After our lunch, Bash walked me back to the office, kissing me passionately as half my floor watched before leaving me breathless outside the elevators. I barely remembered the walk back to my desk, and the rest of the day, I was lost in a Bash haze.
Charlie was so busy preparing for the incoming guests that we were unable to hang out until our scheduled girls’ night. Friday arrived faster than I expected, and as soon as I got home, I made quick work of changing and getting dinner started.
Bull and Charlie arrived together a little after six, both bringing their own contributions for the night. Charlie had bags of popcorn for the movie, as well as a few bottles of wine, while Bull walked in with a full cake, a pie, and a dozen cookies. The risotto was a hit, and Bull and Charlie fought over the last bites. Over dinner, they discussed the following day’s cookout.
“Mom has been up my ass about it all week. She always gets so crazy before big club events. She’s making me come to the clubhouse at like 9 a.m. tomorrow to help get ready. It’s ridiculous.”
“I can come by early and help,” I offered, not minding the idea of spending time with Cece, learning about past club events.
“Suck up,” Charlie said as Bull laughed.
“What? It’s not like I have anything else planned for the day. I would have spent it with you. I’m happy to help,” I said.
Charlie’s eyes got big for a second before she replied, “Am I hearing you ask for a slumber party? I can crash here, and we’ll go to the clubhouse together tomorrow to help my mom. Then we can get ready at my place for the party? Can I pick your outfit? Don’t answer that. I’m definitely picking it. Let me callmy mom quickly, let her know you’ll help in the morning. I’m gonna check out your closet in the meantime,” she said, skipping away before I could really respond.
“Well, I guess that was my own fault,” I said to Bull, who just laughed as he ate the food Charlie had left on her plate.
“So, anyone you’re looking forward to seeing at the cookout tomorrow?” I asked Bull, unable to help my curiosity. He seemed especially comfortable with Charlie, but that could just be a result of growing up in the club.
“Nah, my man lives a few towns away and is swamped this month with a big project he’s working on. Plus, I’m introducing him to the club in small doses. It’s definitely a different scene for him.” I nodded, understanding since I, too, was exposing myself to club life in small increments.
“How long have you two been dating?” I asked, and Bull gave me a look.
“That’s what you want to ask? You’re just gonna gloss over the fact that you didn’t know I was gay?”
“Was I supposed to know?” I asked, confused.
“Well, no, but most people have a reaction of some kind.”
“As long as you’re happy and the guys don’t give you any shit, then there’s not really anything for me to say. I would think the Brothers, out of anyone, would understand wanting to live your truth, not pretend to be something you’re not,” I said, watching Bull’s stoic face.
“I do have one question. If you weren’t in a relationship, do you think you would advocate for club guys in addition to the club girls?” I asked, thinking about how all of those dynamics would work, but also wanting equal options for all members. Bull burst out laughing, distracting me from the additional questions forming in my mind.
“You’re wild, Fee. Never change,” he said. Then, reaching over to grab my hand, he not-too-subtly checked to make sure Charlie was still in the other room.
“Tomorrow is going to be hard for you,” he said. I began to balk before he gave me a droll look.
“You clearly don’t like crowds. Not to mention, this is going to be open season on both you and Bash.”
“What do you mean, open season?” I asked.
“You’re fresh meat. You’re going to get noticed by guys, and that’s going to be difficult for Bash. And the other bitches who have tried to get Bash over the years are going to come for you.” I frowned, disliking the picture he was painting.
“All I’m saying is you’re gonna hear a lot of shit. Only you and Bash know what’s going on between you two. If you let any of them get in the way of that, they win. I’m not saying you need to do anything different. I just want you to be prepared. Be you, not them. And if anyone bothers you, come and find me or Match. One of us will stick close to you, but I have a feeling Bash isn’t going to let you too far from his reach.”
The rest of our night was far more lighthearted. Bull and I spent the majority of the movie talking over the actors, saying our favorite lines. Charlie just watched, bemused, and I was blown away at the end of the night to realize the three of us had made quick work of almost all of the food. Once the credits rolled, Bull left for the night, letting us know there was a prospect out front.
As I got ready for bed, Charlie was pulling various pieces of clothing out of my closet. She seemed to be deep in conversation with herself, so I left her to it as I washed my face and brushed my teeth. She had already helped herself to pajamas of mine, and was surrounded by articles of clothing I had no memory of purchasing.
“Where did you find those?” I asked, staring at the emerald-green camisole she was holding in her hand, tags still attached.
“Remember when we went to the mall last week? I snuck in a few pieces which, apparently, was very wise to do. This top is going to make your hair and skin pop. Put it on with those black jeans—the high-waisted ones. Where is your jewelry?” she asked, rummaging through my closet further.
“I’m not putting that on now. I’m already in my pajamas,” I said petulantly.
“Fine. We’ll just take it with us, and I’ll do your hair and makeup when we get ready tomorrow.” I rolled my eyes, knowing that fighting with Charlie was fruitless.
She climbed into bed with me, and it was a strange experience. I didn’t have sleepovers as a kid. The closest I ever got were the nights my brother, Jackson, slept on the floor next to my bed to make sure none of my parents’ friends got into my room.
