Silence fell over the table.
“That’s not really a thing,” Iris said finally.
“Why not?”
“Because people don’t work like that,” Scarlett said. “They want couples or they want to create couples. They don’t want... whatever we are.”
“What if I do?”
Both of them stared at me.
“What?” Scarlett asked.
“I’m interested in both of you. Not as a couple. As two separate, fascinating women who happen to have an incredible friendship.” I set down my glass. “I’d like to take you both on a date. Get to know you better. See if this curiosity I’m feeling is mutual.”
“You’re joking,” Iris said.
“I’m completely serious.” I looked between them. “I have no interest in forcing you two into anything sexual or romantic with each other. That’s not what this is about. This is about me being intrigued by both of you individually, and by whatever dynamic the three of us might create together.”
“That’s...” Scarlett shook her head. “I don’t even know what to call that.”
“Call it a date. Two women and one man, getting to know each other, seeing if there’s potential for something… unconventional.”
Iris studied me with those sharp eyes. “And you promise you won’t try to push us together?”
“I promise. Your friendship is clearly sacred to both of you. I’d never mess with that.”
Scarlett looked at Iris. Iris looked at Scarlett. More silent communication.
Then Iris turned back to me. “Yes.”
“What?” Scarlett’s eyes went wide.
“Yes, we’ll go on a date with you. As long as you keep your word.” Iris held out her hand. “But the second you try anything that makes either of us uncomfortable, we’re done. Both of us. Together.”
“Deal.” I shook her hand, then offered it to Scarlett.
She hesitated, then took it. “This is insane.”
“Maybe,” I agreed. “But sometimes the best things are.”
“When?” Iris asked, all business now.
“Tomorrow night. Seven o’clock. There’s a diner in Porter’s Corner called Leroy’s Place. Meet me there?”
“Both of us?” Scarlett confirmed.
“Both of you.”
They exchanged another look, then nodded in unison.
“Okay,” Scarlett said. “Tomorrow night.”
“Tomorrow night,” I repeated, a smile spreading across my face.
I watched them walk away a few minutes later, their heads bent close as they processed what had just happened.
Majesty appeared at my elbow. “Did you just ask them both out?”
