Chapter 9

Olivia

Without fail, I've received a good morning text from both Grady and Kipp every morning this week, brightening my mood instantly. Throughout the day, our conversation consists of playful texts filled with memes and GIFs. They've even added me to a group chat, just the three of us, and it's fucking adorable.

I can't get over how caring and attentive they are. They always check to see how I am before anything else. At least it seems like that.

I appreciate that, especially since it was their daughter that fucked my whole world. Don't get me wrong, I know Van is just as much to blame, but Barbi? That shit hurt worse than Van. She was supposed to have been my ride-or-die bitch. Instead, she was really an assassin whose only job was to lead me into a false sense of security and then gut me.

Kipp and Grady, though? I'm already completely smitten with them and there's nothing I can do about it.

I never thought I'd be on board with something so unconventional, but here I am, ready to see where it leads. They're married for crying out loud, and seventeen years older.

They make me blush and I feel like a girl with her first crush. It's crazy.

I can't help but feel guilty for experiencing these emotions so soon, especially for someone who isn't Van. However, I remind myself that he made a decision, and unfortunately, it was the wrong one.

I still think it's hilarious that I fucked Barbi's dads, and it was so natural and unknowing. Too bad I can't send her a sex tape of me riding her dad like she sent me of her with Van.

She's blocked on my phone and so is Van. I have completely wiped them out of my life as if they never existed. If I ever see them heading my way on the street, I'm turning and heading in the other direction.

When Kipp and Grady asked me on Wednesday if I'd be down to grab dinner with them this weekend, I immediately said yes. I need to find out if this is more than one night of tipsy, carefree fun.

God, I hope it is!

Sitting down for a meal together allows us to build a stronger connection, focusing solely on getting to know each other without any physical expectations. They might see that I'm too young and immature for them. Who knows, maybe I'll discover that this is some sort of fetish they enjoy, and I'll have to bail.

With their arrival only an hour away, I'm freshly showered but faced with the dilemma of what to wear. Grady mentioned it was low-key, so I'm considering wearing pants.

However, I'm worried that might give the impression of not caring.

This is something that comes with dating that I didn't miss—the stress of making a great first impression. We often fail to appreciate the ease and familiarity that comes with being in a long-term relationship. I miss the simplicity of throwing on a hoodie and sweats and going out with Van for a casual dinner. It was laid back, and it didn't matter what I wore because I already caught him and we were happy… or so I thought.

Pulling a pair of pants from my closet, I decide to go commando as they're made of tight leather and I want to avoid any panty lines. Once I slip them on, I twirl in front of my mirror, admiring how they enhance my non-existent ass.

With urgency, I forcefully pull open a drawer on my dresser, my eyes scanning for a top that catches my attention. I have one in mind, but I need to put it on to see if it's going to work.

Where is it?

Ah-ha!

Buried beneath a pile of tanks and crop tops, hidden at the bottom of the drawer. I need to declutter my closet and donate a bunch of clothes that I no longer need or want. Each time I have a wedding or event shoot, I can't resist splurging on a new outfit. It's a bad habit but better than doing drugs, so I don't worry too much about it.

With a gentle tug, I slide the white lace crop tank over my head, feeling the delicate fabric brush against my breasts. Stepping back, I admire my reflection in the mirror.

Okay, this is looking cute. The top is all lace, bright white, and hits right above my belly button, setting off the leather pants. I like this so far. But since it's dinner, I want to dress in a way that is subtle and cute, without being overly provocative.

Oh! I have that new cardigan I got while crying and online shopping. Running out to the living room, I grab it off the coffee table and make a mental note that tomorrow I need to put all this shit I bought away.

Another bad habit is online shopping when sad or mad—sitting on my couch, tears streaming down my face as I rewatch Buffy episodes, my online shopping cart filled with cardigans, jogging pants, and two-piece sets.

Using my teeth, I rip the tag off and casually toss the plastic thing and tag into the trash before sliding it on. Oh, my God! It's so comfortable.

It's a coffee-colored, oversized sweater with large buttons in shades of brown and black. I'm going to leave it open so the tank underneath is visible.

I quickly glance at the clock on my phone. Shit! I have like twenty minutes.

In a hurry, I blow-dry my hair and hastily pull it up into a high, tousled bun, leaving a few loose strands to softly brush against my cheeks. Time for makeup; my favorite part of getting ready.

The only time I probably am clean-faced is in the morning when I wake up or if we're staying in all weekend and an idea hasn't struck. Because if I get an idea for a look, I'll do a full face just to post on Pinterest.

Since I had a full face of makeup on at the club that night, I've decided to go for a more natural look tonight.

I carefully apply some concealer under my eyes, seamlessly blending it for a flawless finish. I then apply eyeliner to my waterline, enhancing the natural shape of my eyes. After adding a nude lip gloss, I glance at myself from different angles to confirm that everything looks perfect. For the final touch, I spray a bit of perfume.

My phone beeps, startling me. I wake up the screen and see it's Grady.

Grady: We're here!

Me: Okay! I just need to put shoes on and I'll be out.

Grady: No rush. We were coming to the door anyway like gentlemen.

Me: No need. I'm on my way.

I flip the light off and hurry to the front door, sliding on a pair of black strappy heels, and grabbing my purse. I step outside onto the stoop, immediately noticing birds chirping in the distance, and quickly lock up behind me.

As I turn around, my gaze is immediately drawn to two incredibly attractive men standing outside their car, their stylish jeans and perfectly fitted button-up shirts emphasizing their irresistible charm.

With a smile, I take a few steps down to the sidewalk and confidently strut over to them.

Let's see where tonight takes us, shall we?