by Aly White
We’d stay at the beach and lay out a picnic blanket so we could lay the damp sand, gazing at the stars. They’d impress me with their knowledge of astronomy and mythology. I’d give them both a peck on the cheek for this.
I find myself smiling again. No, don’t do that, I tell myself. It’s unwise. You’ll just be let down. You should never expect anything. So wipe those stupid thoughts out of your head.
The water’s beginning to go cold. I should get up soon. I ignore that thought, turning on the hot water and laying back down. The hot water causes the scent of roses to intensify as it rises into the air as steam.
My brother had told me so many stories of the women Lucas and Julian have conquered. There are a lot of broken hearts. They just discarded them like candy wrappers. I need to make sure not to end up like that.
Lucas and Julian are good men, I tell myself. They’re sweet, caring, and thoughtful. I just need to make sure these charms don’t cloud my judgment. I will not be a discarded candy wrapper. Add to that, I’m sure this is just another contact to add to my list of existing booty calls. For what it’s worth, they’re definitely top of the list.
All this shouldn’t stop me from coming to the gallery with them. It’ll be fun, I convince myself. There’ll be art and champagne and free food. Who knows, maybe I'll find my next booty call there; someone to rival the likes of Julian and Lucas.
Sighing, I finally stand up, wrap my towel around me, and watch as the water swirl down the drain. My mind is clearer, and my body feels so much better. I stretch out, enjoying the feeling. There’s a little glitter in my hair, but I can brush that out.
Once the water had fully drained, I stepped back into the tub and turn on the shower to rinse off the remaining residue from my hour-long relaxation. I run my hands through my hair, between my breasts, and around my neck. All the places where Julian and Lucas have been.
As the final pieces of glitter are rinsed off, my mind is finally at ease. I think—no, I know—that this isn't anything serious. It wouldn’t be like them to think of this as a serious relationship. Not to mention, there's three of us. I put these thoughts aside, forcing a smile on my face. They won't bother me for now.
Lucas
I put my car to a halt just in front of Julian's mansion. The engine purrs softly, and after a few seconds, the car starts to become still. When one looks from outside, the car could be able to pass as one of the entries at the art gallery we’re attending.
I have pride in the cars we create, but seriously, I shouldn't be boasting my car right now because later at night I'm seeing Aubrey once again. And this car doesn't matter, the art gallery doesn’t matter, only Aubrey deserves my utmost attention.
I fish my phone out of my pants pocket to call Julian and ask him to step out of his house at once as I cannot wait to see Aubrey anymore, and of course, Julian. I've been looking forward to spending the night with the two of them. And even though I'm intensely anticipating to witness the beauty and glamor of Aubrey, I still have to say I’m pleased I get to hang out with Julian as well.
I’ve always liked and enjoyed his company. He is an interesting guy who knows how to have fun at all times despite the circumstances. As far as I remember, we have been best buddies ever since the time we developed consciousness. He’s always been by my side, and I’ve always been by his.
I open my contacts and dial his number. After a number of rings, he still doesn't answer his phone. I try for the second time, but the phone call only brings me to the voicemail. I put my phone back to my pocket. I raise my hand a little bit to my face to check the time on my wristwatch. It reads 4:56 PM.
The art gallery’s opening is scheduled at a sharp six in the evening, and before fetching Aubrey, I figure we should drop by the flower shop to get the beautiful lady what she rightfully deserves. And so we must hurry. I honk my car once, twice, thrice until Julian finally comes out of his mansion.
He is marching towards the car, glaring at me with his piercing eyes. He’s dressed in a chic, modern blue suit and his hair is styled in a way that a bit of the top part is messy.
“I feel like my ears were bleeding. Are your cars built in with deadly horns?” he says as he opens the door to the shotgun seat. He hops in and settles himself.
“We’re running a bit late. We have to hurry,” I inform him.
He looks at his wristwatch and then he gives me a look that shows he is done with me. “C’mon man we have plenty of time. And I doubt this car is gonna run sluggish,” he says and slaps the dashboard lightly.
