“Rickey has a strict rule that if you come together with a guest pass, you leave together.” Sophie’s eyes scanned as they moved through the open room, which was set up with several seating areas. Some were more intimate than others. Any large play bench or restraint bar was pushed to the side wall and blocked off from any members who might interfere.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to drag you to meet all my friends—OH my gosh! She's back so soon after the baby!” Claudia excitedly waved with a smile at a couple cuddled up on a chaise across from the bar. The man with blond hair nodded back and whispered into his submissive’s ear. The luscious brunette scrunched her nose and waved back at Claudia.
“Can we find a corner and a drink, please? If you insist on my being out of bed, I need my people juice.”
“I thought that was coffee?”
“No, that’s no murder juice.”
Sophie quickened her footsteps toward the bar, hopping onto a stool when they found two seats in the corner by the wall.
A man with bright green eyes and a goofy ‘I’m the trouble child’ grin approached them from behind the bar. He slung a towel over his shoulder and leaned into the girl's space.
“What can I get you?”
“Two lemon drop martinis.” It was clear she had no control over the evening.
“You got it, sweets.” His attention was pulled to someone behind them. He double-tapped the bar. “Oh, Vi was looking for you.”
“There you are!” Claudia was pulled away, leaving Sophie to watch the two women as they bantered and flaunted their outfits. The slender redhead wore a tight leather collared jumpsuit cut high over her hips and displayed her breasts.
“Oh, Vi, this is my friend Sophie. This is the amazing Miss Violet. Sophie and I are recovering and moving on this evening.”
“It’s been a while since we’ve had some tea around here.” Violet cocked a smile and turned her focus to Sophie.
Sophie held her hand up. “Listen, I have the same aversion to my ex as a certain singer who spent 360 million dollars, not to mention hers. Can we continue that energy, please?”
“Oh boy, that bad?”
“She,” her voice faltered. She closed her eyes and pressed the bridge of her nose, mentally battling away the memories that assaulted her. “She was toxic and chipped at pieces I didn’t know existed.” Both boundaries and limits were tested in their dynamic.
“Then you’ve come to the right place. Tonight isn’t a typical night, but leave your reservations behind and get off a few times. There’s nothing like a good orgasm to rewire the brain.”
Sophie wasn't so sure about that. Several failed relationships with either sex had never resulted in anything earth-shattering—except for her heart.
Chemistry had never been a problem for Sophie. She had a spark with Eliza, who could make her laugh until she was breathless, and knew exactly which true crime documentaries she would want to watch on a rainy Sunday. Then there was Marcus, with his endless knowledge of obscure bands and ability to debate philosophy until dawn. Both relationships felt right intellectually—the conversations flowed, and their interests aligned.
But when it came to intimacy, something always fell flat. The kisses felt mechanical, the touches seemed perfunctory. The honorifics didn’t feel right. She'd lie awake afterward, wondering what was wrong with her and why her body refused to ignite when her mind was so engaged.
“Earth to Sophie.” Claudia waved a hand in front of her face. “Your drink's here.”
Sophie blinked, realizing she'd been staring at nothing. The bartender had placed two martinis on napkins in front of them.
“Sorry, just... thinking.”
“Well, stop thinking and start drinking.” Claudia clinked her glass against Sophie's. “To new beginnings.”
Violet leaned in. “And to find someone who lights you up in all the right ways.”
Sophie took a large sip, the sweet-tart flavor bursting on her tongue. It lifted her mood, and she looked around. The open space was beginning to fill with people, and Sophie noticed a slender woman in heels and a tightly wound pink bun walking around with a bowl. Not everyone accepted what was offered, and Sophie’s curiosity grew. She nudged Claudia for attention.
“Oh! I see Madame Scarlett’s here! Hi Kimmy!” Her friend seemed to know everyone in the club.
“Lidia, I’m so glad you came! Is this the friend you were telling me about?”
Sophie raised her glass in acknowledgment and took another sip.
“Yes! Is this the ‘MANdy’ bowl?!”
