37. How to Arrange a Table for Four

Rhys

I'm not sure engineer an orgy is on the list of how to be a great boyfriend.

But maybe it should be.

As we play Chutes and Ladders, my radar's on. Hollis and I flank her on the couch with Gavin parked on the floor, barely touching his wine. As he moves his piece around the board, eating up spaces, attacking the game, my mind whirs.

There's the direct approach. Hey there, mate. Want to join the fun? Our girl's keen on you too.

Too easy though for him to dismiss a spot-on question, though, with a growly what the fuck. The other issue is I don't want to pressure him. That's a shit thing to do to a friend. Don't want him to feel uncomfortable, like he has to jump in the water, even though the water's really, really nice.

I simply want to give him…an opportunity. Like I'd do on the ice in a game. Then, he can take it or leave it.

As we roll onto Operation, I noodle on how to do that. With humor? Sarcasm? A subtle hint?

When we shift to Candy Land, Gavin quickly pulls ahead while Briar's lagging. She flips the card, then groans when she lands on another licorice space in the board game. "Lord Licorice hates me," she says, since she's now stuck there for another turn.

That's as good a chance as any.

"Imagine if we were playing Adult Candy Land," I muse, keeping it nice and simple as I toss some bait in the water.

That catches his attention. His eyes swing to Briar and stay fixed on her. Yes, there we go.

"Is that a real game?" she asks, doubtful.

"Of course it is," Hollis offers, grabbing a handful of popcorn from the bowl on the coffee table.

Briar shakes her head. "You're pulling my leg again."

"Everything's an adult game if you just take off your clothes," Gavin suggests, his voice dry, giving nothing away. Except the fact that the words he's said give everything away.

Oh, Gavin, I can see right through you. And I can help.

"Is that your way of telling us something, mate?" I ask as I move my gingerbread pawn around Lollipop Woods, settling on an orange space.

He shrugs, but his gaze strays to Briar once more with something like longing in his eyes. "I was just saying I bet that's how it's played."

What a fantastic answer of a non-answer. And I know exactly what play to make now.