Risqué Management

Chapter 28

Terri emerged from the locker room and approached me before ballroom practice began. Her dress wasn’t as sexy as the one she’d worn to the party, but it still clung to her body and showed a fair amount of cleavage.

“Hey,” she said, a little awkwardly.

“Hey yourself.” I paused and then added, “You look nice.”

“Thanks. You too.”

We both hesitated and then spoke at the same time. That broke the tension and we laughed.

“You first,” I said.

“No, you.”

“I wanted to ask how you’re doing.”

She shrugged. “Fine. A little tired. I didn’t sleep well. You?”

“I’m okay. Sorry you couldn’t sleep. Because of me?”

“Us. It takes two to tango.”

“Still, I feel like it was mostly my fault.”

“It wasn’t. So don’t feel bad. I do the same thing after a performance. I go through it in my mind and try to figure out where I messed up.”

“Nowhere.”

“No, I did. I read too much into it. Also, I should’ve known—it was Christy’s birthday. I don’t care how open your relationship is, she wouldn’t let you spend the night with someone else. Not on her birthday.”

I suppressed the impulse to tell her about our threesome with Wren.

“So, yeah,” Terri finished, “I messed up. I’m still disappointed, though.”

“Me too. And I’m sure that’s part of why you couldn’t sleep. Because of the… um… tension.”

“You think I was horny?” she laughed. “I can’t believe I’m even having this conversation.”

“Why not?”

“Because you aren’t my boyfriend.”

“So? Everyone gets horny.”

“Well, yeah,” she admitted. “But I don’t normally talk about it.”

I shrugged. “It isn’t a big deal. Sex is a part of life.”

“Maybe for you. You’re a guy.”

“For you too.”

“Yeah, but it’s private.”

“I think we’re past that point,” I said. “We aren’t lovers, but we’re more than friends. For now,” I added. “I still want to sleep with you, and I’m pretty sure you do too. You’d’ve pushed me away if you didn’t.”

“Yeah, probably.” She thought of something and laughed darkly. “I thought this’d be so simple. ‘He has an open relationship,’ I thought. ‘He’s a cute guy, nice body. We have chemistry. Go for it.’ I didn’t think it’d turn into… this!”

“We’ll figure it out. Whatever happens, I’d still like to be friends. And I’d still like to be your dance partner. If you’ll have me.”

“That’s easy,” she said. “Yes to both.”

* * *

The next few weeks were more or less normal for the end of the quarter. Everyone had too much to do and not enough time to do it.

Wren spent the majority of her time on her thesis, but she had papers or presentations in several other classes. One night she asked me if she could move the computer and printer down to the dining room table. She needed the space to spread out her media exhibits while she worked. I agreed, of course, since I barely touched it anymore. (Christy already knew how to use it better than I did, and I’d had the thing for years!)

Trip had his own end-of-quarter rush, and not only with schoolwork. He also had to finish the estimates for Susan’s project, which mostly involved calling subcontractors in South Carolina and sending out requests for bids. I helped as much as I could, but I still felt like he was doing all the work while I was riding his coattails.

“Don’t worry,” he told me, “you’ll have plenty to do. Most of my work is on the front end, planning and scheduling. You’ll pull your weight when the time comes, especially when I get the budget approved and give you specs for the designs. Speaking of which,” he added, “do you have that info about the RV parking?”

“Not yet.” I’d been putting it off because it was boring.

“Get it to me,” he said bluntly. “I need to know if we’ll have to clear more land. Susan’s guy says we can sell timber to offset some of the cost, but I’ll still have to add it to the schedule.”

“Yeah, all right.”

“Hustle up. Time is money.”

“Yes, sir,” I snapped, only half joking. “Anything else?”

“Hand me those estimates, fix me another drink, and leave me alone. In that order.”

“Your wish is my command.”

He snorted a laugh and started scanning the estimates. “Go on,” he said. “Fetch me that drink.”

Christy spent most of her time in the A&A building, where she worked on the casting models for the Kanagawa pieces. I stopped by to check on her between my own classes, but she was in her own little world. I usually gave her a hug and a kiss and made sure she had enough to eat.

One day I showed up and found a visitor.

“Oh, hi,” Lily said.

“Hi yourself,” I said. “What’re you doing here?”

“I just got here. I didn’t want to go back to the dorm, so I stopped by to hang out. I said hi, but…” She shrugged. “I don’t think she knows I’m here. Is she always like this?”

Christy sat hunched over one of the clay models, young Sayuri. She was fussing with the sleeve of the kimono. I looked closer and realized she was adding the line of a seam. I wasn’t sure the mold material would pick it up in the first place, much less transfer it to the marble mixture for the final casting, but Christy knew what she was doing.

“Yeah, sorry,” I said to Lily instead. “Did you need to talk to her? I can get her attention.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“How’d you know where to find her?” I asked. Siobhan’s studio wasn’t a secret lair, but it wasn’t exactly a tourist destination either.

“I asked around,” Lily said. “She’s famous, isn’t she?”

“Around here? Yeah.”

“She’s amazingly talented. I can’t believe how pretty and lifelike her statues are. And she makes it look so easy.”

“It isn’t. It’s hundreds of hours of hard work.”

“Really? That much?”

I did some quick math. “She’s spent three hundred hours on this series alone. Thousands, if you count all the years it took to get to this point.”

“That’s, like, a lot. What about you? Do you have a big project too?”

“Nothing on this scale, but yes. I’m already finished with most of it, though. I have a few things left to do, a couple of models, but they’re small. They won’t take long.”

“Wow. You’re done already? You must be super-organized.”

“Something like that. I also know how Christy works. I need to have my own project done so I can help her when she’s ready.”

“That’s really nice of you. I wish Will cared that much about me.”

“I’m sure he does,” I said.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“To help Christy? Not really, but thanks.”

She shrugged and changed the subject. “She says you’re into ballroom dancing too. That must be so romantic.”

“I dunno about romance,” I said, “but it’s fun. It’s stress-relief more than anything.” I nodded toward Christy. “She has a lot of pent-up energy, especially after a day like this. She needs to wear herself out or she doesn’t sleep.”

“She said you take good care of her,” Lily said. Then she shot me a sly grin. “Especially in the wearing-out department.”

A peevish part of me wondered if Christy discussed our sex life with all of her friends, even the ones she’d known less than a week. I let it drop, though. She obviously liked Lily and was trying to get her into bed. I wouldn’t complain if it happened, but I wondered if she’d thought beyond that.

Lily brought me back to the present. “Is that true?”

“What?”

“You wear her out? Twice a day? Sometimes more?” She laughed at my expression and flitted to another subject. “I wish Will and me could do that. At least sometimes. But his parents made him live in the Vault, so he can’t even have female visitors. He can visit my room, but not overnight.”

My own dorm experience felt like the distant past, although it had only been a couple of years. Then again, a couple of years could make a huge difference. I glanced at Lily and reminded myself that she might look older, but she was only nineteen. She made me feel positively grown-up.

“I remember those days,” I said aloud. “It gets better.” Then I checked my watch and said, “Sorry, I have to go.”

“Class?”

“Yeah.”

“Is it okay if I stay here?”

“Sure.” I nodded at Christy and added, “She tends to ignore everything that isn’t work. Don’t take it personally. She does it to me too. If you don’t mind, give her these occasionally.” I handed over several baggies of snacks and added, “Pretend you’re at the zoo. Just toss in some food and stand back.”

“It won’t bother her that I’m here?”

“No, not at all,” I assured her. Then I smiled a goodbye. “It was nice talking to you.”

“Yeah. Nice talking to you. See you later.”

* * *

On Sunday Lily came home with Christy after church.

“Hi again,” she said.

“Long time, no see,” I replied sardonically.

Christy frowned at my tone, although Lily was oblivious.

“Yeah,” she said. “Sorry I missed you yesterday. I had to do laundry, so I went home.”

“Morristown, right?” I said.

“Yeah! I didn’t think you’d remember.”

“How far is that?”

“About an hour.” She shrugged but then brightened. “Christy says you’re going dancing this afternoon. At a local studio or something?”

“She is,” I said. “I’m not good enough yet.”

“Oh. So you aren’t going?”

“No, I’m going. I just won’t be dancing.”

“Do you mind if I come along?”

Christy’s eyes lit up, and I had to swallow a laugh. She’d wanted this all along, which was why she’d invited Lily home after church.

“Sure,” I said. “You wanna invite Will?”

“He went home for the weekend. He goes to church with his family.”

“Ah, okay.” I said. “So, just the three of us today?”

Ooh, a threesome, the little head said.

Not yet, I told him. But that’s what Miss Libido wants. Duh.

Have I told you how much I like her?

I believe you mentioned it, I replied dryly.

Christy read my expression and frowned. She didn’t know exactly what I’d said, but she understood the gist.

So? she said with a look. I have needs too, you know.

I raised an eyebrow, but she broke off with a glare before Lily realized we were talking about her.

“Yeah, totally,” she was saying. “I’m dying to see what it’s like. Will isn’t interested, so it’s probably a good thing he isn’t here.”

“Well,” I said, “as long as you don’t mind hanging out with me.”

“I’d love to. If it’s okay with you,” she asked Christy.

“I don’t mind sharing him.”

Lily didn’t catch the double entendre, but it hadn’t been intended for her anyway.

“Isn’t that right, dear?” Christy added.

“Of course. But we’d better get ready. We need to leave soon.”

“Oh my gosh,” she said to Lily, “wait till you see my dress and shoes.”

I chuckled and slid past them. “I’ll grab my clothes and change upstairs.”

* * *

Terri pulled me aside in the middle of the performance, right as “The Skater’s Waltz” began. We retreated to a corner of the dance studio, where no one could overhear.

“You don’t waste any time,” she accused. Her tone was polite enough, but it had an edge I hadn’t heard from her before.

“About what?” I said.

“Not what. Who.”

“Lily?”

“Who else?”

“Yeah, but she wasn’t my idea,” I said lightly.

“I’m sure.”

My attitude changed abruptly, and I gave her a flat look. “Have I ever lied to you?”

“How would I know if you had?”

“I think you know me well enough. Besides, all you have to do is ask.”

“It’s none of my business.” She took a calming breath and closed her eyes as she exhaled. “Sorry. I’m not like that. The jealous type. Not normally. Besides, I don’t have any right. It’s not like we’re sleeping together.”

“It’s okay. You’re nicer’n some of the women I have slept with.”

She laughed ruefully. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“It doesn’t.” Her gaze shifted to the dancers, and she tracked Christy. “Doesn’t it bother you? That she can do what she wants but you have to follow the rules?”

“Maybe a little,” I said. “But it’s new to her.”

“What? The open relationship?”

“Yeah. I’ve done it before.”

“For real?”

“I actually had two girlfriends in high school and for a while here. Two girlfriends at the same time, I mean.”

“Typical,” she said derisively. Then she caught herself and visibly calmed down. “I apologize. I don’t have any right to judge you either.”

“Eh, I’ll survive.”

“So, these girlfriends…? They knew about each other?”

“Yeah. But that was part of the problem. It’s a long story—maybe I’ll tell you someday—but the short version is that I didn’t handle it well. It ended badly.”

She snorted agreement.

“Anyway, our arrangement’s still new to Christy, so she’s… testing it out.”

“You’re clearly okay with that.”

“Well, yes and no.”

“What? She doesn’t let you sleep with them too? Sorry,” she said immediately. “What’s wrong with me today? I hate being sarcastic and judgmental.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“I guess I’m still trying to understand.” She sighed in frustration as much as anything.

“That’s fine. I’ll try to explain, but… it’s complicated.” I paused and thought about what I wanted to say. “No, Christy doesn’t mind if I sleep with Lily. The same with you, before she figured out you weren’t interested.”

“But I am interested. Well, I was. But… only in you.”

“Right. And I’m interested in you. But sex is only part of it. I like an emotional connection before I sleep with someone.”

“That’s a new one.”

I kept my expression neutral. “Is it?”

