“It’s weird, but I sort of felt like I was on top. Does thatmake me… how’s it called, a powerful bottom?”
Anthony chuckled .“I think it’s power bottom.”
“My version’s better.” Ethan wiped sweat from his brow. “Shower?”
“Lead the way, powerful bottom.”
5
CHRIS
The floor receptionist said that Mickey had no time for visitors this morning. Chris thanked her and walked ahead regardless since this was not the time to politely follow the rules. He had no idea how long he had left before Trevor made his move, and he’d never experienced a desperate Trevor before.
People talked on the other side of Mickey’s door. He couldn’t knock and interrupt because they were likely the ones paying his salary. He knew all of senior management by now, but he was still a small fish in a rather large and toxic pool.
He paced around the hallway, unsure of what he expected to happen. Last time he had to deal with Mickey, it ended up with him and his friends almost dying on Fire Island.
His phone vibrated with an incoming message from Jay, asking if Chris had spoken with Melissa. Explaining everything was too long for a text message, so he called him instead.
“Hold on,” Jay answered the call. “Let me get awayfrom the noise... okay, what’s up?”
“I thought it’d be easier to talk on the phone. I managed to get Melissa and the twins out of the house for about a week.”
“How’d you pull it off?”
“I told her mom that I’m bringing people over to check about renovating the house. Melissa has been dying to do that.”
“Why? What’s wrong with your house?”
“Nothing.”
“Jesus, I’m never getting married. Go on.”
“I told Melissa’s mom that I wanted this to be a surprise and asked her to invite Melissa and the twins for a week.”
“And when she hears about the fake renovation?”
“I can’t wait for that to be my biggest concern. Are you coming over tonight? You don’t have to—”
“Yeah, I told you I would. I brought a bag of spare clothes with me to work. Clean underwear and all.”
Chris exhaled, deeply relieved. Last night, even with his new gun, he walked from his car to his house in dread, looking all around and waiting for Trevor to jump him. His peaceful neighborhood felt like a minefield.
“What about Mickey?” Jay asked.
“I’m waiting to speak with him now.”
“Be frank with him. If we want his help, he needs to understand how serious this is.”
“I’ll be frank.”
“Okay. I need to head back. See you later.”
“Jay.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