“We’re getting flowers for Aubrey. The lady has to receive one.”
Julian’s mouth forms a small “O,” as though he is late in realizing something that is crucial, but then his eyes flickers as his interest is piqued. “So you’re buttering her up, huh.”
“Well, might as well get some points,” I say as I raise an eyebrow. There is no point in denying it.
“Figures,” he replies and nods slowly as though he is agreeing at last at a retort thrown against him. “So this is why the dope suit,” he adds, checking out the clothes I’ve picked to wear just to impress Aubrey. I had carefully chosen the suit to match the vibes of the art gallery.
“Dude, you should look at yourself in the mirror,”
“What’s wrong with my suit gaming,” he says, tugging at the hem of his suit. “Can’t I make a move?”
“I’m not saying you can’t,” I reply, but then suddenly I get reminded of something. “Though Austin says we can’t.”
Until now, that petty rule of theirs still never fails to puzzle me every time I get reminded of it. I can’t quite grasp its chief purpose in the first place. It’s not like dating Aubrey is a form of incest. We’re not breaking any taboo at all. First of all, we do not have a brother and sister relationship. We’re neither her cousin nor anyone from the immediate or distant family. We’re not related by blood at all.
Is it because Austin doesn’t want us to be his brother-in-law? Is it because he doesn’t want us to lay our hands on her sister? Or is he concerned that we would cheat on her? Play with her feelings?
Unfortunately, he knows so much about us that he’s being wary. It is true, after all, that if ever a break up happens, even the ones who are not directly involved would be placed in an awkward position.
For a split second, I get a fleeting picture in my head. My mind has flashed an image of the two of us walking at a park hand in hand. No, the three of us. Me on the left side and Julian on the other side and Aubrey in the middle. We are giggling at each other’s jokes, and I look content, happy, almost like I have already ascended to heaven. Because this is pure bliss I am speaking about.
Though just like any happy thoughts, the mind always does great at ruining momentary imaginations for it knows how to break it like frail, thin glass. In my head, Austin appears in the picture, red and furious—smokes coming out of his nostrils every time he exhales in rage.
That damn petty rule still gets to me, and I wonder if Austin and Aubrey would grow out of it and decide that it is a foolish move. Because for one, if the restriction gets lifted, the siblings would get two hotties added to their family. Not that I’m bragging but not only do I drive fancy cars, I somehow own the company that makes them.
But behind this superficial stuff is a genuine intention. I just hope to get together with her, date like the common people, kiss in the park when few people are around, quarrel over trivial things. Nothing really matters more than that, and I know that rule won't prevent me from acting what my heart desires to do.
Julian finally replies, “We can’t, but it doesn’t mean we won’t.”
I smile in agreement, knowing that it isn’t just me thinking of it that way. I rile up the engine, and the car speeds away.
Julian
The engine starts to idle as Lucas's car starts to slow down in front of Aubrey's place. I open my door and Lucas immediately jumps out from his side, smoothing his impeccable, custom-made suit. Cradled in his a
rms is a large bouquet of pastel blue roses and peonies. The flowers compliment his piercing eyes, which currently holds nothing but anxiety as he waits for me to get out of the car.
I step out of the car and take the bouquet I bought with me—an arrangement of blue roses and hyacinths. I guess I am also guilty of matching the flowers with my eyes.
We both make our way to Aubrey's front porch, our heavy steps crunching on the gravel as the door gets closer and closer. My palms and my feet start to get more and more slippery the nearer the door gets.
Lucas gets to the front porch before I do. He stares me down until I am standing next to him, his eyes making my movement visible. I look at him expectantly, raising my eyebrows.
"Ready?" I ask him.
His shoulders start to lax. So he's just as nervous as I am. Hard to imagine the unshakeable Lucas Francois like this. But here we are. He nods at me and reaches across me to ring the doorbell.
