Chapter 27

Olivia

It's been a few days and I've decided that even though Grady and I talked, I still have a few questions. This is a big step; I'm going from a one-man woman to multiple. I never dreamed this would be my life.

Well, if Van gets on board, that is. Otherwise, we're back to square one.

I can't leave any stone unturned. There are too many hearts on the line.

Picking up my phone, I dial Kipp's number, my heart pounding like a drum. It rings for what seems like an eternity before he finally answers.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Kipp. Can I come over?" I ask.

"You don't have to ask, Ollie. We're at the house."

"I'll be there soon."

I hang up and quickly head to my closet. I end up settling on a skort and t-shirt. It's casual but flattering. Pausing for a moment to check myself in the mirror, I take a deep breath and head out the door.

The drive to their place feels shorter than usual, probably because my mind is racing with a million thoughts. I park and get out, walking the few steps to their front door. I take one more deep breath and knock. Here goes nothing. Kipp answers with a warm smile, which immediately puts me a little more at ease.

"Hey, come in." He steps to the side to let me in.

I walk past him and stop, waiting for him to shut the door. He gestures for me to follow him and leads me to the kitchen where Grady is busy at the island. My eyes widen as I take in the sight before me. Grady has the island covered in all kinds of snacks—it resembles a huge ass charcuterie board. He looks up and catches my expression, a shy smile on his face.

"When I'm nervous, I feed people," he admits with a chuckle. "I was nervous."

I giggle and steal a slice of cheese and sausage. "This is amazing."

"Thanks," he replies easily.

I blow out a breath, trying to gather the courage to say what I need to say. "I wanted to come over and talk to you guys a little bit more. I've had time to sort out my thoughts and feelings and now I just have some questions before anything goes anywhere."

"Okay." Grady pulls out a stool and sits down, staring at me intently. "Shoot."

"I want to know why you didn't pursue me when I pulled away," I ask.

Kipp looks at me with his brow furrowed. "I'm lost. I thought after the other night on the phone and with Grady there, we made our stance known?"

I groan.

I know I sound whiny, and I hate it, but I have to know. "Were you having second thoughts? Did you need to make sure this was real for you, too? I'm not upset. I just need to know why after I saw Van at the restaurant and said I needed space. It was easy for you to do so. You didn't ask questions or refuse."

Kipp steps directly in front of me, gently cups my cheeks, and stares me in the eye. "You said you wanted time. We did as you asked. We're too old to play games and try to read your mind. You said you needed space, so we gave it to you. We're not going to chase after and bother you. If that's what you want, then we aren't right for that."

Grady interjects. "Seeing Van that day was a lot. We weren't going to force ourselves on you. You weren't in a good place, and you needed to process."

I blush, feeling relieved and a little embarrassed. "And now?" I ask, biting my lip. "How do you feel now? Because I feel like I want to see where this goes. With you two and Van. I can't choose. I still have feelings for him, and I see a future with him, but I also see one with the two of you. And now we have Barbi's trial, and it just feels like there's a lot working against us. But fuck if I don't wanna try."

Kipp's eyes soften. "Then we try," he says simply. "We feel like you're our missing piece. The woman we've been looking for and we didn't even know it. I know things with Barbi are going to be messy. I know we have to figure things out with you and Van. But we're all in. We don't care about any of it."

Grady nods. "We talked after we got home from your house, and a life without you is one we don't want. We were already going to be sharing you. What's wrong with adding one more person to the mix? We know the only reason that we met you was because you broke up with Van when you thought he cheated. We now know he didn't. I feel like a jerk for saying it, but I'm glad it happened. Not what Barbi did, but that you were not with him, otherwise we'd never have met. We just want to be in your life however you'll have us."

Hope washes over me. A comfortable quiet falls over us, filled with unspoken understanding. We're doing this. I'm going to date them. Be with them and Van… hopefully.

"Let's eat," Grady says, breaks the silence, gesturing to his homemade charcuterie board.