“Yeah. Especially for a guy.”

“Are you like all the other women in the world?”

“Yeah, okay,” she conceded, “you aren’t like most guys.”

“Nope. So, sex is only part of it,” I repeated. “And I want some kind of connection. Friendship at the very least. That usually means having things in common.”

Her eyes followed mine to Lily, who was enthralled by the dancers.

“You don’t have anything in common with her?” Terri said.

“Maybe. But she’s nineteen.”

“You aren’t much older. Twenty-one?”

“Close enough. But I think I’m more mature.”

“Yeah, you are. Still, what does that make me? Old enough to know better.”

“You aren’t that old,” I said. “What? Twenty-six?” I laughed at a sudden thought. “This is gonna sound like a pickup line, but you look my age. Asian women are beautiful till they’re sixty.”

“Thank you. But I’m only half-Asian.” She answered my unspoken question, “Korean.”

“Cool. What’s the other half, Ms. Cortez? Mexican?”

“Not Mexican,” she said immediately. “American. My father makes a big deal about it. His side’s Hispanic, but our roots go back to the conquistadors. We’re probably more American than you.”

“Wow. That’s pretty cool. My family’s Scottish, English, a little Dutch. Who knows what else.” I grinned at her. “You have a pedigree; I’m a mutt. I guess that makes us Lady and the Tramp.”

She tried not to smile. “It doesn’t make us anything.”

“Fair enough. But you still didn’t answer my question.”

“I’m twenty-six.”

“Which is why I like you more than Lily. She’s a girl in a woman’s body. You’re a woman in a girl’s body. Except for those.”

“Why are guys so hung up on breasts?”

“Because we don’t have them?” I suggested.

“And why are we even talking about them? You aren’t going to see mine any time soon. Why’re you grinning?”

“Because you said ‘any time soon.’ That means I might see them. Just not today.”

“Not today, not this week, probably not ever.” She sighed and decided to explain. “Now that I’ve had some time to think about it, I’m glad we didn’t sleep together. You’re my student and you’re about to move away for the summer. So even if we did get involved, it’d only be for a few weeks. I don’t want that.”

“That isn’t why you pulled me over here.”

“What do you mean?”

“You were jealous.”

“Yeah,” she admitted. “I’m still convinced we did the right thing. But then I saw her, and I guess I kind of snapped. ‘What’s so special about her?’ I thought. ‘Why does she get to have him and I don’t?’ That kind of thing. It won’t happen again.”

“That’s okay. But you know how I feel. I’d much rather have you than her.”

“For all the good it does.”

* * *

Christy finished her lotions and potions and then studied herself in the mirror. She was working up to something, so I slid my bookmark into place and set the book on the nightstand. I watched her from behind as she turned left and then right.

After a moment she faced the mirror. She cupped her breasts and pushed them up, but it wasn’t her usual sag test. She pressed them together and formed a small valley. It was a nice valley, but hardly the Grand Canyon. I did my best not to smile, although she was too preoccupied to notice. Instead, she turned sideways to study her profile. She repeated the whole process and didn’t like the results any better.

“Do you ever wish I was bigger?” she finally asked. “Up top, I mean. I know what you’re thinking, but I’m serious.”

“I think they’re fine,” I said. “Better than fine.”

“Thank you. But do you wish they were bigger?”

“Not really.”

“Never?”

“Never.”

She lifted them again. “I can’t help but compare them to others. Terri’s my size but hers are a D cup. They’re so firm, though. Oh my gosh, Paul! You wouldn’t believe what they look like without a bra. They don’t sag at all.”

I wouldn’t know, I thought crossly, although I managed to keep it off my face.

“She doesn’t have to wear a push-up bra or anything. And her dresses always show cleavage.” She sighed. “I wish she was more like me. Or Brooke.”

Once again, I kept my real feelings to myself.

“Speaking of which, hers are perfect too. Brooke’s, I mean. Better than any of the ones in Playboy or Penthouse. Oh, that reminds me. You still need to get a subscription to those. And Penthouse Letters. Maybe Variations too. It’s in the Handbook. Page two.”

“I’ll get right on it,” I chuckled.

“I’m serious. I want to keep our sex life interesting. Marianne says it’s the secret to a happy marriage.”

I kept my mouth shut about her as well. Some of Marianne’s advice was good, some not-so-good. The rhythm method would’ve been a failure for us too, especially if Christy’s mother hadn’t intervened when she had.

“You know I like to look at the pictures and read the letters,” Christy continued. “You’ll be the one who benefits, so take care of it, please.”

“Yes, dear,” I said, with only a hint of a grin in my voice.

“I heard that,” she warned. “Anyway, where was I? Right, Brooke. Hers sag a little but they’re perfect, better than the magazines.”

“You can’t have sex with a magazine.”

“You know what I mean. Even Wren’s are nicer than mine.”

“Bigger,” I corrected. “Not nicer.”

“Leah’s are.”

“Hard to argue with that,” I said. “Leah’s are about perfect. But so are yours.”

“What about Erin’s? Hers are bigger. And your mom’s? Susan’s? You grew up around big breasts. So I worry that you’ll get tired of mine.”

I rolled out of bed and went to stand behind her. I put my hands on her shoulders and deliberately held her eyes in the mirror.

“I love you for more than your breasts,” I said. “If I only cared about size, I’d still be with Kendall.”

“I’m glad you aren’t,” she said softly.

“Me too.”

“Only, I worry sometimes. I don’t mind being small—my body, I mean—but sometimes I wish my breasts were bigger. Like Lily’s.”

Somehow I’d known all along that we’d end up talking about her.

“Hers are nice,” I said. “But they aren’t yours. They aren’t going to bed with me tonight. Or tomorrow night. Or the next night. They aren’t going to marry me. And they aren’t going to grow old with me.”

She smiled and turned in my arms. “I love you so much sometimes.”

I hugged her and kissed the top of her head in agreement.

After a moment she laughed, soft and affectionate. “I can feel you thinking.”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“About what? Never mind. I probably know. Lily, right? I really like her. Don’t you?”

“Yeah, she’s cute,” I said.

“Uh-oh.” Christy relaxed her hug and looked up at me. “What’s the matter?”

“I guess I’m wondering what you plan to do with her?”

“What d’you mean?”

I hadn’t rehearsed any part of the conversation, and a half-dozen questions raced through my mind. I wanted to avoid a repeat of the Terri fiasco, but anything I said was likely to start an argument. I had to choose my next words very carefully.

“Should I help?” I said at last. “Stay out of the way? Run interference with Will? What?”

“I don’t know,” Christy admitted.

“Well, you obviously want to sleep with her—”

“Oh my gosh, yes!”

“—and I’m fine with that. But… I’d like to know what your plans are. Before you spring them on me.”

“You make me sound like Wren.”

“That isn’t what I meant. I know you don’t have some grand plan and a marketing campaign. But you do have a plan, even if you haven’t thought about it consciously.”

“I suppose,” she said, a little stubbornly.

I wasn’t going to get anywhere by arguing with her. “Just… think about it,” I said. “And talk to me before you do anything. We’re partners, remember?”

“Equal partners,” she agreed. “Only, you’re in charge.” She thought of something and frowned. “Hold on, it says in the Handbook that you’re supposed to seduce my friends. Even the ones I just met. It says so. On page six.”

“I thought it was page nine,” I teased.

“No, page nine is nude entertainment. Strip clubs, burlesque shows, et cetera.”

“I need a copy of this Handbook.”

“Don’t worry, I memorized it.”

“Uh-huh,” I said dubiously. “I think you’re making it up as we go.”

“I am not!” She cut me off before I could reply. “Don’t argue. It says in the Handbook that you’re supposed to do whatever your wife or girlfriend asks. That’s me, by the way.”

“Ah. So you’re in charge now?”

“No, of course not. You’re the man. You’re in charge.”

“Except when I’m not,” I teased.

“Ugh! Why do you have to be so infuriating and cute at the same time?”

“It’s part of my charm.”

“Can’t you be charming and quiet?”

“That depends,” I said. “I’m pretty quiet when you kiss me.”

She did.

“I’m quiet when you play with me.”

She gripped my cock and began kneading it gently.

“I’m really quiet when you—”

“Shh.” She held a finger to my lips. Then she glanced down. “Mr. Big says thank you. He couldn’t get a word in edgewise.”

Oh, really? I said with a look.

“No,” she said aloud. “And he’s very upset about it. I should console him.” She grinned and sank to her knees. “I think he’ll be happier in my mouth.”

He was.

* * *

Christy spent several days working on her casting models, and Lily stopped by every day for a couple of hours. I wasn’t exactly tired of her, but she’d sort of invaded our lives. She reminded me of some of the younger kids from high school, the ones who liked to hang around with us older kids, because they thought we were cool. They hadn’t been obnoxious or anything, but they hadn’t been close friends either.

Lily was like that. Worse, she flirted for the attention more than any real interest. Oh, she was friendly enough and clearly attracted to me, but I never felt a spark of connection like I did with Terri. I didn’t give Lily the cold shoulder, but I didn’t go out of my way to encourage her either. She had a nice body, and part of me wanted to sleep with her, but we really didn’t have a lot in common otherwise.

Christy eventually decided that her clay models were finished and ready for the molding process. I didn’t have time during the day, so we planned to start the following evening, after dance practice. Lily invited herself, and Christy recruited her friend Nikki (“punk girl” from the Replicant project) and another artist to help. The new guy was a spacey freshman named Zoah.

“Like Noah,” he explained, “but with a Z.”

Gee, I thought sarcastically, I never would’ve figured that out.

He was eager to help but a bit clueless. I suspected that Siobhan wanted to get him out of her hair so he could find what he was good at.

I quickly made a list of things he wasn’t good at, such as following instructions, paying attention, and thinking ahead. At least he didn’t have a problem being quiet, but that was only helpful in the abstract.

“Listen,” I told him at last, “these boxes are really a two-person job. Any more and we get in each other’s way. Nikki and I can handle it. Christy and Lily could really use your help.”

They were in the process of mounting the first clay sculpture on a base that Nikki and I had already cut. They were struggling because of its size and weight.

“Sure,” Zoah said cheerfully.

“Thank God,” Nikki said under her breath.

“Be nice,” I told her.

“Whatever. Let’s get a move on.”

She and I worked well together. She was a little militant about her politics, especially anything feminist, but I didn’t have a problem with that. Besides, she worked hard and didn’t make snarky comments about me. Instead, she wanted to learn everything I could teach her. Her own art was constructed more than sculpted, which probably explained why Siobhan had asked her to help us in the first place.

The time passed quickly as we measured and cut all the wood according to my sketches. We labeled the pieces and then stacked everything so we could assemble the boxes the following evening.

Christy and I returned after dance practice on Friday and found the others waiting for us. Nikki and Lily were chatting, while Zoah was eating some kind of homemade nut bread. He looked even spacier than usual.

“’Bout time,” Nikki said. “Y’all ready? We don’t have all night.”

She and I set to work. The others didn’t have much to do, so they fetched pieces for us and helped hold the larger sheets of plywood while Nikki and I screwed them to the frame. We assembled the sides and top of each box first. We wouldn’t enclose the bases until the following day, and only after we’d liberally sprayed the clay models with release agent. With all five of us working, we finished by ten o’clock.

“What’s your schedule tomorrow?” I asked Nikki as we cleaned up.

“Any time after noon. I don’t do mornings.”

“Fine by me,” I said. “Does that work for you, Little Bit?”

“Sure.”

“I can make it,” Lily said.

Zoah piped up, “Me too.”

Nikki rolled her eyes and shot me a baleful look. Zoah wasn’t my favorite person either, but he was nice enough when he wasn’t trying to be helpful.

I looked at my watch and said, “It’s still early. Anyone want a drink to celebrate?”

“You buying?” Nikki asked.

“I’d be a lousy boss if I didn’t.”

“You aren’t the boss,” she said, “but you can buy me a beer.”

