Hana
Michael and Jack seemed to be in their heads lately. I knew they were struggling with this, and I needed to do something about it before it all imploded. Suggesting a date night seemed harmless enough. Maybe even having a couple drinks could loosen us all up. Of course, if Michael let me.
My boys were so vastly different—it was obvious by their date night outfits of choice. I walked down the stairs and eyed Michael sitting on the couch in his black jeans, brown suede boots, and brown polo shirt, completing his look with a silver watch. I spotted Jack on the downstairs patio on his phone. He wore black jeans, black boots, and a very well-loved, worn-in band T-shirt. I wouldn’t change a thing about either of them.
Once Michael noticed me, he stood with a warm smile on his face.
“Hello, beautiful.” He walked toward the stairs and took my hand, twirling me around.
I wore a casual, white midi dress with my usual pointed black boots and a black pleather jacket, but the way he looked at me made me feel like I was fucking Cinderella at the ball.
“Your red lips just…” He shook his head at me as he sighed. “I want to see them around my cock later.” He moved closer to me, putting his hand under my chin.
There was a strong, abrupt swell in my belly that shot straight to my pussy. Suddenly, the patio door swung open. The way Jack looked at us somehow made me feel like I was doing something wrong.
“Having some foreplay, are we?” he jested then looked to me as he put his hand to his heart. “My love. You’re stunning, as always.” He flashed me his famous Maynor dimples that made my heart flutter.
My cheeks burned from the flattery as I cleared my throat. This was either going to be an amazing night, or it would end up going terribly wrong. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if both happened.
“Follow me, boys. We’re going to have fun tonight.”
* * *
I hailed a cab, and we headed north toward my old neighborhood. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get used to having both Michael and Jack next to me; I was especially not used to having each of them rubbing my thigh, knowing they were working me up, as if they were working together.
We didn’t have enough time to recreate our fun Uber ride, though. After only a few minutes, we stopped at a new place I kept hearing about with a rooftop bar and amazing appetizers. Michael held the door open for me as Jack quickly grabbed my hand and guided me inside.
“Thank you, baby.” I made sure to acknowledge him, resting my hand on his strong arm as we waited for the host to seat us.
Surprisingly, he gave me a content smile before he quickly handed the host something. “Put us at your best table, please.”
Oh. The host quickly nodded and led us outside, seating us at a small, square table with three chairs surrounding it. It gave us a beautiful view of the sparkling New York lights over the river.
I quickly opened the menu, knowing I wanted a drink and hoping they would too. I glanced over at Jack as he eyed the menu intently, seemingly lost in his thoughts. When I looked over at Michael, he was staring at me, watching me. I blushed as I looked back down at the menu. They were both being so quiet, and I knew I had to break the ice.
“I’m glad you both agreed to come out with me tonight.” I first looked at Michael then Jack.
Jack quickly grinned at me. “Of course, sweetheart.” He held his hand out for me on the table and gently squeezed as I placed mine on his.
I couldn’t forget to acknowledge Michael as well. I turned to him and put my hand on his thigh, rubbing around in circles.
“Careful there.” He smiled, almost surprised. “I’m not sure the other guests would appreciate me lifting up that dress of yours and making you come loudly with my hand.”
I looked down and tried to contain my smile, not able to look at Michael for very long. I was startled when our server came up to us with a pitcher of water, pouring some in each of our glasses that were already on the table.
“Can I start you with any drinks?” he asked as he glanced at each of us, stopping at me.
I quickly nodded. “Yes, I’ll take a glass of the rosé.” I looked back at Michael and almost dared him to say something.
“Whiskey, neat,” he responded, not breaking eye contact with me.
“Just a gin and tonic for me, thanks,” Jack told the server.
The server nodded and walked away.
“Are we partying tonight or what?” Jack quipped.
I laughed and shrugged. “Maybe that’s what we need to all get along.” I put my elbows to the table and rested my chin on my hands, staring out at the beautiful view.
“Funny, are you not supposed to be sober? With your past heroin addiction?” Michael asked dryly.
My shoulders tensed. “Please,” I quickly interjected, turning to Michael. “Can we not be bitter to each other? Just for one night?”
Michael almost looked like he was pouting. His eye twitched before he looked away from me and at the city skyline. It was quiet and awkward for a moment before the server came back with our drinks. I quickly took a gulp of my rosé and sat back on my chair, resting my arm up on it and crossing my leg toward Jack.