A few moments pass before we hear anything on the other end. A muffled shuffling, a loud thud, and a lot of cursing later, the door opens to reveal Audrey. She is clutching the back of her head, rubbing it like she hit her head on something. Knowing how she was back then, she probably did.
Lucas either did not notice this or chose to ignore it as he leans down and gives Audrey a swift, elegant kiss on the cheek. He hands her the bouquet in his arms, smiling at her.
Audrey takes a whiff of the bouquet, a warm smile forming on her lips. "These smell amazing! I love them, thank you very much!"
Feeling triumphant, Lucas smiles down on us, looking like he just won the lottery. And if the prize is Aubrey's affection, I would probably be smiling the same way.
I hand Aubrey my own bouquet. She looks at me and gives me a cute smile. God, she's so cute. I give her a quick kiss on the opposite cheek and return her smile with one of my own.
"Hyacinths," she murmurs, giving me a knowing look. "Is this another mythology reference?"
I raise my hands in defeat. "Well, you got me! They also do symbolize sincere affection, if you're the type to Google that sort of thing."
She raises her eyebrows at me and we both laugh. She probably knows that I did Google that.
"I love your dress," Lucas and I say at the same time. Lucas rolls his eyes while Audrey and I both laugh about it. The more the three of us spend time together, the more I feel like these moments can make me happy for the rest of my days.
The black fabric of her elegant evening gown shows off her body in the sexiest way possible. Sporting minimal jewelry and makeup, her look commands that you look at her. Her ensemble screams for you to undress her, love her, worship her...it is pretty difficult not to do all these things right here and now. There’s a proper time and place for doing all this. Soon, I tell myself. Soon.
Aubrey excuses herself for a few moments as she grabs her things upstairs. Lucas and I both nod, and smile at each other as we imagine what is in store for the night ahead.
In a split minute, our lovely friend is back, carrying a small, matching clutch purse with her. Her heels clack loudly as she walks past Lucas and me to the car, waving at us. "Come on, boys! The night is not gonna start itself!"
I grin at Lucas, infected by Aubrey's high spirits. Lucas shrugs at me and suddenly starts running after Aubrey. My smile dips as I cry out a loud, "Hey!" and run after the two, obviously making it to the car last.
My cock twitches pleasantly as I see a view of Audrey's legs moving gracefully as she strides in her heels to the car. Every moment that Audrey enters my mind, every moment that my eyes get to behold Audrey, every moment that I even get a whiff of her scent, makes me feel all kinds of excited and twitchy.
And yes, this time I do mean that kind of twitchy. These moments that I spend with Aubrey have been very precious to me, I realize. More special than any other person has ever made me think and feel.
I quickly reposition my throbbing erection while nobody is looking as we continue to run to the car. Everything feels like it is in slow motion—like those cheezy ass Lifetime movies when they think that something profound is happening as the background music swells, making you believe that what's happening makes a lot more sense. For some reason, this moment—my slow-mo Lifetime movie moment—has ‘Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s’ theme playing in it. Like a profound start of a new adventure, I guess.
I take a large gulp of air as we all continue to get to the car. It is at this moment that I start to realize that with every second I spend with Aubrey, with every breath that passes, as we keep each other company—be it in bed or elsewhere—in all these moments, my feelings for Aubrey blossoms stronger and stronger.
I know, it's cheezy and dorky. But feelings always come in a way that we can't control. Most video games would show that.
The slow-mo moment finally ends as my daydreaming brain did not register that by not slowing down, I would hit the car. And hit the car I did.
"Fuck!" I cuss. My body is mostly fine, except I banged my kneecap pretty hard on the side of Lucas's car. Lucas roars with laughter as Aubrey asks if I'm okay, while, of course, stifling a laugh of her own.
"Of course I'm fine!" I lie. The pain will subside soon anyway. "Let's get this show started, shall we?"
We grin like idiots as we settle inside the car, and Lucas takes the momentary silence as his cue to speed off, our adventure continues on.
Aubrey
The doors of the sleek, black Fiat Spider open, revealing a tall, brown-haired boy holding the door open for us.