“Deal. Christy, I know you’re in. Lily? Zoah?”

“Sure!” Lily said immediately.

“Thanks, but I’m bushed,” Zoah said. “You guys have fun without me.”

We said goodbye to him and headed down to the Strip. Most of the bars were packed, so we ended up at the Old College Inn. It hadn’t been my first choice or even my second, but Lily suggested it and I couldn’t really say no unless I wanted to explain why.

I’d had a brief relationship with one of the waitresses a year earlier. I privately called it my “notches on the bedpost” phase, because Christy invariably used that phrase when she mentioned one of the girls I’d dated at the time. The waitress in question had quit the bar and my life at the same time, but the bartender recognized me. She was a redhead who sort of reminded me of Brooke, only not quite as pretty and with an Aussie accent instead of a Texas-California hybrid.

“Hey, wild man!” she called over the crowd at the bar.

I waved and tried to remember her name.

“How do you know her?” Christy shouted up at me.

“I used to hang out here,” I yelled back. “It was a good place to do homework in the afternoon.”

“When?”

“About a year ago. Maybe more.”

“She’s cute,” she shouted innocuously.

Nikki grabbed a booth just as several people left it. We chatted and drank a pitcher of beer over the next hour. I was ready to go home at that point, but none of the girls were, so we ordered another pitcher. I settled in, sipped my beer, and decided to relax and enjoy myself.

The bartender kept an eye on us and sent over a new pitcher whenever we ran low. We left a couple of hours later, around one o’clock. I’d remembered the bartender’s name by then, so I stopped by to say goodnight.

“Miranda!” I shouted over the noise. “Thanks for taking care of us.”

“No problem, mate! Good to see ya. Take care.”

“You too!”

“She was nice,” Christy said once we reached the sidewalk and could talk without shouting.

“Cute, too,” Nikki agreed. “Those freckles…”

Lily just grinned.

Nikki looked at her watch. “I’m’a stop by a friend’s place on the way home. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” I said. “G’night.”

She shoved her hands in her pockets and started up the Strip.

“You want us to walk you home?” I asked Lily.

“That’s all right.”

Christy gave me a look, so I insisted.

“Sure,” Lily said. “Thanks. I live in Hess.”

“So, where’s Will tonight?” I asked as we headed that direction.

“He went home for the weekend.”

“That’s a shame,” Christy said. “He’s missing all the fun.”

Lily gave her an encouraging smile, and we made small talk until we reached her dorm. She and Christy hugged goodnight, and I got one as well. The little head wanted to get to know her better, but the big head wasn’t convinced.

“I had fun,” she said. “Thanks again for the beers. See you tomorrow.”

We waited until she made it safely into the building. Then Christy slipped her arm through mine.

“I wanted to invite her to spend the night,” she said as we walked, “but I couldn’t think of a way to ask you without making it obvious.”

“Hold on,” I said, “spend the night?”

“Yes, dear. In my old room.” She felt me relax and then laughed. “Oh my gosh! You didn’t think…?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“No! What kind of girl do you think I am?”

“Well… I thought…”

“Oh my gosh, no. I wouldn’t even know how to ask her to spend the night with you and me.”

“You don’t have a problem asking Wren or Brooke.”

“Yeah, but they already know. About me, I mean.”

“I think Lily’s figured it out,” I chuckled. “Nikki too. You were the center of attention tonight. My hair could’ve caught on fire and no one would’ve noticed.”

“That isn’t true!”

“Yeah, it is. I don’t think you realize what kind of effect you have on people.”

“I do not,” she grumped. “Have an effect.”

“Yeah, you do. Lily worships you, and even Nikki was hanging on every word you said.”

“I can’t help it if I’m friendly. You should try it sometime, Mr. Sourpuss.”

“I’m friendly,” I said. “I just don’t have your personality. You’re… enchanting, especially when you’ve had a few drinks.” I chuckled again and put my arm around her. “It’s cute. You’re cute.”

“Thank you,” she said, a tad ungraciously.

I grinned and continued, “Let’s get home. I’ll fix you a snack before bed.”

“You know me so well.”

I shot her a sideways grin. “And then you need to unwind.”

“How’d you know?”

“I know you, remember? Tonight you’re going to ride me.” I leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Then I’m going to hold you down and shoot you full of semen.”

“Yes, please.”

“That’s the benefit of taking the pill,” I added. “No more danger week.”

“I changed my mind,” she said. “I don’t need a snack after all.”

* * *

We spent Saturday afternoon in the casting studio, mixing buckets of pink mold goop. The statues themselves weren’t all that large, but the boxes around them were. So we mixed and poured, mixed and poured, until the goop reached the top of the first one. Then we pounded the sides with mallets and pieces of scrap lumber. Christy climbed atop the box and watched the pour hole until bubbles stopped appearing.

We repeated the process two more times, and then Siobhan appeared as if summoned by magic. She peered into the molds, checked the bracing on the boxes, and generally approved of everything.

She talked to Christy a few minutes longer, while the rest of us cleaned up and tried to remove flecks of dried goop from our skin, hair, and clothes. The stuff was everywhere.

“I miss Wren,” Christy said after Siobhan had gone. “I could really use a good home-cooked meal about now.”

“Yeah, she can cook,” Nikki said. “But dinner’s no problem. Hey, Paul, you wanna be a good boss?”

“So I’m the boss now?”

“If you’re payin’.”

“Sure.”

She grabbed a piece of scrap paper and tugged a pencil from her pocket. “My friend delivers pizza. I’ll call him. What do you want?”

Zoah spoke up first, “No meat for me, please.”

“A vegetarian,” Nikki muttered so only I could hear. “Why’m I not surprised?”

“Christy doesn’t eat beef or pork,” I said.

“Oh. In that case, one large veggie.”

“Better make it two.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Little B can pack it away. What about you? Can you finish a whole pizza?”

“By myself? Maybe.”

“All right. Two large veggies, two large specials.” She wrote it down. “You want beer?”

“They deliver beer?” I said in surprise.

“No, but my friend’ll stop and get some if I ask.”

“Sure,” I said. “A six-pack of whatever.”

She glanced at Christy and Lily. “Two six-packs…”

“Right.”

She raised her voice, “Hey, Z-man. You drink?”

“What? Alcohol? Goddess, no.”

“Again, why’m I not surprised?” Nikki muttered. Then her head snapped up. “Did he just say ‘Goddess’?”

“Sounded like it,” I said.

“I’m glad you’re normal.”

“As normal as you are.”

We shared a grin.

“All right,” she said. “I’ll call this in.”

I paid for everything when it arrived and made sure to give the delivery guy a good tip. He was Nikki’s friend, a fellow punk, but he’d also gone out of his way for us.

“Thanks, man,” he said. Then he kissed Nikki’s cheek. “You’re my girl.”

I watched him go and then looked at her. “Are you and he…?”

“Get bent,” she said, friendly but dismissive. “Why? What’s it to you?”

“Well, I thought you were… um…”

She arched her pierced eyebrow.

“You know…” I glanced at Christy and Lily.

Nikki snorted a laugh. “Just because I don’t like you doesn’t make me a lesbian.”

“Fair enough,” I agreed.

“Besides,” she added, “I object to the male-dominated patriarchy and its attempts to label my sexuality.”

“Ha! I knew I liked you for a reason.”

“Are you for real?”

“Yeah, totally.”

“But you’re an agent of the patriarchy.”

“Get bent.”

“Too late,” she said. “Let’s eat.”

* * *

Christy met Lily the next morning and went to church, and I took the opportunity to call home.

My mom answered sleepily, “Hello?”

“Happy Mother’s Day!”

“Thank you. What time is it?”

“Almost ten. Why? Were you asleep?”

“Aren’t I entitled to sleep in? It’s Mother’s Day.”

“Yeah, sorry. Want me to call back later?”

“No, I’m awake now.” She yawned and asked, “How’re you? How’s Christy?”

“We’re good. She’s…” I told her about Christy’s project and then my own.

“I’m proud of you, honey,” she said. “And I’m glad you called.”

“Oh? Why?”

“So I can RSVP for Christy’s graduation. She sent us an invitation. That was very nice of her. Also, to remind you about Erin’s graduation. She sent you an invitation…”

“Oh, crap! That’s right. Sorry. Was I supposed to RSVP?”

“No. We expect you anyway.”

“Um… remind me when it is.”

“The twenty-fifth.”

I counted forward. “That’s a Friday. We have class. It’s the end of the quarter, Mom.”

“She’s your sister, Paul.”

“But it’s only a high school graduation.”

“Which happens once. In a lifetime. Besides, she came to yours.”

“Yeah, all right,” I said. “We’ll be there.”

“We’re taking her to dinner with Leah and her family.”

“And you’d like Christy and me to be there as well?”

“It’d be nice,” she said.

“Can we spend the night?”

“Of course. You know you don’t have to ask. And it’s Memorial Day weekend. We’re planning a cookout with the Coulters.”

“One of those cookouts?” I asked.

“What do you mean, ‘those cookouts’?”

“You know what I mean, Mom. The kind where everyone gets naked and has sex.”

“Of course,” she laughed, although she must have heard something in my voice. “Why? Christy’s okay with it, isn’t she? I thought— I mean, Susan said…”

“I don’t think she’s ready,” I said. “Not for that.” I didn’t want to hurt Mom’s feelings, but I didn’t think Christy would ever be ready for a swinging party with their group. Besides, she hadn’t even tried swinging with another guy, much less a whole crowd of them.

“Okay,” Mom said, although she sounded disappointed. “I just thought I’d ask.”

“Thanks. We appreciate it, but we’re still taking things slow.”

“That’s fine.”

“Um… that does bring up another question. Will Gina be there?”

“At the graduation? Of course. Why?”

“Well, she and Christy haven’t met. I want them to like each other, but…”

“Oh, honey,” she said with a laugh. “This is straight out of Jane Austen.”

“What’re you talking about?”

“Your love triangle.”

“It isn’t a love triangle.”

“It isn’t? With Gina as Wickham and Christy as Darcy.”

“Mom, I love you, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Then you won’t mind if I call you Elizabeth?”

“Coulter?”

“Bennet.”

“Gotta go, Mom. Tell Erin we’ll be there. Love you, bye!”

She was still laughing when I hung up.

* * *

Christy returned from church by herself, and I resisted the urge to ask where Lily was.

“It’s a beautiful day,” she said as she threw the curtains wide. Then she tried to open the window. “Ugh! Stupid thing.”

“I’ll get it,” I chuckled.

“Thank you, Mr. He-Man.” She bounced up and gave me a kiss. Then she clasped her hands behind her back and batted her eyes. She changed her mind almost as quickly. “Oh my gosh, what’m I doing? We can’t fool around. I have calls to make. I won’t be long, I swear.”

“No problem. I think I’ll—”

“No, stay! Um… please? I’ll make it worth your while.” She moistened her lips.

“Do you need some attention before you make your calls?”

“No. I’ll behave.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.” She picked up the phone and dialed. “Hi, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day!”

They exchanged a few pleasantries, but then Christy’s eyes bulged, and I nearly hurt myself trying not to laugh at her side of the conversation.

“I did,” she said. “On my birthday. I swear. I told you… No, I really did. Mom, I am,” she insisted. “Every day. Can we change the subject? Please? No, Mom— Yes, I know it’s important. I know.” She listened for a moment before her shoulders fell. “Yes, Mom. It’s my body,” she said in a defeated monotone. “It’s my life. It’s my choice. Mom!” She shot me a nervous glance. “Can we talk about this later? Paul’s here, and—”

Her face went from disbelief to alarm to defeat. She held out the phone. “She wants to talk to you.”

The color in my face drained away, along with my amusement. “Hello?”

“Hello, dear,” Anne said. “I never thought I’d have this conversation, but someone has to.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I agreed, and she didn’t correct me.

“I trust I don’t need to explain what we’re talking about.”

“No, ma’am.”

“Good. Did she really go to the doctor?”

