Chapter 29
VIVIAN
Friday, May 31
Two Weeks Later
I pace in front of the Marionis’ house, my stomach in knots, glancing at my watch every few seconds as I wait for Nick’s arrival for the final walkthrough. I have our punch list that we created a few weeks ago, and move-in day is a week from today.
Our last encounter had been slightly awkward. I met with Nick a few days after Leo and I arrived home from Paris. I felt I owed it to him to tell him about Leo and me in person.
It was hard for him, but he took it like a champ, as I knew he would because he’s a good guy. It turns out his initial fears about Leo and my friendship had been warranted. Turns out, being best friends with the opposite sex can get pretty complicated.
Nick approaches, and a knot of anxiety forms in my stomach. “Hey, Nick,” I say as smoothly as I can. He looks good, rugged and handsome as always.
“Hi, Vivian,” he glances at me briefly before gesturing toward the house. “Shall we?” he asks, walking toward the home before I can even answer.
Okay …
He’s keeping it strictly professional, I guess. It’s fine, I get it, and I don’t blame him.
We walk through the house, checking off everything on the list, from paint to electrical. We double-check that the few paint issues, the handle on one of the cupboards, and a door have all been fixed since we flagged them a few weeks ago.
I try to make small talk as we go, but Nick’s answers are short and to the point, making it very clear that he is here for one purpose. I can’t help but notice that he has avoided eye contact the entire time as well.
When we finish our walkthrough, we stand hesitantly at the door, my weight shifting from one foot to the other, my palms growing sweaty.
Shit. Why does this feel so uncomfortable?
“Well, you did a fantastic job on this house, Vivian. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks when we meet at the Johnsons,” he says, turning to leave, his hand already reaching for the doorknob.
“Wait, Nick,” I call out, grabbing his arm.
I stumble for words to convey my feelings. “I’m really so sorry,” I say, hesitantly. “I never meant to hurt you. What I felt for you was real, and I need you to know that. Leo and I… it’s just… it’s complicated, you know?”
“Yes, I know. It’s complicated… I figured that much. That’s why, back in December, I asked if there was anything between you two. That was your chance to be honest with me about your feelings for him. But you told me it was just a platonic friendship.”
“It was, Nick. We were just friends. Sure, I wanted more, but Leo didn’t, and I was dating. What was I supposed to do? Just not date anyone in hopes that he might come around?” I shrug, feeling lost.
“We dated for five months. Five months of me falling for you. I liked you… a lot, and I thought you liked me too.”
“I did, Nick… I really did. I enjoyed our conversations, we had good chemistry, and we had fun together. I liked you a lot.” I don’t know why I need him to understand this. I know it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m grasping at straws here, trying to justify my actions .
He sighs deeply, a look of resignation in his eyes. “Well, the good news is that it just doesn’t matter anymore, does it?” He opens the front door. “See you around, Vivian.” Without another glance, he walks down the steps and heads to his work truck.
This is going to make work so damn awkward. I blink furiously to avoid crying. I hate making people upset. My chest tightens, guilt swirling in my stomach, I wish I could undo the hurt I’ve caused Nick. I always liked him, and we did have incredible chemistry, but deep down, I think I knew all along that I wasn’t going to fall in love with Nick. I just kept hoping I would start to feel more. I should have at least told him how I felt and let him decide if he wanted to keep seeing me.
I take a deep breath and glance around the house one last time, checking the details we’ve worked so hard on. The walls, the floors, everything is perfect, but it all feels empty now. Sighing, I walk to my car, the reality of the situation settling in.
Maybe I’ll bring this up to Leo later. I don’t want this weighing on me this weekend because tomorrow is my birthday, and Leo has something special planned for me. He won’t tell me anything about what we’re doing, only that I needed a cocktail dress, and I didn’t hate having an excuse to go shopping.
* * * * * * * * * *
I’m stuffed.
I open the door to my townhouse, dropping all of my things right there at the door, and bend down to unbuckle the straps on my heels. Shit, my pants are way too tight right now and digging into my stomach.
I went to dinner with Kara tonight at The Purple Pig , one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Chicago. It’s tapas style, and the food is seriously so delicious, you have to try everything, so I basically did. I tried it all, and now I’m paying for it.
