William, Ethan and Xander get along famously. I wish it were the case for my parents and a few of my pigheaded brothers. Maggie and William came for a visit in February. William surprised his wife with this unexpected Valentines Day gift. I was very nervous about how William would react to my living arrangement, but Maggie kept reassuring me that she had already explained things. Still, I know from experience that that’s not always enough. To my great surprise, William didn’t seem to be bothered in the least bit by the fact that I was living with two men.
“Going back to you, given how much of the fashionista you are, I’m surprised you’re not already sending me a string of selfies to help you select the perfect outfit.” She laughs.
“You’re too funny.”
“I prefer to think of it as I know you very well.”
“Touché. The reason I’m still here is because I have so much on my plate. I’ve only had this position for a couple months now and on top of my work, I have to also take care of Blanca’s since she’s still new.” I let out a long exhale.
“God, it sounds like it’s too much for you,” Maggie sympathizes.
“I can’t complain. Gemma was in the same boat when I got here and she survived. This is too important for me to drop the ball. Not to mention there’s still plenty of time for me to get back home and get all prettied up. I’ve already worked out the outfit in my head,” I rejoice.
“What are you wearing?” she asks excitedly.
“You’ll get the tons of selfies later. Let’s just say I got really lucky at the summer sale at Selfridges. I didn’t really have an occasion in mind when I bought this particular dress, but since Ethan and Xander have such busy social calendars and we have so many evening VIP client events at the gallery now, I figured I’d be able to put it to good use. I think tonight is the perfect night to christen it.”
“Selfridges?” Maggie whistles. “That’s as expensive as Saks.”
“I was really lucky. Jackie warned me of the crowds and the presidential-esque security team policing one of London’s most luxurious department stores, but she did say it was worth the temporary aggravation. Given the fact that I had accumulated so many hours of overtime, I decided to cash a few of them in so that I could line up early. Boy, did it ever pay off. I was able to snag one of Anna Scholz’s dresses from her Glam Curves line for a song. That whopping seventy-percent discount came in handy.”
It took me a while to understand that Londoners are only able to take advantage of sales twice a year—in January and in July. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t buy a thing last year. Contrary to us Americans, they just can’t take advantage of a basement-price sale just because. Now I know better.
“Look at you moving up in the world.” She laughs.
“I was a fashion whore before, but now I can afford to step it up.”
It’s true that living with Ethan and Xander has helped my finances quite a bit and of course the increase in pay from my promotion doesn’t hurt either, so I decided to treat myself to something I normally would’ve walked away from.
“Oh, my God, Dee. I can’t wait. I bet you’re going to look absolutely stunning.”
“I bought the dress because it made me feel so pretty, Maggie,” I gush. “When my boys see me in it, I think they’ll be pretty impressed.”
“You could be wearing an old beat-up bathrobe and those two would still love you to pieces.”
“Okay, you’re right, but it sounds like tonight is a big deal for them. I want to make them proud.” I’m so very lucky things turned around for the best for me. For us.
Mr. Walcott has been trying to make amends for that blunder with his daughter since last July when her little tantrum almost cost me the loves of my life. At the end of the month of August of last year, Mr. Walcott surprised me by extending my contract. Even though Ethan was working his list of contacts really hard, I was happy this came up. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. The only roadblock that could’ve potentially tarnished my perfect relationship disappeared just like that. When things were looking grim, my boys suggested a quickie wedding to one of them in order for me to get my papers, but I categorically refused. I want my marriage to be based solely on love and not marred with immigration woes. I prayed hard and God listened. I knew She’d come through for me.
The best part about Mr. Walcott’s offer was that it wasn’t contingent on his daughter remaining in New York. It was based on the fact that he felt really badly about what had happened to me and also because Ashley spoke so highly of me. Not only did I not have to worry about leaving London, but I was also awarded a lot more exciting responsibilities. As a result, my learning curve went through the roof. On top of that, Ashley appointed Piper—because Gemma was traveling so much—to become the mentor who would help sharpen my negotiation and selling skills. So for nearly a year, I was diligently working my way towards the position of a senior curator. Once Benjamin announced he was off to Paris to be with his beau, Ashley offered me a permanent position. Apparently Mr. Walcott also insisted on it—he’s still riddled with guilt over his daughter’s actions. I’m not at the same level as some of my other colleagues who have many years of experience on me, but this is a huge step up. Thanks to this promotion, I now have my papers to live in the UK forever. Hurray!
“Do you have to stay much longer?” Maggie asks.
“I was just heading out when you called.”
“So, did your boys give you a hint as what tonight is all about?”
“It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve begged, they won’t budge. I even threatened to hold my breath until I turn blue in the face.”
“And?” Maggie is totally mocking me.
“That didn’t work either.” I laugh. “I think it has to do with the stellar year Xander has been having with this Dubliner performer he signed on last year.”
“Oh, yeah, what’s her name again?”