“Yes, ma’am. On her birthday, like she said.”

“And she’s taking the pills?” she pressed. “Every day?”

“Every day.”

“Have you seen her do it?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I glanced at Christy and decided to elaborate. “She does a little ‘all gone’ thing.”

She’d stick out her tongue, show me the pill, and swallow it with a sip of water. Then she’d open her mouth to show it was empty. She occasionally did the same thing with semen, and I smiled at the connection.

“I know the one,” Anne said calmly. “Make sure she keeps taking them. She’s a big girl, but she’s stubborn. And it pains me to say this, but she thinks the Church has her best interests at heart.”

I snorted and didn’t trust myself to say more.

“They do in most ways,” Anne continued, “but not in this. You and I do, though. So I’m going to hold you responsible.”

I gulped. “Me?”

“Yes, you. You’re the man, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I said feebly, “but this isn’t about me.”

“It is if you want to continue sleeping with her.”

I goggled at her bluntness. Christy began to panic, so I controlled my expression and reassured her with a gesture.

“You know I like you,” Anne said, “and you make Christine very happy. But she’s my little girl, and I’ll never forgive you if anything happens before she’s ready. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, ma’am. We’re in complete agreement.”

“Good. Now, Harold will be home soon, so I need to go. Take care of Birdy. And give her my love. To you as well.”

“Thanks. And… um… Happy Mother’s Day.”

“Thank you, dear. Goodbye.”

“Bye.” I hung up and took a moment to recover.

“I don’t even want to know,” Christy said.

“She loves you. And she wants you to be happy.”

“She has a strange way of showing it,” she grumped.

“No, she has a grown-up way of showing it.”

“But… does she have to talk about it?”

“That’s what grown-ups do. Besides, she’s your mother. And you’re her only daughter.”

“Can’t I be her only daughter she thinks is a virgin until her wedding night?”

“It’s a little late for that,” I chuckled. “Now, who else do you need to call?”

She glared. She knew I was trying to distract her, but she decided to go along with it. “Marianne.”

“And…?”

“Lynne.”

“Anyone else?”

“My granny. My nana. And your mother.”

My eyebrows ticked up.

“She’s going to be my mother-in-law. Of course I’m going to call her.”

“She’ll be happy to hear from you.” I smiled and waited. “Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Make your calls. Then take off your clothes when you’re done.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m going to tie you to the bed and give you a million little reasons for taking the pill.”

She frowned at first. Then she figured it out, and her mood improved dramatically. “You should probably make it two million. I’m very stubborn, you know.”

“Oh, I know. Very horny, too.”

“Exactly! So… four or five million?”

I laughed. “As long as it isn’t a million-billion.”

“No. Even you can’t come that much. Although…”

“Yes?”

“We have the rest of our lives.” She laughed. “That’s still the worst line ever. Worse than ‘talk about the first thing that comes up.’”

“So sue me,” I said.

“I’d rather use you. Mmm, like a semen fire hydrant.”

I snorted at the mental image.

She turned serious and slipped into my arms. “Thank you,” she said softly. “For being patient with me. For making me laugh. And for not getting upset when I feel guilty.”

“It’s what I do.”

“Mmm. And thank you for loving me.”

* * *

Christy and her helpers went to work on the molds once they’d set completely. I was busy with classes and my own project, but Nikki had enough experience to take apart the boxes, and I trusted her to do it right.

I stopped by to bring them lunch and check on progress. Lily was there, of course, and she made sure I noticed her. She didn’t do anything silly, but she smiled and waved. On Tuesday she ran up and gave me a hug. Christy was more sanguine about it. She stopped what she was doing and came to give me a kiss, but she was clearly focused on work.

“I think we’ll be ready to pour the marble tomorrow.” She listened to herself and frowned. “That sounds weird, but you know what I mean.”

“Yeah.”

“Then I have a ton of work to get them ready for my review. The show’s just an afterthought.”

Nikki finished cleaning a mold section and joined us.

“Good job on the boxes,” I told her. The parts were all stacked neatly in the corner, ready for the casting process. “The patriarchy approves.”

“Whatever,” she said, although she enjoyed the compliment.

“What do you think?” Christy asked her. “Can we cast tomorrow?”

“No way. We have to rebuild the boxes and then reassemble the molds.”

“That won’t take long,” Christy argued.

“She’s bad about time,” I said before Nikki could reply.

“Yeah, I noticed that.”

Christy glared but didn’t interrupt as Nikki did some work in her head. I did the same, just to double-check her.

“We should be ready on Thursday,” she said at last. She looked to me, and I nodded agreement. “Will you be here?” she asked. “We can use the hoist, but it’s faster by hand. The buckets weigh about fifty pounds.” She rolled her eyes at Zoah. “He tried to lift one, but he isn’t good at that either.”

“Be nice,” Christy chided.

I grinned at Nikki. “Are you saying you need an agent of the patriarchy?”

“They have their uses.” She pursed her lips with a grin, and I decided that she was pretty, in a punk-maybe-lesbian way. Her grin turned to exasperation when she saw my interest. “Get bent.”

Christy frowned.

“I’ll explain later,” I chuckled.

“Don’t listen to him,” Nikki told her. To me, “Will you help? We could really use you.”

“Of course.” I glanced at Christy. “Okay if we skip modern dance practice?”

She nodded reluctantly. “Will you tell Terri?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool, thanks,” Nikki said. Then she smiled at Christy. “I’m’a get back to work.”

“Okay,” Christy said. “I’ll be right with you.”

“Take your time.”

Christy turned to me, and her look of confusion returned. “What was that about? ‘The patriarchy’?”

“Men. In general.”

“Oh. Right.” Her brow furrowed again. “What about them?”

“Nikki’s rebelling against society and the male-dominated patriarchy.”

“Is that one of your weird science fiction things?”

I laughed. “No, it’s the real world.”

“Now I think you’re teasing me. I need to get back to work.” She stretched up for a kiss. “I love you. And I’ll see you later. Now go.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a smile as she turned away.

* * *

I finished my own project while Christy was working on the molds. And on Wednesday I gathered my drawings and models. I visited Professor Joska during office hours to review everything. He quizzed me on several of my design changes, but the questions were mostly to confirm that I’d thought things through. He eventually nodded and sat back.

“Excellent work, Mr. Hughes.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Is there a reason you’re this far ahead of schedule? No, let me guess. Miss Carmichael needs your help with her own project. I understand she has three pieces this time. A series on time and beauty?”

“Yes, sir.” He was a lot better informed than I thought he’d be. He must have been keeping tabs on Christy too. Huh.

“She’s very talented.” He paused and considered his next words. “Do you mind a personal question?”

“No, go ahead.”

“Do you, perhaps, see yourself with her in the future?”

“I think so. I hope so. Why?”

“I believe she is good for you. You are more disciplined, more focused. More creative, too. You are perhaps more tired, but we discussed that.”

“Yeah,” I chuckled. “And now do you understand why I was willing to give up my free time to make her happy?”

“I believe so,” he said. “I also believe this is one of your greatest strengths, your ability to sacrifice in the short term in order to achieve more in the long term.”

“Thank you, sir. That means a lot, especially from you.”

“Just so,” he said with a nod. “Now, was there anything else you wanted to discuss?”

“No, sir.”

“Then I must prepare for class.”

“Terrorizing first-year students?”

“Yes. One of the perks of the job.”

* * *

Siobhan joined us on Thursday evening for the final casting. She and Christy weighed the marble dust and added polyester resin from a big barrel of the stuff. Then they measured a small amount of catalyst into each bucket. Zoah and Lily mixed them. I hauled them to the boxes and hoisted them up to Nikki, who carefully poured them into the molds.

The whole process took several hours. It was tedious work, and especially exhausting for me, but we felt an enormous sense of accomplishment when the final bucket went into the last mold.

“I’m ready for a beer,” Nikki said. “You buyin’, boss-man?”

“How come I’m the boss whenever you want something?”

“I’m exacting payment for years of oppression.”

“What! I never oppressed you.”

“Your gender did. Now, are you buyin’ or not?”

“Of course I am,” I said. “But I’m not going to make it easy for you.”

“Typical agent of the patriarchy.”

“Yes,” Christy said, “but he’s my agent, and I happen to like him.”

“I’d question your loyalty to your gender,” Nikki said, “but I’m too tired.”

“Oh, Goddess,” Zoah said, “I know what you mean. I’m bushed. But you guys have fun without me. I’m going home.”

“Raise a glass for me,” Siobhan agreed.

After a little more cleanup, the girls and I headed down to the Old College Inn. The place wasn’t very busy, so we grabbed an empty booth. Miranda had the night off, but another bartender sent over a pitcher of beer. We only finished one before Nikki yawned and looked at her watch.

“Time for me to go. Y’all have a nice night.” She tossed her chin at Christy. “Give them seventy-two hours to cure completely.” She glanced at me.

“Got it,” I said. “Over the weekend.”

“Right. We’ll unbox them Monday and get to work.”

“Thank you,” Christy said. She automatically leaned over.

Nikki kissed her cheek and left with an exhausted wave.

“She’s… weird,” Lily said. “I like her, though. I never thought I would. I mean, someone like her…”

“People are people,” I said. “Some’re punks, some’re preps, but most of ’em are nice enough once you get to know ’em.”

“Wow, that’s really profound.”

“Mmm.” I glanced at Christy. “You ready to head home?”

“Not really. But I suppose we should.”

“We’ll walk you to the dorm,” I said to Lily.

“Um…,” Christy ventured, “can we…?”

I raised an eyebrow with a question.

Please?

All I really wanted was to go home and to bed. I’d been up since dawn and spent the evening hauling and lifting buckets, almost half a ton.

I’ll make it worth your while, Christy added with a look. I promise.

We have class tomorrow. Early.

You can go late. Please, please, please.

Lily watched the silent conversation and laughed nervously. “You’re like my parents.”

“Yeah, sorry.” I adjusted my attitude and said, “Let’s celebrate. Would you like to come back to our place? We—”

“Sure!”

“—have plenty… Oh. Okay,” I finished lamely.

Christy hit me with a mind control ray, in the form of a desperately hopeful look.

“And since it’s late already,” I told Lily, “you’re welcome to spend the night. We—”

“I’d love to!”

“—have a spare bedroom. Okay. Well, that was easy.”

* * *

The house was dark and quiet when we arrived. At first I thought Trip and Wren had gone to bed early, but then I found a note on the kitchen table.

Needed a break. Gone to see a band. Don’t wait up for us. - Trip

“What’s that?” Christy asked.

I told her.

“So it’s just the three of us?” Lily said.

“Yeah. Small party. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, it’s cool.”

“Whiskey?” I asked. “Wine? Beer?”

“I’ll drink anything,” she said. “Whiskey’s fine.”

“A good Catholic. Three whiskeys, coming up.”

“Thank you,” Christy said. “C’mon, Lily, I’ll show you to your room.”

The girls headed upstairs while I poured the drinks. I made mine half water. Then I wondered what we were doing. Lily was fun to hang out with, but she was living for the moment, a party girl.

But she’s a party girl with big tits and a nice ass, the little head said. And don’t forget her smile!

Yeah, she’s cute, I agreed. But she’s more than just tits ’n’ ass. She’s a person. You know, with actual feelings. Besides, she’s a kid. Nineteen!

Who cares? She’s legal. You aren’t going to marry her. You’re just going to fuck her. Why do you have to make everything so complicated?

Yeah, maybe you’re right.

I’m sorry, what’d you say?

I snorted and didn’t answer.

Something about me being right, he insisted.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, I replied blandly.

Lying to yourself now? We both know— Wait! Here they come! Remember, it’s your job to seduce her. It’s in the Handbook.

Not you too, I thought. Whose side are you on?

* * *

We hung out and listened to music in the octagon room until Trip and Wren came home. They stumbled through the front door, and Wren burst out laughing.

Trip shushed her, but he was almost as loud. “You’ll wake the whole house.”

“Don’ care. C’mere.”

