42. Abbie
42
ABBIE
T essa! Emergency!" I burst into the steamy bathroom, yanking back the shower curtain.
"Jesus Christ!" Tessa yelps, nearly slipping. "This better be life or death. You scared the daylights out of me."
"Worse. Man crisis. All three of them want to share me."
"Hold up." She shuts off the water and grabs her towel. "Let me get this straight - those three silver fox daddy types want to take turns with you? This is your emergency?"
"Not exactly take turns..." My face burns. "More like... all of them. Together."
Tessa's eyes go wide as she wraps the towel around herself. "Holy shit. This is some next level kink. You need to enlighten me."
I sink onto the closed toilet lid, burying my face in my hands. "We met to talk things out. And they suggested... sharing me. Like, officially. Seth said he and Corey used to do it in college sometimes."
"And that Donovan guy?"
"Said he's down for any chance to be around me."
"Of course he is, bitch!" Tessa grabs my shoulders. "Of course you let them share you. This is literally living the dream. Three successful, hot older men all wanting you? Plus you've already sampled the goods with each of them."
"But what if-"
"No what ifs." She cuts me off. "Remember boring-ass Chandler who made you feel like plain vanilla yogurt? This is your chance to be a whole damn sundae with three toppings. And you're the cherry." Tessa doubles over, giggling.
I snort despite myself. "That's a terrible metaphor."
"But so accurate." She grins. "So what did you tell them?"
"That I needed to think about it."
"Girl." Tessa shakes her head. "The only thing you need to think about is what size batteries to stock up on, because you're gonna need backup power with three of them."
"But what will people think?" I pace the length of our tiny bathroom. "My parents would die if they knew. And my classmates..."
"Who gives a flying fuck what anyone thinks?" Tessa starts combing her wet hair. "Your parents don't need a play-by-play of your sex life. And those judgmental prudes in your psych class? Please. Half of them are probably jealous they're not getting any action."
"But three men? At the same time?" My voice cracks. "That's not exactly normal."
"What is normal, anyway? Normal is overrated." She points the comb at me. "You spent three years being 'normal' with Chandler. How'd that work out?"
"That's different-"
"No, it's not." Tessa grabs my shoulders, forcing me to stop pacing. "Look at me. Are you happy when you're with them?"
The sight of Seth's smile, Corey's touch, Donovan's voice sends shivers through every part of me. "Yes."
"Do they treat you well?"
"Oh god yes."
"Then that's all that matters." She squeezes my shoulders. "Fuck what everyone else thinks. Your happiness isn't up for public vote."
"But-"
"No buts." She cuts me off. "Unless you're talking about their fine asses. Then please, continue."
I can't help but laugh. "You're impossible."
"I'm right and you know it." She winks. "Now stop overthinking and go get your men. All of them."
"You're right." I look for my phone. "But first I need to clear the air with Chandler."
"Want me to stay?"
"No, I got this." I head out to our tiny balcony, the night air cool against my heated skin.
My finger hovers over Chandler's name. Years of history wrapped up in seven letters. I press call before I lose my nerve.
"Abbie?" His voice sounds different. Steadier.
"Hey. Got a minute?"
"Yeah, actually. I was hoping you'd call." A pause. "Look, I need to apologize. For everything. Not just the other night, but... all of it."
I lean against the railing. "I'm listening."
"I was a dick to you. For years. Made you feel small because I couldn't handle how together you were. Are." He sighs. "Truth is, seeing you with my dad... it hit me. You've grown. I haven't."
"Chandler-"
"No, let me finish. You deserved better than who I was. Still deserve better. And if that's my dad, or whoever... that's okay. I get it now."
My chest tightens. This isn't the Chandler I knew. "What changed?"
"Dad and I talked. Really talked, you know? Made me see some things." A self-deprecating laugh. "Plus, Mara dumped me. Said I needed to grow up. She wasn't wrong."
"I'm sorry about Mara."
"Don't be. It's time I figured out who I am without daddy's money. Maybe go back to school for real this time."
"That's... really mature of you."
"Yeah, well. Had to happen sometime, right?" Another pause. "We good?"
"Yeah." I smile, surprising myself by meaning it. "We're good."
I end the call and lean against the balcony railing, letting out a long breath. Three years of baggage, finally lifted. Who knew Chandler had it in him to actually grow up?
Back inside, Tessa's wrapped in her fluffy robe, applying moisturizer to her face.
"So... I need you to go out for a few hours."
Her hand freezes mid-cream application. A wicked grin spreads across her face. "Oh? And why's that?"
"I might have some... company coming over."
"Company? As in plural? As in three very specific pieces of company?" She wiggles her eyebrows.
"Maybe." I start to sweat.
"Say no more." She grabs her phone and keys. "I'll go hunt down my own trio of eligible bachelors. Though I doubt they'll measure up to your silver collection."
"Tessa!"
"What? I'm just saying - you've cornered the market on hot older men. Leave some for the rest of us mere mortals." She slips on her shoes. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"That list is remarkably short."
"Exactly." She winks, heading for the door. "Text if you need me to stay gone longer. And remember - hydration is key!"
I pull up Corey's contact. The last message between us sits there from days ago, before everything exploded at dinner. My thumb hovers over the keyboard as I curl up in the corner of our worn couch.
The apartment feels different now that Tessa's gone - quieter, more intimate. Perfect for what I'm about to do. A shiver runs through me at the thought of texting not just Corey, but eventually Seth and Donovan too.
God, what am I doing? Three men. Three incredibly sexy, successful, commanding men who all want me. Who are willing to share me. The thought makes my insides liquify.
I shiver, remembering how each of them made me feel. Corey's quiet authority, Seth's playful dominance, Donovan's raw intensity. Together? Lord almighty…
The phone screen dims from inactivity and I quickly tap it back to life. No more overthinking. Tessa's right - I deserve this. I deserve them.
Slowing my breath, I start typing a message to Corey. My heart beats fast and furious with each letter, but I need to keep going. To be brave. To take what I want for once.
This could blow up in my face. Could ruin everything. Could be the best decision I've ever made.
There’s only one way to find out.