“Her stage name is Melody Blue. She’s burning up the charts on this side of the Atlantic and Xander just signed her with a label in the US. If this was just about us, we’d be hanging out in the glass room tonight, not going for dinner at an outrageously expensive restaurant. Not to mention that we just spent two weeks in a secluded place—we had plenty of time to talk. I’m sure this has to do with a big professional announcement or something along those lines.”
“You haven’t been able to figure out which restaurant they chose either?”
“No. They have me stumped. They were only willing to tell me that it’s a five-star dining experience.”
“I know I’ve said this before, but I still can’t believe how drastically your life has changed since you left New York.”
I smile into the phone. “Trust me, Maggie, I have to pinch myself every single day—many times, multiple times per day.” I laugh. “I live with the men of my dreams and I get to come to work every day and do something I’m completely passionate about. It really doesn’t get any better than this.”
“I guess Mr. Walcott’s daughter did you a favor when she stirred up all that shit. Without her little meltdown episode perhaps her father would’ve selected someone else with far more experience. In many ways, she’s a friend, not a foe.”
“I agree, Maggie. I’ve thought of that myself many times over the past few months. I can’t believe how much of a role she played in the turn of events. The funny thing is she’ll never know what she did for me.”
Speaking of Samantha, she won’t be back in London for another few months. I don’t have to worry and neither does Blanca because Samantha isn’t coming back to work. She’ll be back in town simply because she wants her baby to be born on British soil. Yup, she got knocked up. Remember the New York boyfriend who wouldn’t take any of her shit? Well, he’s the only man who’s ever been able to tame her. After dating for a few months, Samantha discovered that she was pregnant. Bruce Kaminski did the right thing by asking for her hand in marriage. I remember him very well. He used to be a regular at the New Yor
k gallery when I was working there. He has a taste for the finer things in life, but then again he can afford it. Bruce is a successful surgeon and he’s thirteen years older than Samantha. He’s pushing forty-five. Other than his silver temples, it’s hard to guess his age. He takes very good care of himself. It seems that Samantha just needed someone who was a little more experienced to handle her.
“Other than work and your big surprise dinner, how was Cape Town?”
“Absolutely amazing, like always.” Just flashing back to my time there brings a huge smile to my face. “There’s just so much for me to share with you.”
“Sounds like this might turn into a long conversation?”
“You’re right. When I start talking about Cape Town, I just can’t shut up.”
“Wow. I can’t believe how much you like that place.”
“I really do. Ethan’s house there makes it that much more inviting. It’s the perfect little oasis to help you forget all about the rest of the world. I think you and William should plan a trip down there with us.”
“Well, it’s definitely on the list now—” Maggie pauses. “Uh-oh.”
“What’s going on?”
“Listen, Dee, I want to hear all about Cape Town and about this hot date tonight, but one of my colleagues is waving at me and I have to go.”
“No problem. Honestly, I should do the same.”
“I love you. Have fun tonight and give my best to Xander and Ethan,” she cheers.
“Right back at you and enjoy the hubby when he gets back home.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I will.”
We both crack up.
When I end my call with Maggie, I quickly gather my things and dump them all in the leather tote bag I bought for myself right after my promotion. I take one last look around my office to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything before heading for the door.
“All right, I’m off now. Have a great evening and I’ll see you tomorrow,” I tell Blanca walking past her desk.
“¡Hasta mañana!” she chimes, waving at me.
I step outside and barely close the door behind me before I hear my name.
“Delilah,” my boss calls out.
“Hey, Ashley, how was your meeting?”
She sighs. “It was way too long, but at least I was able to get out of there at a decent time. I’m going to go back inside and grab my things. Then I’m off. I need to get home to my kids. Are you heading out for your big date with your boys?”
Yup, she knows. It was never a deliberate thing. It kind of happened by accident.
“I am. Even though I’m completely in the dark as to what they have planned, I’m so excited. In fact, I can barely contain myself. “
“I’m the same way when Simon plans a couple’s evening without the kids.” She gets closer and nudges me with her elbow. “Of course, you guys don’t have to worry about kids, yet. You can enjoy your boys at will.”
“Yes, it’s one of the perks of living with them.” I smile.
When Ethan and Xander asked me to move in with them in September—a few weeks after Mr. Walcott made everything right—all three of us were living in blissful harmony. As more and more of the artists Xander represents were hitting ridiculously high downloads of their songs on iTunes and their YouTube channels were on fire due to their videos being viewed in the hundreds of millions of times, he was forced to travel to LA for an extended period of time. That was the longest thirty days of my life. As if that wasn’t punishment enough, Ethan found himself traveling more and more to New York. It’s true he wasn’t gone as long as Xander was, but still, that was enough for me to feel incredibly lonely. As much as I love where I live, it’s a pretty sad place without my boys.
When Xander came back into town after not seeing me for so long, he was so excited that he couldn’t wait. After his red-eye flight had landed and his chauffeured car dropped him off at his place, he slid behind the wheel of his Audi with Ethan in the passenger seat to pick me up. They waited for me at the usual spot—a block away from the gallery. Ethan climbed into the back seat when I got to the car. Xander has never been one to do things halfway. Instead of a quick kiss and then waiting until we get back home before he unleashes his overdose of wanton passion on me, he devoured my mouth. I mean I could barely breathe. He kept saying how much he missed me over and over again between kisses. When that wasn’t enough, he shoved his hand down my top and groped my boobs underneath my bra.