The door thumped shut, followed by the sounds of drunken groping and kissing.

“I can’ find the zipper,” Wren panted.

Lily covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

I decided to interrupt before things went too far, but Trip stopped them first.

“Not here,” he told Wren. “Go on up. I’ll be right behind you. I left my stereo on.”

“Who cares?”

“I do. I don’t wanna blow a tube.”

“Oh, all right. But hurry.” She started up the stairs, stumbled back, and then continued at a deliberate pace.

Trip appeared in the doorway but stopped abruptly.

“Hey,” I said, a bit lamely. “Sorry ’bout that. I was going to say something, but…”

“We thought y’all were asleep,” he said.

“No. We finished casting Christy’s pieces tonight. We decided to celebrate.”

He glanced at Lily and was tipsy enough to suggest, “Hey, if y’all wanna—”

“No,” I said quickly. “We’re just hangin’ out.”

He realized his mistake with comical embarrassment. “Oh, right! I didn’t mean— Yeah. Sorry. Hangin’ out.”

“FYI,” I told him, “Lily’s spending the night in Christy’s old room.”

“That’s cool. But I’d better not keep Wren waiting.”

Right on cue, she called down from the top of the stairs, “Where’d you go? Trip?”

“Be right there!” he shouted back. “Duty calls,” he said to us. “Don’t stay up too late. Get it? ‘Stay up’?”

The girls laughed and watched him go, and I used the distraction to pour the last of the whiskey into my own glass. I wasn’t going to drink it, but Christy and Lily were drunk enough already.

“I know,” Lily said, “let’s play Spin the Bottle!”

Christy loved the idea. “Please, please, Paul. Can we?”

“Sure, why not.”

“Me first,” Lily said. She grabbed the bottle, set it on the floor, and spun it across the room. It clanked into the wall. She snickered and crawled after it, and my gaze tracked her ass. It was round and firm and looked fantastic in tight jeans.

It’d look even better without ’em, the little head said, completely predictable.

“Oh, boy,” I muttered to myself.

Christy’s eyes glittered with a smile. I told you so, she added silently.

Fortunately, I was sober enough that the big head was still in charge. Don’t get your hopes up, I told her.

She frowned but accepted it.

Lily returned with the bottle and sat on the floor in the middle of the room. Christy and I joined her.

“Okay,” I said, “let’s try this again.” I spun the bottle gently. It stopped on Christy, who sighed with disappointment. “Want me to spin again?” I teased. “Till it stops on Lily?”

“Funny, ha ha.” Christy leaned over and kissed me, quick and chaste.

“Your turn,” I said.

She spun and sighed again when it stopped on me.

“My lucky night.” I gave her a real kiss instead of a quick one.

“Mmm.” She opened her eyes slowly. “That was nice.”

I spun the bottle and stopped it with my toe. It pointed at Lily, and Christy’s eyes glinted with excitement.

Lily nervously moistened her lips. I kissed her hard enough that she moaned, although she broke off and glanced at Christy as soon as she realized she’d done it.

“It’s okay,” Christy said. “It’s only a game.”

Lily nodded uncertainly.

“Your turn,” I told her.

The bottle stopped on me. I kissed her again and leaned into it. Her chest heaved gently as I sat back. My next spin stopped on her, no toe required, and our kiss heated up quickly.

I gave her a moment to recover before I turned the bottle so she could spin it. She swallowed hard when it stopped on Christy.

“You have to do it,” I said.

Lily nodded uncertainly, although the kiss lasted several heartbeats before she sat back and opened her eyes.

“That was… nice,” she said at last.

“Looked pretty nice from here too.” I grinned.

Christy spun next, and my foot twitched again.

“Sorry,” I said insincerely. “Leg cramp.”

She shot me a grin and leaned across to kiss Lily. It lasted longer, and they were both breathing heavier when it ended.

We spun several more rounds, and each kiss grew more intense. I touched Lily’s thigh during one, and she was so worked up that she had to stop herself from using tongue when she kissed Christy. I didn’t hold back when Christy’s spin stopped on me. She squeaked in surprise when I cupped her breast.

“Oh my gosh.”

“Is it getting hot in here?” I teased.

“Hot and slippery,” she said under her breath.

Lily grinned.

A sound from upstairs interrupted us, and I laughed when we realized what it was. The ceiling in the living room began to creak in an age-old rhythm.

“Is that…?” Lily said.

“Yep,” I said. “And that’s my cue to take Christy to bed.”

“I wish Will was here,” Lily said.

Christy shot me a look, but I shook my head.

Why not? she asked, almost petulantly.

Because. I know what I’m doing.

She nodded but didn’t look too happy about it.

“It’s his loss,” I said to Lily. I stood and didn’t bother to cover the bulge in my jeans. It was right at Lily’s eye level.

She noticed and swallowed hard, while Christy silently watched.

“Trust me,” I whispered in her ear as I helped her to her feet.

“Yes, sir.”

I extended a hand and helped Lily as well. My foot bumped the whiskey bottle, so I nudged it with my toe and made a show of looking down. It pointed at Lily.

“One last kiss?” I suggested. “Before bed.”

She moistened her lips, closed her eyes, and tilted her face up.

I kissed her gently and then pulled her close. Her breasts touched my side, and I moved my hand on her ass. She moaned softly and leaned into me. Then she opened her mouth, and her tongue found mine. We kissed for a long, breathless moment, until she pulled away and opened her eyes. I caressed her ass before I let my hand drop.

“Sorry,” she said to Christy. “I didn’t mean to get into it like that.”

“It’s only a game,” I said.

“Yeah,” Lily agreed. “It isn’t for real.”

None of us believed it.

“Are you ready for bed?” I asked her. “Christy’ll get you settled.”

* * *

I sat on the bed and stroked my erection as I waited. I couldn’t hear a sound from next door, but my imagination ran wild as the minutes dragged out. The little head was afraid they might start without us. The big head wasn’t convinced. Lily wanted to do something with Christy, but she probably wouldn’t have the guts to make the first move.

I was right. Christy slipped through the door a couple of minutes later.

“Take off your clothes,” I told her without preamble.

She did it in record time, and her eyes never left my hard-on. I slid down in the bed and guided her into a sixty-nine. She started sucking immediately. Her pussy was practically dripping, so I parted her pink lips and slid two fingers into her. She groaned around my shaft and bobbed a couple of times.

Then she held my hips for leverage and forced my cock into her throat. The glans passed the tight ring of muscles. She gagged once but didn’t pull back. Instead, she swallowed another inch. I held very still and forced myself not to jerk my hips. She breathed hard through her nose for several heartbeats. Then she slowly lowered her mouth.

I gasped as her throat muscles tightened around my shaft. She forced herself down. My dick slid another inch into her throat, and her nose touched my balls. An electric surge of pleasure threatened to overwhelm me. I tried to hold back, but she bobbed her head, and a geyser of semen erupted from my cock.

Christy gagged reflexively but overcame it and held on as I emptied my balls straight down her throat. My cock swelled with each spurt, and I had to resist the urge to fuck her mouth. Heat and moisture flooded her pussy. Then her whole body tensed as her own climax swept through her.

My cock eventually stopped spurting, and Christy pulled off with a gasp. She panted for a moment but then swallowed me again. The head of my cock was incredibly sensitive, and I cried out as the muscles in her throat resisted. She forced me deeper. I saw stars and arched my back as jolts of pain-pleasure radiated from my groin.

I forced myself to relax and breathed hard through my nose. Christy’s lips closed around the base of my cock. Another wave of pleasure assaulted my senses. She sucked gently, and her throat muscles contracted around my shaft. The sensations were almost too intense, and my dick softened in self-defense.

Christy came up for air but immediately swallowed me again. My semi-hard cock slid into her throat without a pause. She groaned and plunged deeper. Her lips tightened around the base, and she bobbed until she had to breathe again. She only pulled back halfway before she swallowed me to the root again.

She continued deep throating me for several minutes, until my dick stiffened again. Then she had to force it into her throat, but she was determined now that she knew she could. Her throat muscles adjusted, and she grew more confident. She started fucking me with her mouth, and I groaned incoherently as her lips and tongue sent shivers of ecstasy up my spine.

I eventually came to my senses and decided that I had to distract her if I wanted to last more than a minute or two. I thrust my fingers into her soaked pussy. She whimpered as I began fucking her with them. Her lips caressed my shaft as she pulled back, and she paused to catch her breath. Then she started sucking me normally.

After a couple of minutes, I patted her hip and told her to turn around. She sucked me deeper instead. Then she held my hips and forced my cock into her throat.

“Now!” I slapped her ass, hard enough to leave a pink handprint.

She yelped and lifted her head.

“Turn around,” I repeated.

“Yes, sir.” She pushed herself up and climbed off my chest. Then she straddled my hips. She steadied my cock, set it at her opening, and sank onto it. Her pussy felt like a sauna, and I gave up trying to prolong the inevitable.

I pulled her roughly against my chest and pinned her arms behind her. Then I began fucking her with short, hard jabs.

“Don’t— ever— dis— obey—” I said through clenched jaws.

I held her against me and fucked her as hard as I could. Slapping sounds filled the room, and she cried out with every thrust. I cranked her arms higher, and her face contorted with a mixture of pain and pleasure. Moisture flooded her pussy and coated my shaft. She arched her back to try to relieve the pressure on her shoulders, so I grabbed a handful of her hair. The tendons in her neck stood out, and her mouth formed a silent scream.

She came suddenly, and her face went crimson with exertion. I rammed my cock as deep as I could. My vision dimmed at the edges, and the pressure built in my dick until I thought it might explode. Then the dam burst, and jets of semen coated her insides. Her pussy gripped my shaft as her climax peaked. She held her breath and rode the waves of pleasure until they began to recede.

I breathed hard and blinked to clear my eyes. Then I relaxed and let my hips fall. I released Christy’s arms. She went limp and clung to my chest as her breath came in soft gusts. I wasn’t sure where my body ended and hers began.

“Oh my gosh,” she panted.

I swallowed to moisten my mouth. “No kidding.”

“I don’t think I can move.”

“That’s okay, neither can I.”

I wrapped my arms around her, and we relaxed in the afterglow, until she lifted her face and grinned.

“I did it! Are you proud of me?”

“Very.”

“I didn’t even need my spray or anything.”

“Nope.”

“I can’t wait to do it again!”

“You’ll have to.”

She frowned. “Why?”

“Because I can’t recover that quickly.”

“Not right away.” She rolled her eyes. “Duh. But in a few minutes.”

I chuckled. “More like twenty or thirty.”

“I don’t care. As long as we do it again.” Her eyes flashed. “Oh my gosh! You came straight down my throat. It’s all warm in my tummy. Mmm, in my pussy too.” She shivered with an aftershock. I held her as she buried her face in my chest and caught her breath.

“Are you okay?” I said at last.

“I think so.” She relaxed for a moment, but then her mood changed again. She pushed herself up and glared down at me. “You were supposed to seduce her. It’s in the Handbook.”

“Relax,” I said. “I’ll seduce her when she’s ready.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” she admitted. “I thought she was, but…” She shrugged. Then her eyes lit up, and she grinned.

“What?”

“She kissed me. Oh my gosh, Paul. I knew it was coming, but it was still a surprise.”

“I thought she might,” I chuckled.

“I wanted her to keep going, but…” She shrugged again. “She’s never done anything with a girl. She didn’t say it, but I could tell.”

I nodded.

“She wanted to do something with you, though. You should’ve seen her expression when she saw your erection.” She rested her cheek on my chest and grew thoughtful. “I think she’s just fooling around with me, though. I knew girls like that in high school. They wanted to see what it was like, but they weren’t really into it. Not like Brooke and Wren. They’re about half and half, guys and girls. Lily’s mostly into guys, but about half into girls too.”

I started to point out the problem with her math, but I knew what she meant. Still, I couldn’t help myself.

“I’m mostly into you,” I said, “but about half into sleep. Are you ready?” I rubbed her back and tried to lull her into it.

