Page 21 of Truth Revealed

Thankfully, Allegra took her rushed response for something else, her gaze softening. “Don’t be embarrassed. Polyamory is practically the norm now. I mean, maybe not in little Maleston, but it’s a huge thing on the internet.”

“They’re not my…” Daria trailed off, her talk with Truth landing in the forefront of her mind.

They could be my boyfriends.

Shaking off that appealing thought—wait. When did that thought turn into something appealing instead of panic-inducing? Fuck. Truth had really done a number on her with that talk.

“Are they my boyfriends?” Daria mused, eyes wide as she stared at nothing, not really meaning to say the words aloud.

“Well, are they? Have you asked?”

“Asked?” Confusion was plain on Daria’s face.

Allegra rolled her eyes. “I get it. You’re totally out of your element. I mean, who wouldn’t be? With five guys practically salivating over you, it could be… well, it could be a damned romance novel or something. But you still have to communicate. Have you done that yet?”

Several scenes flitted through Daria’s mind as she stared blankly across the restaurant.

Death’s words as he spoke to her in the car… I’m not asking for anything right this moment… but when you’re ready… so am I.

Truth talking about what it would be like to come home to all of them.

Misery’s admission of his feelings for her.

The way Hope had comforted her and held her close under the stars.

Betrayal’s admitted frustration paired with a healthy dose of lust.

“Yeah, you could say we’ve talked,” she answered simply, her gaze focusing on the brunette across from her.

Allegra rolled her hand in a continue motion. “About being together?”

“Well… maybe nothing that specific.”

“I think it’s time for specificity. You live together, in a huge house. They come visit you at work. And from the eyes I catch them throwing your way every night, they aren’t shy about how much they like you.”

Daria glared down at her plate and poked at her waffle.

“Why the long face?” Allegra pried.

With a sigh, Daria glanced back up at her friend, but a familiar face caught her attention across the restaurant.

No. They. Didn’t.

Hope was slumped down in one of the booths across the way, a menu pulled up to hide his face. When he realized he’d been spotted, he winced and mouthed, “Sorry,” at her.

Great. She couldn’t go anywhere without the threat of Pandora over her head, could she? Embarrassment heated her cheeks. She prayed Hope was out of earshot, though Allegra had already earned them a few looks from the people around them.

“Uh, hello? Daria?” Allegra waved a hand in front of her face before frowning. “What’s the matter?”

Her head inched to the right as if she were going to look over her shoulder. She’d surely recognize Hope, so Daria quickly tried to remember what the question was.

“Isn’t it just… weird?” Daria asked, voice a little higher pitched than she’d intended. Then, frustration leaked into her tone and she pointedly lowered her voice with another glance at Hope. He was distracted by the menu again. “I mean, five boyfriends. Isn’t that a little much?”

Allegra shrugged, though a hint of understanding lit up her eyes.

“Why would you care what anyone thought? If you’re happy, and they’re happy, does anything else matter?”

“Well… no.” Daria pushed aside the thought and waved her hand through the air as if clearing a chalkboard. “And just for your information, there’s no magical pussy. I haven’t even slept with all of them.” Daria winced as she heard the way that sounded coming out of her mouth.