I was so overwhelmed by his show of affection that my mind went temporarily blank and I forgot where we were. It was only when Xander pulled out my right boob from under my top that I snapped out of it and I could think again. After gently scolding my naughty boyfriend, I was able to pull myself together. Of course, Ethan did nothing to tame his best friend. On the contrary, he was watching us with a huge grin on his face while cupping his cock. I get that a whole month is a long time, but still. In any case, since it wasn’t pitch dark yet, Ashley caught most of the action as she was walking back to the gallery after stopping by a cake shop to pick up a few desserts to bring home with her.
“I’m certain there are many others.” She winks.
“There are, but if I told you about them, I’d have to kill you,” I joke.
“And I’m sure I’d die a very happy woman.” She places the back of her hand against her forehead and tilts back her head slightly. It’s so dramatic, it’s reminiscent of Gone With the Wind.
“You know married couples have threesomes all the time. As long as everybody agrees, it’s all good,” I remind her for the nth time.
“I’m still working on breaking Mr. Shilton to agree, but he’s being a bloody stickler about it. I’m not backing down.” She squints.
“You’re going to wear poor Samuel down until he has no other choice but to agree.” I laugh.
“And with good cause.” She pumps her chest out indignantly. “There are certain things that we should all be able to experience at least once in our life. This is one of them.” She laughs.
After Ashley recovered from our unexpected peep show, she immediately called Ethan. Since his phone was on vibrate, he ignored it and as a results he didn’t get the message until the next day, which happened to be a Saturday. He called her right back and invited her to our place. Over a delicious brunch that Xander had prepared, we explained to my boss the particular nature of our relationship. I didn’t know how she’d react. I guess I was expecting her to be shocked or maybe disappointed—like my parents were—but instead she became my biggest cheerleader.
As she was leaving Ethan’s house, she snaked her arm around mine and pulled me to the front door, asking Ethan and Xander for some alone time with me. That’s when she confessed that she had always wanted to be in the middle of a man sandwich. She also revealed how much she envied me before she slammed my body against hers and hugged the heck out of me. She left telling me that I was her new hero. I just laughed.
Ashley promised she wouldn’t tell a soul, but after the cat was out of the bag, we didn’t try to hide our relationship. We didn’t announce it on loudspeaker and my boys didn’t grant a rag paper or celebrity website an exclusive tell-all interview. Nah, it wasn’t anything dramatic or theatrical like that. If someone finds out, so be it. Now I walk around holding their hands and if a stuck-up person frowns their disapproval, I just shrug my indifference and keep enjoying my dreamy relationship. Most of my colleagues know. The girls high-fived me. When I come in on Mondays exhausted and complain about it, they roll their eyes and tell me how they wished they had my problem. Greg looks at me with a new sense of admiration. Benjamin was the same way until he left. Mr. Walcott is still in the dark. It’s better this way. Blanca just got here, so she only knows Ethan—for now.
“Ashley, you’re being a drama queen again.”
“And how many times have I told you, my dear, that you are living every woman’s biggest fantasy? I just want a piece of what you have for only a few hours. I’m not greedy. It doesn’t have to be
for a lifetime like you.”
We both laugh.
I look down at my watch. “All right, I have to run. I don’t want to be too late,” I announce, waving at her.
“Have fun tonight. See you tomorrow.” She waves back.
* * *
Luckily, I was already sitting at the back of a cab making my way home well before the traffic became a nightmare. After taking an in-and-out shower and quickly washing and styling my hair, I put the final touches to my makeup. I’m upstairs in my bathroom applying one more coat of lipstick to really emphasize my lips. Once I’m satisfied, I drop the tube in the drawer and lift my eyes back up. As I admire my reflection in the mirror, I can’t help but be quite pleased with the woman who’s looking at me. “You’ve come a long way, baby,” I say in a semi-low voice.
My eyes dart down to my phone when a text message comes through. I pick it up when I see Ethan’s name.
Delilah, we’re home. The house is far too big for me to shout so I decided to send you a text instead :-)
-----
I’ll be right down. I need another five minutes. I still have to get dressed.
-----
Okay. Xander and I will be in the glass room having a drink. The car should be here within a half hour or so.
-----
I’ll be ready well before that.
-----
Good. Xander says he needs your lips against his. He asks me to add that it’s urgent.
-----
I roll my eyes, laughing.
Tell him to hold his horses. I’m coming, already.
God, they make me feel so cherished.
Even though Xander kissed me before leaving this morning for work, he already misses me. A girl can’t ask for much more.
-----
I love you.
-----
I love you too.
I’ll never get used to them telling me that.
I drop my phone back on the counter and I start tidying up my bathroom. Once I’m done, I head to my bedroom to slip into my dress.
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