“Mmm, that feels nice. But I don’t think I can sleep. I need something to settle my nerves. Did we drink all the whiskey?”

“Yeah, sorry. Trip has some Jack Daniel’s.”

“No.”

“Sambuca? Rum? Vodka? Wren’s cognac?”

She shook her head at each suggestion.

“Okay, then what?”

She lifted her face and grinned. “Semen?”

“Ha! That’ll settle your nerves?”

“An extra-long blowjob will. The semen’s just a bonus.” She scooted up and kissed me. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Thank you for seducing Lily.” She sighed and grew thoughtful. “You’re very good at it. I suppose I should worry, but…” She laughed softly. “I worry about everything else, but not that. It’s just sex with her.”

“Mmm.”

“It makes me tingle all over just to think about it. Anything with you does. And you know what else makes me tingle?”

“No, what?”

“Sucking you till you fall asleep.”

“Then it’s your lucky night.”

“Mmm, I know. Every night is.”

* * *

I called Sara a few days later. I hadn’t talked to her in a while, but I also wanted her opinion on my increasingly complicated sex life.

“Hey,” I said when she answered. “Did I wait long enough? I know it’s before noon on a Sunday, but…”

She laughed, rich and throaty. “It’s fine. I just came home, as a matter of fact.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Spent the night at Tasha’s.”

“That answers my next question. So, things’re good with you and her?”

“Yeah. A little stressful at times, especially with her home life, but we make it work.”

“Cool.”

“Although…?” she began. “You remember that thing we talked about? How she occasionally wants a guy? Well, we talked about planning something, which is better than the shit Daphne used to pull.”

“How is she, by the way?”

“Daphne? Fine, last I heard. Planning her wedding.”

“So, banker guy popped the question?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you okay with that?” I asked.

“Are you a shrink?”

“No, I’m your friend. And I care about you.”

“Sometimes you make me feel two inches tall,” she muttered.

“It’s your fault. You’re the one who let me into your life.”

“Worst mistake I ever made.”

I smiled at the fondness in her voice.

“Am I okay with it?” she mused. “I don’t have much choice. I still love her, but…”

“You want her to be happy,” I finished.

“Yeah. She’s had such a fucked-up life, way worse than mine. She deserves to be happy, if anyone does.”

“We all deserve to be happy,” I said.

“I’m not so sure.”

“You’re happy, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I am,” she said, as if it surprised her.

“Because you deserve it.”

“You’re always so fucking positive,” she laughed.

“It’s a character flaw.”

“Whatever. Let’s change the subject. I told Tasha I know someone. She wants to meet you first, though.”

“Good idea. Lemme talk to Christy.”

“Bring her with you.”

“No shit, Sherlock. Isn’t that the point? I fuck your girlfriend while you fuck mine?”

“At least I’m not trying to steal yours,” she shot back. “Unlike some people.”

“Hey, I never tried to steal Daphne.”

“Tried and failed.”

“Whatever,” I said. “I’ll talk to Christy. We’ll be out there in a month.”

“In San Francisco?”

“No, San Diego. Brooke’s graduating from UCSD.”

“She’s Christy’s other girlfriend, right?” She laughed. “How do you keep them straight?”

“It’s pretty easy, actually.”

“So, you’ll be out here in June…?”

“Yeah, maybe we can fly up and have dinner or something.”

“Maybe. We have to be careful, though. She can’t let her in-laws find out. San Francisco’s a big place, but they’re well-connected. They hear about everything.”

“You wanna meet us in San Diego?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. No rush. Besides, Max is talking about putting on a show of my work. And I have a bunch of new clients after the cologne thing.”

“Cologne thing?”

“I didn’t tell you? I shot an ad for Giorgio Beverly Hills.”

“Wow, congratulations!”

“Yeah, thanks. It was only print ads around the Bay Area, but still a big deal. They wanted someone ‘edgy and new.’” She snorted dismissively. “That usually means ‘inexperienced and cheap,’ but my style fits their campaign. Besides, Max knows the creative director for their ad agency. She’s sort of like my agent now.”

“Max?”

“Yeah. She takes her cut, but she’s getting me a lot of work. Tasha’s mother told people too. All these women know each other. It’s crazy. They’re a lesbian cabal. Some of ’em are even married. And not to losers. To rich and powerful men.” She laughed darkly. “The kind of guys who used to drop a couple’a grand in the clubs without batting an eye. Not mob guys, either. CEO-types. So these women know people who really know people.”

“Sounds like you’re doing well.”

“I am, but sometimes I wonder when I’m gonna get fucked.”

“Maybe never. You’re smart, talented, and hard-working.”

“I don’t know,” she wondered aloud. “It seems too good to be true. Anyway, let’s talk about you. I’m sure you didn’t call to hear about my life.”

“That’s exactly why I called. But yeah, I also wanna ask you about something.”

“Lemme guess, the little princess? Is she pregnant yet? Jesus, I sound like such a bitch! Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I chuckled. “But no, she isn’t pregnant. As a matter of fact…” I told her about Easter and Marianne’s announcement and the fallout since.

“No shit?” Sara said. “Her mom told her to get on the pill? And she just… did it?”

“Yep. She still feels guilty sometimes, but—”

“You still don’t understand.”

“What? Catholic guilt?”

“Yeah. They fuck you up.” She snorted in derision. “Birth control would be a fucking sacrament if men could get pregnant.”

“Preaching to the choir,” I reminded her.

“Yeah, I know. At least her mom’s rational about it.”

“She is.”

“I think I like this woman,” Sara said. “And no wonder I like Christy. I wish I’d had someone like that growing up. Maybe I’d’ve been more like her.”

“And maybe you’d’ve been a militant lesbian with a thriving career and a happy relationship.”

“Fuck you,” she laughed. “Besides, I’m not thriving yet—”

“You will be.”

“—and ‘happy’ can change in a flash.”

“It won’t.”

“Oh, and watch who you call militant,” she added. “I’m a mild-mannered girly-girl compared to some of the dykes around here.”

“Fair enough.”

“Anyway,” she continued, “we were talking about birth control. I’m glad Christy’s taking it. I know it makes your life easier.”

“Yeah, it does,” I said. “That’s good, because this other thing makes it more complicated.”

“What other thing?”

“Well… there’s a girl,” I said.

“Ha! That’s what you said last time, about Christy.”

“It’s a different girl this time.”

“No shit. Hold on, not a third girlfriend?”

“No,” I said, “but Christy still wants to sleep with her.”

“What’s the story?”

I told her how Christy and Lily had met, and most of what had happened since then.

“And now they want us to get together next weekend,” I finished. “It was Lily’s idea, but Christy probably planted the seed. That’s how she works.”

“What do they want to do?”

“Rent a cabin in Gatlinburg. For Memorial Day weekend.”

“Do you have time? I thought Christy was working on her final project. And she has her portfolio review, right?”

“She’s been killing herself to get it done early. That’s how much she wants to go.”

“Is it a romantic getaway?”

“More like a party than a getaway,” I said. “But still… two couples? In a cozy little cabin?”

“Been there, done that,” Sara said. “Mostly against my will, though. Men are such assholes.”

“Well, I’m not one of them,” I snapped.

“Yeah, no, sorry.” She returned to the original question. “So, this party? Is it your kind, a swinger party?”

“Not explicitly,” I said, “but I think that’s what Christy’s hoping for. Who knows about Lily. She just wants to have a good time.”

“You think she might be into that, though?” Sara asked. “The swinger thing?”

“I think so, yeah. Maybe not a full-blown orgy, but two couples getting naked in a hot tub and fooling around? Sure, it’s possible.”

“What about her boyfriend, this Will guy?”

“He’s nice enough,” I said. “He’s still a Baptist preacher’s son, though. Not exactly the swinger type.”

“Maybe it isn’t that kind of weekend. Then what’s the problem?”

“Well, part of it is that Will’s nineteen too. He can’t afford it. Not even half. Christy said we’d pay for it. But what she really means is I’ll pay for it. Her father’d kill her if she wrote a check for a weekend getaway.”

“Wait. He doesn’t know you’re living together? Her mom does.”

“He probably does,” I said, “but he doesn’t want to think about it.”

“How very Catholic,” Sara said acidly.

“Denial. It’s not just a river in Egypt.”

“Sometimes I think the Church runs on it.”

“No kidding. Anyway,” I continued, “I’m a little irked that Christy spends my money so easily, but it’s only money.”

“Jesus, only a rich kid would say something like that.”

“Hey, I can’t help it.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m mostly giving you shit.” She paused for a moment and then went on, “I don’t see why the party’s a big deal. No one’s forcing you. But if you have a problem with it,” she added, “why’re you talking to me? Why not Christy?”

“I… don’t know,” I admitted. “I guess I just wanted to vent to someone who cares.”

“That’s me, all right, the Caring Hotline.” She laughed, sarcastic and affectionate at the same time. “You’re a real asshole. For making me care.”

“I’m glad you do.”

“Yeah,” she said, and her tone was an extra tug on the ol’ heartstrings.

The silence threatened to turn awkward, so I cleared my throat and said, “What do you think I should do?”

“It’s only a weekend. If it’s just a regular party, get drunk and enjoy yourself. And if it’s a swinger party, you know how to handle that too. As long as Christy’s okay with it.”

“She is.”

“Then I don’t see the problem,” Sara said.

“I don’t either. Not when you put it like that. So it’s just me overthinking things. As usual.”

“Why do you have to make everything so complicated?” she teased.

“You aren’t the first person to ask that,” I said dryly.

It’s good advice, the little head said. You should listen to her.

No one asked you.

* * *

I never talked to Christy about the party. Instead, I decided I’d blown things out of proportion. Besides, she was busy with her Kanagawa pieces. She and Nikki took them out of the molds on Monday morning and immediately went to work with angle grinders, files, and rasps.

I talked to Lily instead, and she offered to handle the cabin reservation. Will knew a guy who knew a guy who could get us a deal, she said. I just wrote the check, which wasn’t that big after all. I’d been expecting to pay what the inn in West Virginia had cost, but it was a fraction of that. I was so surprised that I gave Lily cash to buy food and alcohol for the weekend.

My ego didn’t exactly suffer through the whole process either. Lily made me feel like a big man because I could pay for things. She wasn’t simply flattering me either, although that was part of it. Worse, I knew what she was doing and fell for it anyway. Some part of me was still a pudgy, insecure teenager who craved the attention, especially from a pretty girl like Lily.

Sara teased me about it when I told her.

“You were a fat kid?” she laughed.

“Pudgy,” I said testily. “I thought you knew.”

“No. And you were shy too? Wow, makes me feel better about the world.”

“I’m glad my suffering brings you joy,” I said.

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Isn’t that what you tell me?”

“Practice what I preach?”

“You said it, not me.”

“I don’t know why I called,” I grumbled. “All you do is give me a hard time.”

“Yeah, but you deserve it. Anyway, how’s the little princess?”

“She’s good,” I replied automatically. “Still working all the time. This is the third night in a row.”

“Is that why you called? You were bored?”

“No,” I lied, and she laughed at me again.

“Uh-huh, I see how it is,” she added. “Don’t you have a project of your own?”

“Yeah, but I finished it. I thought Christy’d need more help with hers. But she has Nikki—”

“Jealous?”

“Not really. She’s a better assistant than I am. She’s an artist too, so Christy doesn’t have to explain things to her.”

“We did the same thing back when I was in school,” Sara said. “I had a friend, another photography major, who used to help me in the darkroom.”

“Yeah, you told me.”

“So, you aren’t jealous of this Nikki girl?”

“No. She reminds me of you,” I admitted. “I think that’s one of the reasons I like her.”

“She’s a dyke bitch lesbian?” Sara said in surprise.

“She’s a punk. And I thought she was a lesbian, but now I’m not so sure. She’s definitely into girls, but maybe guys too. She’s a militant feminist, though, so I’m afraid to ask. Besides, we don’t have that kind of relationship. We’re just friends.”