“Valet service, sir,” he says. He extends a hand to me, as I am the only one in the back seat. I take it, and he gently helps me out of the car.
“I hope you enjoy your stay,” he says. He bows slightly, which I find oddly endearing.
“Thank you, Jake,” I reply, reading it off his nameplate. He blushes pink and walks to the driver just as Julian and Lucas get out from the front seats.
Julian beams at me, excitement sparking off of him. “Ready for our fashionably late entrance?”
“Always,” I reply with a wink. I put one hand in Lucas'ss and the other at Julian’s, and we all walk together up the steps to the grandiose entryway.
We stand at the entrance, marveling at the sight sprawled below us. The door leads to a small balcony overlooking the whole area. The floor to ceiling pillars is coated in dark, velvety glitter, making them glisten like stars in the moody lighting emitting from the twenty-five-foot tall chandelier dangling in front of us.
The scene below is even more mesmerizing. The dark marble floors are embedded with miniscule lights, making lighted pathways. Pedestals and partitions scatter on either side of the starry pathway, allowing visitors to walk among the stars as they view the pieces. I definitely do not regret being here.
We descend the staircase slowly, holding on to the sturdy, iron railing. The stairs are also dressed for the occasion, with a midnight blue carpet cushioning our steps and fairy lights intertwining around the rails. It feels more like a descent for a princess rather than just a visitor to an art gallery.
“Lucas, you’re finally here!” A voice greets us the moment we finish descending the staircase. A tan, curly-haired woman approaches us. She is wearing a deep midnight, low-cut, backless cocktail dress that leaves little to the imagination. Her vivid red hair is held in place by an intricate, pearl-studded, gold diadem, reminiscent of the starry pathways on the floor. She gives us a blinding smile as she approaches.
I feel Lucas's hand squeeze mine ever so slightly. Is he showing me off to her?
“Em!” Lucas exclaims, confidence is instilled in his voice. Then, Lucas releases my hand to give her a hug. I already don’t like this girl.
Lucas holds her at arm’s length, beaming. “You know I wouldn’t miss this show for the world. What you’ve done here is amazing!”
He gestures everywhere. Em giggles giddily like a schoolgirl getting her first kiss behind the jungle gym. Not that I would know from experience.
“My muse
was working overtime. Not that I had a choice!” she pokes Lucas. “You already financed the venue when I didn’t even finish my last three pieces yet. To mention that promotion,” She humorously rolls her eyes. “You really should have at least given me a heads up instead of letting me see my freakin’ face on the big screen in the middle of last week’s Grand Prix. Figures, why you gave me a VIP pass!”
Julian laughs, the corner of his eyes crinkling. Then, he waves us over, draping one long arm around me. “Let me introduce you to my company tonight. Everyone, this is Amelia Vander Waal. She’s the artist who made this amazing spectacle possible. You can call her Em for short.
“Amelia, this is my man, Julian Reynolds. He’s a CEO of an application developing company. We’ve been buddies since college.” Lucas prods Julian in the back, pushing him closer to her. “Let him know if you want to get verified.” Lucas ends introducing Julian with a tease.
“Your art is amazing. You can guarantee I’ll find a piece I’m taking home with me later,” Julian says eloquently, shaking Em’s small hands in his large ones.
She grins up at him excitedly and hands him a uniquely shaped business card. “Now that’s something I want to hear! I’m sure you’ll find something here that fits your tastes. If you ever need any new art installations, just hit me up.”
“And this,” Lucas continues, pulling Julian back. “is our girlfriend, Aubrey Myers. She is a veterinarian at a nearby clinic.”
My eyebrows rise by about forty-five feet or so. Our girlfriend? Is that a thing now? Did we even talk about this?
I am still in a state of shock before Lucas prods me slightly, encouraging me to approach Amelia.
“Nice to meet a fellow animal lover around here!” Amelia—Em, gives me a warm hug. Her hair smells like raspberries and her body like hibiscus flowers. It is like hugging a garden.