ifyou pullawayfromthiscurbtensecondsago,I’lltipyouahundred!”
Iwasrockedintothebackoftheseatandthenintothefloor asthecabtookoffandthenskiddedtoastoptomakeaturn Wedgedinthefloorboardofacab,Iusedmytimeonthelongdrivehometothinkaboutmychoices.Thedriver,aniceman namedLazalo,stoppedoncewewereoutofthecityandhelpedmeoutofthefloor.Thatjustgavemetimetolookatmycell phonefinallyandIrealizedthatI’dnevertextedorcalledAvaorJackthenightbefore.Ihaddozensofcallsfrombothofthem.
IshotatexttobothofthemlettingthemknowIwasfineandthatI’dcallthemassoonasIcould.Then,Iletmyheadslump backontheheadrestandmyeyesmetLazalo’sintherear-viewmirror
“Youokay,lady?”
Igroaned “Haveyoueverbeenwalkedoutofaone-nightstandbytheotherperson’sparent?”
Hiseyescrinkledashelaughed.“Ican’tsaythatIhave.”
“Good.Makebetterchoicesthanme,Laz.”Irubbedmyfaceandoutofnowhere,alaughbubbledupandoutofme.Oncethe firstlaughescapedtherewasnostoppingit.IcackledasLazalojoinedmeandneitherofusstoppeduntilheparkedinfrontof myhouse and Isaw Ava, Milo, Lily, Mrs. Johnson, and myfavorite neighbor, Mr. Jimmy, all standinginthe drivewaywith theirhandsontheirhips
“Oh,man.Thisallforyou?”
IpulledthewadofcashthatJackhadgivenmethenightbeforeoutofmypocketandpassedittoLazalo “Circletheblocka fewtimes?”
“Toolate,Ms.Sophia.”
Sureenough,Avawasalreadyyankingthedooropenandshovingherheadinside
“Doyouhaveanyideahowworriedwe were?!”
om!AuntAvasaidyouwereinbigtrouble What’dyoudo?”Lilywrappedherselfaroundmeandthensniffed “You smelllikeaboy,Mom.Gross.”
AvawatchedLilyfreeherselffrommeandruninsidebeforenarrowinghereyesatme.“Yousmelllikeaboy?What thehell wereyouthinking?Youscaredtheshitoutofus Youcould’vebeenmurdered,Soph!Youcould’vebeencutupinto littlepiecesandlitteredaroundtheriver!Iwould’vehadtoidentifyyoupiecebypiece!”
Mrs Johnsonscowled “Disgusting Tellyoursistertostopbeingsogross,Sophia” Ava flipped the older womanoff. “Whyare youevenhere? Youweren’thelpful atall. Youjustkeptmuttering slut under yourbreath.”
Miloheldhishandupformetohigh-fiveit.“Nicemovegettinglaid,Soph!It’sgoodforyourcreativejuices.Ihavesome ideasIwanttorunbyyou,sothisisperfect.”
“Milo!”AvatuggedMilobackbyhisshirtandthenpushedhimtowardsthehouse “GoinsideandmakeLilysomeeggs”
“Wedon’thaveanyeggs.Youusedthemallinthatpaintingyoumadelastnight.”
Iswore “Ava!Itoldyouthatifyouusethegroceriesforyourartprojects,youhavetoreplacethem”
“Oh,andwhenwasIsupposedtoreplacethem?Betweensleepingandworryingthatyouweredeaderthandead?IguessI should’vedonetheshoppingwhilefilingamissingpersonsreport?”AvaturnedtoMrs.Johnson.“Whyareyoustillhere?Get outofhere,lady.Thisisfamilybusiness.”
“Jimmyisn’tfamily!” Mrs. Johnsonjabbed her elbow into Jimmy’s side. “Jimmydoesn’thave familybecause he’s a nogoodcommunist!”
Mr.Jimmyhelduphishands.“PaintyourhouseredduringtheRedScareandsuddenlyyou’reacommunist.”
“Don’ttalktoJimmylikethat We’re his family”Itriedtoshovemyfingers throughmyhair butmyhair wasn’thavingit “CanwecontinuethisafterIshower?”
“Slut.”Mrs.Johnsonshookherheadandwaggedherfingeratme.“Thisplaceisazoo!” “Milo!Getyourchainsaw!ThisladycalledSophaslut!”Avalaughedmaniacally “You’regoingtogetitnow” Milopokedhisheadoutofthehouse.“Whichone,baby?” Avashrugged “Idon’tcare,Milo Justgetone” “WhatamIusingitfor?Ifit’sbig,I’llgetJason.Ifit’smedium,I’llgetMichael.Ifit’s-” “It’sfor choppingupmeanoldladies,Milo!”Avathrew her handsupandgroaned “Forgetit Just forgetit,Milo She’s alreadyhalfwayhome.”
“What? I’mnotchoppingup people withmychainsaws, Ava!Do youhave anyidea whatthat kind ofthingwould do to them? God, Ava, it’s like youdon’tevencare aboutthem” He disappearedinto the house again, leavingAva and Istanding therewithMr.Jimmy.
Mr Jimmyclearedhisthroat “Iwasacommunist” AvaandIbothstaredathimwithslackjaws.
“Well,itwasbeforetheinternet Imetanicemanwhotoldmeabunchofbullshit Tobefair,Iwasn’texactlylisteningtothe thingshewassaying.Hehadthisnoncanceroustumoronhistongue…Itlookedterrible,butitfeltlikeheaven.”
AvaandIbothfellintoafitoflaughter.Bythetimewe’dstoppedmysideshurtandIhadtearsrunningdownmycheeks.Ava recoveredfasterthanmeandshewasinvestedinknowingmore “Soyoubecameacommunistforamanwhogavegoodhead? IthoughtitwasbadwhenIpretendedtolikemagicformyboyfriendbeforeMilo.”
“YoucanimaginemysurprisewhenIfoundoutthetruth Ihadtopaintwhitestripsonmyhouseandpretendlikethathad beentheplanthewholetime.”Heturnedhisgazeonme.“Backtoyou,though,missy.YoulooklikemeafterIparticipatedin