“Yeah, I get it,” Sara said. “But I still have to give you shit about it.”

“Fair enough.”

“Since we’re talking about Christy… What’s she doing after she graduates? She should come out here. Maybe not full-time, but for a couple of months. Max could represent her. She doesn’t work with straight artists very often, but I think she’ll make an exception for Christy. She’s bent enough to qualify.”

“So bi counts for lesbian?”

“It does if we say so. You straights have had your say for long enough. It’s about time we decide who’s one of us.”

“Now you sound like Nikki!” I laughed.

“Whatever. I’m serious about Christy. And not just so I can steal her from you. She’d do well out here. The art world is exploding. And it’s real art, not the for-hire stuff I do. She could do what she wants and sell most of it.”

“I’ll mention it to her,” I said seriously. “But don’t expect anything soon. She has to graduate first. And then we have a summer project.”

“Yeah, no rush. Anyway, I need to go. I have a date. I’m on beard duty.”

“With Tasha’s husband and his boyfriend?”

“Yeah.”

I laughed. “I can’t believe I’m so blasé about it. A couple of years ago, I’d’ve been afraid someone might think I’m gay.”

“Ha! No way. You’re so straight it hurts to look at you.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“You’re welcome. But I gotta go. Call me next week and let me know how it goes this weekend.”

“Will do. Talk to you later.”

* * *

I called Gina the following evening, and I had a better excuse than boredom.

“Happy belated birthday,” I said when she answered.

“Paul, hi! I’m on the other line.”

“Want me to call back?”

“No! It’s only my dad. We’re about finished. Hold on.”

The line clicked, but she returned about ten seconds later.

“Hi!” she said again. “How’re you?”

“I’m good. Sorry I didn’t call last week. Things were a little hectic around here.” I didn’t elaborate, especially since I’d been playing kissy-face with Christy and Lily at the time.

“And you forgot?” Gina said. “My birthday? Sniff, sniff.” She laughed. “I’m kidding. Things were crazy here too.”

“So, how’re you?” I asked.

“Good. Better now. It’s great to hear your voice. I wish I could talk longer, though. Regan’s driving me to the airport in, like, five minutes.”

“Then I won’t keep you long,” I said.

“You’re coming to Leah and Erin’s graduation, right?”

“Of course. We’re flying in tomorrow.”

“Christy’s coming? Will you be at dinner?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“’Cause I’m dying to meet her. I’ve heard lots of good things, and I want you to be happy.”

My throat suddenly felt thick with emotion. “You’re better than I deserve,” I managed.

“Tell that to the guys around here!” she laughed. “Oh, Paul, I miss talking to you. Now more than ever, when there’s so much going on in my life.”

“You’ll have to tell me all about it tomorrow night.”

“No! I wanna talk about you and Christy. You’re such a goof! But not mine anymore. Que lástima,” she added with an overblown sigh.

“Whatever that means.”

“It means I miss you. Duh!”

Regan called to her in the background.

“Hold on,” Gina said. She covered the mouthpiece but returned a moment later. “Hey, I’m sorry, I have to go. We’re late already, and traffic’s a nightmare around LAX. I can’t wait to see you, though.”

“Me too.”

“And I can’t wait to meet Christy. She sounds wonderful.”

“She is.”

Regan yelled again.

“I have to go. See you tomorrow. Bye!”

“See you tomorrow,” I said, but she was already gone.

* * *

Christy came home late from the studio. She was covered in marble dust and completely worn out.

“I’ll fix you a drink,” I said. “You head on up. I’ll be there in a few minutes and we’ll run a bath.”

She nodded blankly and trudged up the stairs.

I wasn’t sure when she’d eaten last, so I grabbed a box of raisins for some quick energy. I fixed her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as well. She was just sitting on the bed when I came upstairs. I handed her the box and set the plate and glass on the nightstand. Then I went to start the water. I returned to find her with the raisins open but mostly untouched.

“Everything tastes like marble,” she complained. “It’s yucky.”

“Oh, boy. Come on.” I grabbed the food and ushered her into the bathroom. “Can you undress yourself? Or do you want help?”

“I can do it.”

I stripped off my own clothes and tested the water. “In you go,” I said. “Shower first. I’ll wash your hair.”

“Thank you.”

She stepped under the water, and I rinsed off the worst of the dust. Then I shampooed her hair and massaged her scalp. She swayed drunkenly.

“Dizzy?”

She nodded.

“Uh-oh.” I rinsed her hair as quickly as I could. Then I shut off the water and swept the curtain aside. I grabbed the raisins. “Eat. Now.”

“Yes, sir.” She chewed and swallowed mechanically. Then her metabolism started to process the sugar in the raisins, and she perked up a bit.

“You going to live?” I asked, not entirely as a joke.

She nodded and didn’t stop chewing. I fed her the sandwich next. And when she finished that, I turned on the water and plugged the drain. I scooted past her and sat. She sank between my legs.

I reached for the glass of whiskey, but she shook her head. Then she turned on her side, laid her head on my chest, and heaved a sigh of exhaustion. She was asleep almost before I realized it.

* * *

She slept like the dead and didn’t wake up until I shook her gently the next morning. Even then, she burrowed into the pillow and tried to ignore me. I shook her again.

“Go away,” she grumped. Then, “What time is it?”

“Almost ten thirty. We need to leave by noon.”

She sighed.

“What do you want for breakfast?” I asked. “Cereal? Toast? Fruit? Eggs?”

“Yes, please.”

I chuckled and headed downstairs to make it—all of it. I returned with a tray full of food and a glass of juice. I’d even found a bud vase and made a tissue-paper flower to stick in it. Christy sat up and smiled when she saw.

“Sorry we didn’t have real flowers,” I said.

“That’s okay. This one’s perfect.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and picked up the napkin. She ate quietly, and her energy grew with each bite. She was like a flower herself, one that simply needed a little sunlight and nourishment.

“Better?” I asked when she finished.

“Yes. Thank you.” She grew thoughtful and then said, “I need your help. I’m almost done, but I bit off more than I can chew. Nikki’s super-helpful, but…”

“She doesn’t take care of you like I do.”

“No one does.”

“I’ve sort of taken over for your brothers, haven’t I?”

She smiled but then turned melancholy.

“What?”

“Laurence. He died three years ago. On Tuesday. I didn’t even remember.”

“You’ve been pretty busy,” I said.

“I still feel him sometimes, watching over me. I know he’s happy.” She blinked back tears and forced a smile. “He always was, but now he doesn’t have to worry about anything.”

“No.”

“Sometimes I want to tell him everything that’s happened since he died. But then I realize I’m being silly. He’s in heaven. He knows.”

I didn’t share Christy’s faith, but she believed with all her heart, and I wasn’t such a skeptic that I couldn’t take comfort from it as well.

She thought of something and smiled for real. “Do you know the Serenity Prayer?”

“God, grant me the serenity…? That one?”

“Yes. Have you ever heard the whole thing? It’s Protestant, but I still like it. The second verse especially.”

I frowned in thought. “Courage to change the things I can?”

“No, that’s still the first. The second’s longer. It’s about accepting the sinful world as it is. About putting your faith in God and trying to be reasonably happy. I think that’s what Laurie wants me to do,” she added. “I can’t talk to God directly, but he can. And I’m sure he made me think of that just now.”

I cleared my throat and asked, “Why?”

“To remind me that I’m a sinner but still allowed to be happy.” She moved the tray aside and smiled. “Come back to bed?”

* * *

“Sorry we’re late,” I said as we burst into the airport waiting room in Atlanta.

Mom closed the magazine she’d been reading. She smiled, but it was brittle.

“It’s fine,” she said. “I’ve been catching up on my reading. Aviation Week. USAir changed their business strategy after deregulation. Everyone did, but they’re doing well.”

“Um… okay.”

“Braniff too. They just resumed operations.”

“I wondered what happened to them.”

Christy gave me a sideways glare for my tone, but I’d already apologized once.

“Mmm,” Mom agreed. “Delta introduced a new flight planning system. I knew that already, but it was nice to read quotes from people I know.”

“I said we’re sorry.”

“It’s my fault,” Christy blurted. “I kept changing my mind about which dress to bring.”

That was a complete lie, but the truth wasn’t something we could admit in public.

I decided to offer a flag of truce. “How long have you been waiting?”

“Oh, about five Weeks,” Mom said.

It was a good pun, but I felt too guilty to laugh. I winced instead.

“I’ll survive,” she added, “but now we need to hurry. We’re taking pictures at the Coulters’. You can change clothes there.”

She didn’t quite drive like a bat out of hell, but close enough. She was venting her frustration, and I knew better than to tease her, even when we screeched to a halt in the Coulters’ driveway. A cloud of burned rubber floated forward and swirled around the tail of my dad’s Stingray. Mom climbed out of the station wagon, slammed the door, and walked toward the house without a backward glance. Christy and I watched in silence.

“Um… is she okay?”

“Yeah,” I said heavily. “Although… we probably should’ve stopped after round two this morning.”

“Sorry. I couldn’t help it.”

“Neither could I.”

“But… why was she waiting so long? At the airport, I mean. You called, didn’t you?”

“I did. But I had to leave a message. She must’ve been out running errands.”

Mom stopped on the front porch and shot us a peremptory look.

“Uh-oh,” I said. “We’d better get moving.” We climbed out of the car, and I told Christy, “You go on. I’ll grab the suitcase.”

“I’m not going in there. Not without you.”

“We’ll be right in!” I shouted to Mom, who stormed into the house.

All of a sudden Christy laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“You,” she said. “You’re just like her. You get the same look when I make us late.”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“No, it’s cute. Well, it’s cute on you.”

“That’s because you love me.”

“I love her too. But it’s different.”

“We’d better get a move on,” I said. “Hell hath no fury…”

“Like a mother-in-law scorned?”

I grinned. “Something like that.”

* * *

Mom had mastered her temper by the time Christy and I changed into dress clothes and joined everyone else in the back yard. I introduced Christy to the Coulters first. They introduced us to Mark’s mother and stepfather. Finally, I introduced Christy to Gina. I held my breath as they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

“Do you mind if I give him a hug?” Gina asked.

“No, not at all,” Christy said.

“She’s beautiful,” Gina whispered as she did. Then she released me and stepped back. “Thank you,” she said to Christy. “We’ve been friends a long time.”

“I hope we still are,” I said.

“Of course you are,” Christy said. Then she slipped her hand into mine.

Gina lowered her eyes and hid a smile.

At that point Mom and Elizabeth saved us from awkward small talk. They brandished cameras, and Elizabeth chivvied us toward the laurels by the pool. Chris cracked a joke, which earned a glare.

“Crash and burn,” my dad teased, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Don’t start,” my mom warned him. “Paul’s already on my shit list. You can join him if you’d like.”

“No, ma’am.”

“Good. Then stand over there, next to Erin. Paul, you and Christy get on her other side.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, the perfect counterpoint to my father.

“Good job, son.”

Mom gave us a dangerous look. “I’m warning you. Both of you. I’ve had just about enough of Hughes men today.” She looked at Christy. “Are you sure you want to sign up for this?”

“Make a break for it,” Chris Coulter said. “I’ll distract ’em so you can get away.”

“Dad!” Gina and Leah blurted together.

Christy’s hand tightened around mine. “I worked too hard to let him get away.”

“That’s the spirit!” my dad agreed. Then he caught my mom’s scowl. “I mean, let’s get this show on the road. Paul, stand by your sister.”

* * *

The graduation ceremony was the usual. The usual people made the usual speeches with the usual jokes and the usual encouragements to Do Great Things. Then the school superintendent presented the usual awards. We sat and listened for nearly an hour before they handed out the first diploma.

We clapped and cheered when Leah received hers. Mark sauntered across the stage a few minutes later, and the student section erupted with applause. He laughed and waved to the crowd. Erin received her diploma with less fanfare, but we made as much noise as we could. At that point our part was done, but the ceremony lasted another hour.