“I think we should all vacation to the west coast this summer. Before touring starts, of course,” I said to Jack, desperately trying to change the subject.
He smirked at me as he took a drink. “That sounds quite nice.” He nodded.
I turned to Michael as he stared out at the skyline. “I’ve never been. My mum always wanted to see Hollywood. She thought it would be so glamorous.” His tone was distant and sad.
My heart broke for him. The anniversary of his mother’s death had just passed, and I somehow had forgotten all about it. I even missed his birthday, although I had thought of him all that day.
“I’m sure she would have loved it, baby.” I gave him a small smile, putting my hand atop his.
I cleared my throat, thinking of something Michael and Jack had in common.
“Jack lost his dad around that age as well.” I turned to Jack as I spoke, and he stared down at the table, his brows pulled together.
He shook his head. “No. My dad killed himself. You can say it, Hana.” He looked up at me with somber eyes then turned to Michael. “I found him hanging in our bathroom. How did your mum die?”
It was as if he was challenging him. I turned to Michael slowly; he was narrowing his eyes at Jack, his jaw clenching.
“Slit her wrists in the bathtub. Any other burning questions you’re eager to ask me?”
Fuck.
“Ah,” Jack responded. “That explains why we’re both so fucked up, doesn’t it, mate?” He was smiling at Michael as he spoke.
I took swigs of my rosé to finish it.
“Hana,” Michael scolded me.
“I’m sorry I brought it up.” I shook my head at myself. “That was stupid. Why would I think that talking about your dead parents would be a good idea?”
Jack put his hand to my thigh. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” he said quietly.
“Excuse me? Could I please have another glass?” I motioned to our server, holding up my glass.
Now I felt like I was spiraling. I couldn’t imagine this working out. Why was I forcing them to do this? They hated each other and they would always hate each other. But what other choice did I have? If I chose one, the other would be heartbroken and fly off the rails again. I didn’t think either of them would be okay without me. All I could imagine was Michael hovering over me the day he took me and Jack’s dark eyes watching me from across the room in the music studio. How could I ever do that to one of them again?
The server quickly took my glass and disappeared.
“Maybe we shouldn’t be here. Maybe you’re both right. Maybe it should be like, a joint custody thing? I could split my time between both of you?” I turned to each of them, speaking quickly.
“I don’t want to split any time with you,” Jack quickly answered. “You’re my fucking wife.”
Michael scoffed. “Your wife that you forced to marry you.”
“Oh, fuck off. She would have married me anyway. She would have been the runaway bride at your wedding, running back to me,” Jack responded bitterly.
“Please,” I muttered quietly. “Stop.”
“Wouldn’t it have been nice to give her a choice on the matter? How would you know what would have happened?” Michael kept prodding.
Jack laughed. “Because I know. She always kept running back to me and she always would have.”
I stood quickly, making my chair fall to the ground behind me as I grabbed my jacket and stormed off. I knew everyone on that rooftop was staring at me, and my cheeks burned with rage and embarrassment. For a split second, I considered running away to some place neither of them would ever find me. They would always fight over me. I would always be torn apart. Why couldn’t I just fucking choose one?
“Hana.” Jack was behind me, walking out of the restaurant door with me. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have kept on with that.”
I kept walking, ignoring him. I turned and saw Michael walk out, following behind us.
“This isn’t fair,” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “Why can’t you both just let me make my own decisions? Why can’t I fucking be free?” I pressed the elevator button continuously, the impatience in my chest feeling like it would crack my lungs apart.
“Free, Hana? You are free. You’re free to do whatever the fuck you want,” Jack responded harshly. “You’re free to leave me. You’re free to leave Michael. You’ve had this power the whole time, damnit!”
I turned to him and shook my head. Tears were streaming down his face now as well. “I’m powerless with you two. Even when I’ve been given it, I won’t ever be able to use it.”
His eyes widened.
“Hana, maybe we can all calm down and talk at the apartment,” Michael said gently beside us.
“No.” I shook my head again. “You two stay here. I need space. I need time alone.”
The elevator doors pinged open, and I quickly walked in. “Don’t follow me.”
I watched their confused, hurt faces as the elevator doors closed.