I laugh, and now that the tension is gone, we dig into the food. As we talk about everything and nothing, the conversation is natural. It feels good to be here with them.

After a while, I find myself more relaxed. "So, what's next?" I ask, looking at both of them.

Kipp and Grady exchange a glance before Kipp speaks. "We take it one step at a time. We communicate, and we see where this leads."

I nod. "I can do that."

Grady smiles and raises his glass. "To us, and whatever the future holds."

We clink our glasses together, and I feel excited and hopeful for the first time in a long while.

As the evening progresses, the atmosphere becomes even more laid back. We finish the charcuterie board and move to the living room, where we settle on the couch. Grady puts on some music, and the soft tunes fill the room, creating a cozy ambiance.

Kipp sits next to me, and I feel his hand gently brush against mine. I glance at him, and he gives me a reassuring smile. These small gestures remind me why I was drawn to them in the first place. They make me feel safe and understood.

"So, how's Van doing, anyway?"

"He's... okay, I guess," I reply, feeling a twinge of sadness. "He's been busy with work and trying to keep his mind off everything. We talk, but it's not the same."

Grady nods sympathetically. "It's understandable. This whole situation is tough."

I look down, playing with the hem of my shirt. "I just wish things could go back to the way they were. Before everything got so complicated."

Kipp squeezes my hand gently. "I know. But sometimes, complications can lead to something even better. We just have to be patient and trust the process."

I nod, appreciating his optimism. "You're right. I need to stop overthinking and just take things as they come."

"Exactly," Grady agrees. "One day at a time."

We sit in silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company. The uncertainty of the future still lingers, but for now, I'm content to be here with them.

Eventually, it's time for me to head home. As I gather my things, Kipp and Grady walk me to the door.

"Thanks for coming over," Kipp says, giving me a warm hug.

"Anytime," I reply, hugging him back.

Grady pulls me into a hug next, and I feel safe in his embrace. "Drive safe. Can we take you out next weekend? Say Saturday."

"I will," I promise, stepping back and smiling at them. "And of course."

I take a few steps toward my car before turning around and giving a little wave. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," they reply in unison.

I leave their house feeling a mix of emotions—hope, anxiety, but most of all, determination.

As I drive home, I replay the night's events, feeling a peace I haven't felt in a long time.

Back home, I head straight to the bathroom, flicking on the light. The mirror reflects my tired eyes and the slight sheen of sweat on my forehead. I peel off my skort and t-shirt, letting them drop to the floor in a heap. The cool tiles feel refreshing against my bare feet as I step into the shower.

Turning the handle, I let the water heat up before stepping under the spray. The warm water cascades over me, washing away the day's grime and stress. I close my eyes, enjoying the sensation, and take a deep breath, inhaling the steamy air. The sound of water hitting the tiles is soothing, almost hypnotic, and I feel the tension melting away from my muscles.

After a few minutes, I reach for my shampoo, lathering it into my hair and letting the fragrant suds work their magic. Rinsing it out, I follow with conditioner, then scrub my body clean with my favorite scented body wash.

Finally feeling clean, I shut off the water and step out, wrapping a soft towel around my body. I dry off quickly and then wrap another towel around my hair, twisting it up turban-style. It's a familiar routine at the end of the day that signifies it's time to unwind.

I move to the sink and begin my face routine. I cleanse, tone, and moisturize. My reflection looks more relaxed now, the stress of the day washed away. The cool night air feels refreshing on my damp skin as I finish and head to my bedroom.

The bed looks inviting; I slip into a comfortable nightgown and slide under the covers, feeling the cool sheets against my skin. I settle in, fluffing my pillow and pulling the blanket up to my chin.

As I close my eyes, my thoughts drift to the three men who have been driving me wild. They are a tantalizing mix of mystery and allure, their faces and voices intertwining in my mind. I can almost feel their presence, their hands, their whispered words. A smile tugs at my lips as I drift off to sleep, lost in the fantasy of their attention and affection. The world outside fades away, and I sink into a dream-filled slumber.