Erin, Leah, and Mark found us in the parking lot afterward, and we drove to the restaurant, a Japanese place that Leah had chosen.

“Ooh,” Christy said, “I love hibachi.”

“Have you been here before?” Gina asked her.

“No, but I used to eat it all the time when we lived in Japan.”

Our group was big enough that we needed two tables. Our parents sat with a random couple on one side, while the rest of us sat on the other. Their chef was American, but ours was actually Japanese. He went from impassive to friendly when Christy spoke to him in his own language. They talked for several minutes as he prepared his knives and the grill, and I did my best not to look as proud as I felt.

“How long did you live there?” Gina asked Christy after the waitress had taken our drink orders. “Long enough to learn Japanese, obviously.”

“Only three years. But I went to a Montessori school off-base, and most of the students were Japanese.”

“I speak a little Spanish—”

“More than a little,” Kara said from Gina’s other side. “She’s practically Mexican.”

“They aren’t Mexican,” Gina said stiffly. “They’re Latinos. And most of them are from El Salvador, Honduras, or Guatemala. They’re completely different countries.”

“Jeez, Sis, don’t get your panties in a wad. I was just trying to stick up for you.”

“I can stick up for myself.”

“Evidently,” Kara sniffed. She returned her attention to the conversation on her other side.

Gina rolled her eyes and said to Christy, “You don’t have sisters, do you?”

“No, only brothers.”

“You’re lucky.”

“I think so. But I was the only girl, so it was a little lonely at times.”

“At least you didn’t have to share the bathroom.”

They chatted and got to know each other during dinner, and I gradually relaxed. Everyone else did too, especially at the other table, which kept the bartender busy.

Toward the end of the meal, Chris and my dad started trying to one-up each other and pay the bill. Mark’s stepdad stayed out of it, until the waitress delivered a fait accompli with the credit card receipt for him to sign.

“Hold on,” Chris asked her, “how’d he manage that? When’d he give you a card?”

“When he first came in, sir.”

“Easier that way,” Mark’s stepfather said. “Avoids the argument.”

“We’ve been suckered,” Chris said.

“Bushwhacked!” my father agreed.

“Better luck next time, gents.”

Everyone thanked him for dinner and then we lingered at the table for a little longer, until Mark stood.

“Thanks again for coming, everyone. We have an after-party with our friends, so… we’d better say goodnight.”

We headed out to the parking lot, where his parents said goodnight and left as well.

Chris waited until they were safely in their car before he said, “You all wanna head back to our place?”

Dad glanced at Mom, but they’d obviously been expecting it. “Fine by us,” he said.

“Thanks,” Kara said, “but I think we’re going home. I’m dead tired, and Victor starts his shift in a couple of hours.”

They said goodbye and headed to their car.

Mom turned to us and smiled. She was in a much better mood than before, and I silently thanked the gods of the vine.

“Do you want to come to Chris and Elizabeth’s with us?” she asked. “Or we can drop you at home.”

“It’s a beautiful night for a swim,” Gina said.

I knew better than to answer without Christy’s input.

“Please?” Gina added. “I won’t have anyone to talk to if you don’t.”

“Hey, what’re we,” her father objected, “chopped liver?”

“She means someone her age, you old ninny,” her mother said. “She doesn’t want to talk to us.”

“No, I do,” Gina insisted.

“But not really,” my own mother said.

“No, not really. Sorry. It’s nothing personal.” She looked at us again. “Please? I really enjoyed talking to you at dinner.”

I glanced at Christy and left it up to her.

“Of course,” she said. “We’d love to.”

* * *

“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked as we turned into the Coulters’ neighborhood. My parents were talking in the front seat, but I still kept my voice low. “We don’t have to.”

“I want to,” Christy said. “I kind of like her. Besides…”

“You want to check her out?” I chuckled. “Nude?”

“You know, sometimes I really don’t like you.”

“When I read your mind?”

“Yes.”

“Well, Gina’s a lot like Leah,” I said, “and I know how you feel about her.”

“I don’t want to do anything,” she added, “but I like to look.”

“I know. So do I.”

Dad parked behind his Corvette. We climbed out, and he tossed me the keys to the station wagon.

“What’re you doing?” Mom asked.

“I figure we might spend the night,” he said.

“And when were you going to ask me?”

“Right now. You wanna spend the night? That is, if I’m off the shit list.”

“Yes, you’re off it.”

I didn’t ask. Silence is golden, I told myself. And ignorance is bliss.

Words to live by, the little head said.

I didn’t reply. He was the reason we were on the shit list in the first place.

I heard that, you know.

I sighed.

Christy shot me a curious look, but I shrugged her off and gestured for her to follow my parents through the gate to the back yard. They headed toward Chris and Elizabeth, while Christy and I joined Gina. The older couples drifted toward the hot tub, so we took over the patio. I draped my jacket over the back of a chair, kicked off my shoes, and loosened my tie. The girls started taking off their dresses.

“Wow,” Gina said when I lowered my boxers. “I wasn’t expecting that. I mean, I knew Christy’d be shaved, but you too?”

“Yeah. She likes the look. So we’re a matched pair.”

“I’ll say,” Gina laughed. “I’m back to natural. Mostly.” She stepped out of her panties. “I trim my bikini line, but that’s about it.”

“Well, you look nice,” I said. Then, “Have you lost weight?”

“A little,” she said. “Mom thinks I need to eat more, but…” she shrugged. “I’ve sort of become a vegetarian.”

“For real?”

“Yeah. I still eat shrimp and some fish, but no beef, pork, or chicken.”

“I’m a Buddhist vegetarian,” Christy said.

“One of my sorority sisters is a Buddhist,” Gina said in surprise. “She’s the one who got me started. It’s much healthier.”

“I think so. And better for my soul.”

“I don’t know about that,” Gina laughed, “but…”

I listened with half my attention and followed them toward the pool. Gina already had tan lines from her bikini, where Christy was an even honey color all over. And even though Gina was thinner than I’d ever seen her, she still made Christy seem pint-sized by comparison.

The girls continued chatting as we waded into the water. The little head had delusions of a threesome, but the big head knew better, even if Christy hadn’t said so. She hadn’t drunk any alcohol at dinner, which said a lot about her mindset. I’d have done the same thing if I were about to step onto a judo mat. Gina wasn’t an opponent, but Christy wasn’t going to underestimate her either.

It didn’t matter in any case. Gina wasn’t trying to win me back. She was gracious in defeat, although “defeat” wasn’t the right word. Mostly she wanted to be friends. I felt guilty that I hadn’t been able to make her happy, but relieved that she still wanted me in her life. We’d been through too much together, and neither of us wanted to throw it away simply because things hadn’t worked for us.

Some insecure part of me wondered what would’ve happened if Christy hadn’t been so determined. What if she’d given up in disgust and started dating some other guy? Would I have gone back to Gina? I probably would’ve been happy, but I couldn’t imagine life without Christy. Not now, not ever.

“Paul…? Earth to Paul…?” Gina was saying.

“Sorry, what?”

“Wow. I’d give more than a penny for your thoughts,” she said. She and Christy shared a smile. “You were in your own little world.”

“Yeah. Sorry. Just thinking. What if…? That sort of thing.”

Her dark eyebrows twitched up. “For real?”

“Yeah. And how lucky I am.”

“No kidding,” Gina agreed. “Now that I’ve met her, you’re even luckier than I thought.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” I said. “I feel bad for saying that, though, ’cause you’re wonderful too.”

“Thank you,” she said, so softly that I almost didn’t hear it. Then she forced a smile. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I’m really happy. Happy for both of you.”

“Thank you,” Christy said. “That means a lot.”

“Let’s change the subject,” I suggested, and both girls nodded. “What’re you doing this summer?”

“Me?” Gina said. “Didn’t Leah tell you? One of the doctors at the clinic invited me to El Salvador.”

“Okay…,” I said tactfully, “but that doesn’t sound very romantic.”

“It isn’t!” she laughed. “I’ll be working. They’re called Doctors Without Borders. They…”

* * *

We eventually moved the conversation to the patio chairs. We talked for another hour, about summer plans, school, and life in general. The older couples continued their own party in the hot tub, although they moved to the privacy of the guesthouse sometime after eleven. I glanced at my watch and caught Christy’s eye.

“We should probably head home,” I said.

“You’re welcome to spend the night here,” Gina offered. Then she read my expression. “Never mind. It was just a thought.”

I chuckled. “I forgot. You can do it too.”

“Do what?”

“Read me.”

“Yeah. Sorry. I can’t help it.”

“He does the same thing to me,” Christy said. “I can’t lie to him. It drives me crazy sometimes.”

“For sure!” Gina laughed. She stood and extended a hand to Christy. “Thanks for coming tonight. I didn’t want to like you at first, but now I can’t imagine Paul with anyone else. I heard it in his voice before, and it’s even more obvious in person. He loves you. And I’m truly happy for you.”

Christy rose and bypassed Gina’s hand. She hugged her instead.

I had to choke down a sudden wave of emotion.

“So, now do you believe it?” Gina asked her as they separated. “That I’m not the competition?”

“I never thought you were,” Christy lied easily.

“I’m glad,” Gina said. Then she smiled at me. “It was great to see you again.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Great to see you too.”

“You’ll have to call me next time you’re in San Diego. It’s only a couple of hours down the coast.”

“Or we can come see you in Los Angeles,” Christy said. It wasn’t entirely a lie—more like a banal pleasantry.

“I’d love that,” Gina said.

Yeah, what do you say in a situation like this? I wondered.

I know what I’d say, the little head offered.

That’s nice. Keep it to yourself.

Christy’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Did I miss something?” Gina asked.

“Oh, no,” Christy lied again. “I was just thinking about the last time I was in LA. We got lost on the way to a competition. It was horrible.”

It wasn’t the worst cover story I’d ever heard, but it wasn’t very good either. Gina accepted it at face value, though. I started breathing again and gestured toward our clothes. Gina wrapped her towel around herself as Christy and I donned the minimum for decency.

Gina walked us to the gate and then kissed my cheek. She hugged Christy. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Christy said.

“Have a safe flight home,” I told Gina.

“You too.”

We said goodnight and then Christy and I headed out to the car. She waited until we were safely out of the driveway before she rounded on me.

“Oh my gosh! What were you thinking?”

“What?”

“I should probably ask him the same thing!” She shook her head in disbelief. “Seriously, Paul?”

“Sorry. I’ll try to do better.”

“It’s all right,” she said after a moment. “He has a mind of his own. But it’s never going to happen. Do you hear that, Mr. Big? You can have a threesome with anyone else, but Gina’s off limits.”

“‘Yes, ma’am,’ he says.”

“Better. At least he knows what’s good for him.”

“I do too,” I said. “Which is why I’m going home with you instead of spending the night with Gina.”

She nodded and sat back. After a moment she relaxed for real. “I feel like I just finished a swim meet and a dance recital, back to back.”

“Yeah,” I chuckled. “And I noticed you didn’t drink anything at dinner.”

“Oh my gosh, no!”

“So I’m thinking,” I said slowly, “you need a stiff drink and a stiff dick, in that order.”

“You know me so well. Are there any liquor stores open this late?”

“No, but my parents’ll have something. Maybe not Jameson, but—”

“I don’t care, as long as it’s eighty proof. I’d even settle for tequila.”

“And the rest?” I ventured.

“You know I always feel better with something in my mouth. And I definitely need a couple of doses of relaxation serum.”

I chuckled. “‘Relaxation serum.’ Nice.”

“And… I’ve been thinking.”

“About?”

“Tomorrow night. Lily. You know we’re planning a surprise, right?”

“I kinda figured,” I said neutrally.

“I’ve been thinking. If Gina’s my competition—”

“She isn’t.”

“You might believe that,” Christy said, “but I don’t. So I need to up my game.”

“Up your game?”

“I’m ready. To do something. With a guy.”

To be continued…

* * *

Read the next book in the series,

Swinging for the Fences.