20
Kayla
What’s it like to be in love with two men? Scary, exciting, maddening, enlivening.
It’s passion, sin, and sanctuary. It’s also becoming my life.
I don’t recognize this new person, this new side. But I like it. I like the idea of having a secret. Of the illicit love affair. I love all the things Reese and Dev give to me, do to me. They make me want to be dirty, while at the same time forcing me tofeel. I haven’t allowed myself that luxury in a long time. But they demand it, and I have no qualms about giving them what they want. Whatever they want, whenever they want it.
I stir my coffee slowly, fantasizing about Dev’s hands and Reese’s lips as I wait for Sam. She was adamant about meeting for breakfast, so here I sit at Lou’s. It’s a beautiful morning, warmer than usual for late November, but still cool enough for sweaters and boots. The sky is blazing with pinks and oranges as the sun rises over the horizon. This is always my favorite time of day. Pure peace, beauty, and vitality.
The door chimes sound forcefully, causing me to look over my shoulder. Sam strides toward me dressed in a black pantsuit and long trench coat. She plops down, motioning to the waitress for some coffee.
“Morning.” I react to her unusual energy. She isn’t the cool, calm, and collected woman I know her to be. Her skin is pale, there are bags under her eyes, and her hair is greasy. Very unlike Sam.
“Are you okay?” I ask, concerned. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this.
“I’m fine.” She sniffs as the waitress drops off her coffee. “I’ve been on a stakeout all night.”
“It didn’t go well I take it?”
“Oh, no, it did. Very well.” She dumps a boatload of sugar into her cup and a spot of cream.
“Well, what’s so important that you needed to see me?” Her appearance and her actions are highly concerning.
Sam glances around the barren room before she leans over the tabletop. “Does anyone know you sent me that picture? Is there any way it can be traced back to you?”
“Ah, no. No one knew I took it or sent it. Except you.”
“Okay, good.” She takes a long sip of coffee.
“Sam, what’s going on?” She’s scaring the hell out of me.
“I can’t say right now. I just want to make sure that you have no involvement with what happens next.”
I stare at my aunt. I haven’t seen her at all in the last month. With her crazy work schedule and my crazy life, we’ve barely had time to text each other.
“Should I be worried?” I ask.
“No, sweetie.” She puts a hand over mine. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to keep you safe.”
“I didn’t mean me, Sam. Should I be worried about you?”
She huffs. “Kayla, I chose a dangerous job. We both need to make peace with that.”
“Sam, you’re scaring the shit out of me.”
“Good. Fear is good. It makes you remember you’re alive. And I want you to live, Kayla.”
“I am living.” For the first time, in a long time, I am.
“Good.” She squeezes my hand. “Now that that’s out of the way, let’s order. I’m starving.” She enlarges her eyes at the menu.
I stare at her blankly.
Is she being serious right now?
“What can I get you ladies?” the elderly waitress asks cheerfully.
