Jason shrugged. “We started that way. It was a good way to establish our relationship and build trust between the two of us, but we decided to open up eventually.” He grinned at Adonis. “I hear you were the last one who got to sample the goods before the relationship closed.”
“Oh god.”
“Don’t worry,” Jason said. “I was never jealous or threatened. Guy always said you were a good friend. I’m glad we’re getting to know each other.”
“I am, too.”
“Are you and Bash exclusive?” Guy asked. “If not, I woulddefinitelybe in the mood for a threesome tonight if the two of you are.”
Jason sipped from his wine. “Up to you, Adonis.”
Adonis took a deep sip of red. On one hand, yes, he would absolutely love to get spit-roasted by Guy and Jason. On the other hand, even though he and Bash hadn’t even breathed the word “exclusive” near each other, Adonis had a sure sense that he wanted to have a conversation with Bash before he hooked up with anyone else.
“I’m sensing hesitation,” Guy said, not unkindly. “Offer revoked.”
“No, no, don’t feel bad,” Adonis protested.
“I don’t,” Guy said, reaching up to gently pat Adonis’s face. “I can just tell that you’re having some big feelings, and I don’t want to make that more complicated for you.”
“Do you think Bash feels the same way about you?” Jason asked. “Sorry if that’s super personal. Blame the wine.”
“It’s not too personal,” Adonis said, “and honestly, I could use some advice. I don’t know if he feels the same way, but I am feeling like I should have a conversation with him.”
“Communication is key,” Jason said with a nod.
“And clear is kind,” Guy added. “It’s always better to know for sure than to leave yourself wondering.”
“You think I should tell him how I feel?”
“Howdoyou feel?” Guy asked.
“I think I’m falling in love with him.”
Guy almost spat out his wine. He rolled over, coughing violently, while Adonis and Jason both slapped his back until he waved them off.
“Yes! Yes!” he croaked. “If you’re falling in love with him,tellhim!”
“If he doesn’t love you,” Jason said, “that’ll suck at first, but at least then you’ll know.”
“Every baby gay needs at least one heartbreak,” Guy said sagely.
“One, I hate that advice,” Adonis said. “And two, I’m hardly a baby gay. My lore would make Mother Theresa’s skin shrivel.”
“A horrifying way of saying that,” Jason observed. “More wine?”
“Yes, please,” Adonis said. Guy rolled off Adonis, onto the floor, and then picked himself up to wander to the bathroom. Jason returned moments later with a fresh bottle, plopped down on the couch with an arm around Adonis, and turned onDrag Race. Guy soon joined them; they poured themselves deep glasses and then turned their attention to Ru, barking at the queens.
Adonis cozied into the couch, his head on Jason’s shoulder, and began to drift off into comfortable, wine-drenched sleep, thankful for the beauty and the gift of queer friends.
Chapter 27
Bash
“So, we can agree that was a bad idea, right?” Lotte said in English, glaring flatly at Bash.
“What, specifically? Going nuclear on Mom and the board? Saying I didn’t care about Dad’s legacy at all?”
“Take your fucking pick,” Lotte snapped.