I drag myself upstairs and slip into my comfiest pajamas. It’s only nine, and I have a sexy date with my bed and the television for the rest of the night. A much-needed escape after today’s shitshow encounter with Nick at work.
I settle into my bed wearing the coziest pajamas I own, the kind with plenty of give in the pants for post-feast comfort. God, I’m glad that Leo isn’t here to witness this spectacle. Overindulging in food is a rare event for me, and when it happens, it definitely shouldn’t be in front of the sexy man who shares my bed. Talk about a mood killer.
Leo has poker with the guys tonight, so he won’t be over until late. He told me not to wait up for him, but that he’d sneak over when they’re all done, giving me plenty of time for my food to settle. We haven’t spent a night apart from each other since Paris, switching back and forth between his place and mine. We mostly stay at my place; it’s a bit easier for me with all my ‘girl stuff,’ as Leo likes to call it.
His friends all meet once a month at his place to gamble, smoke cigars, and drink whiskey.
I turn on Friends, partly because Leo hates that I miss his references. I like it. The fake laughter grates a bit, but I settle in for the season five finale. It’s the episode where they go to Vegas. Ross’s doodle on Rachel’s face has me laughing so hard I’m gasping for air. I’m at the part where Joey comes into the hotel room and Ross, very drunk, tells him, ‘If you need anything, I’m your man,’ and then proceeds to sit back into what he thinks is a chair—only to fall straight to the floor. He then asks Joey if he’s okay, and I can’t help but laugh. The scene is hilarious, but it also reminds me of Sarah saying the same thing to Ben after she fell backward on her birthday—the last night we spent together before he died.
I’m laughing so hard that I’m crying, or maybe I’m crying so hard that I’m laughing. I honestly don’t know, but I’m a mess of tears, happy and sad, snot and giggles. Eventually, I gather my wits, blow my nose, and wipe my tears. Yep, it’s good that Leo is not here to witness my hot mess tonight. I keep it on play, watching until close to midnight, and eventually fall asleep.
* * * * * * * * * *
I awaken to strong arms wrapping around me and a warm hand up my shirt, cupping one of my breasts.
“Hey babe,” Leo’s deep, sexy voice resonates in my ear, alerting me to my surroundings as he kisses my jaw, causing me to sleepily smile.
I turn my head enough for his mouth to reach mine and let him kiss me deeply, pulling me into a half-awake awareness while he fondles me under my shirt. He gently squeezes my boob, stroking his thumb back and forth over my nipple. I squeeze my thighs together as a dull throb begins to beat between them.
God, he turns me on.
“What time is it?” I whisper between kisses.
“It’s fuck me thirty, love,” he says with a chuckle, as his lips brush against mine.
“Oh my God,” I say, laughing, “you’re drunk.” He smells of whiskey and cigars, and I love it. I inhale deeply, taking in the scent of him and his desire for me, turning me on all the more.
“Hmm. Maybe a little… I’m really fucking horny for you.” His hand drifts to my stomach. “God, you feel good,” he murmurs, his hand falling lower. I gasp as he slips into my underwear, two fingers sliding down my slit. I eagerly lift my top leg to grant access as he glides his fingers along the slick surface.
“Fuck. You’re so wet, babe.” He slowly drags his fingers up to his mouth, tasting me. “God, and you taste so fucking good.”
Sweet Jesus.
I press my ass into him, grinding against his firm dick as he sucks on my ear and kisses my neck. He makes his way back to my mouth, lifting himself atop me as I roll onto my back. I welcome him as he kisses me deeper.
It’s the middle of the night, and I’m tired, but we are still in that phase of an early relationship where sex takes precedence over everything else. I could do it six times a day with Leo, anytime, anywhere .
I’m all moans and gasps, entering the euphoric zone that Leo takes me to, when he whispers in my ear, “What does the birthday girl want?” He removes my shirt, taking a nipple into his mouth. He tantalizes and teases, scraping his teeth and flicking his tongue while caressing my other boob, and I’m on my way to my happy place.
“Take your clothes off,” I say in desperation, and he obliges, pulling off his shirt and removing his pants, leaving me with all that gloriousness to touch, see, and feel. I welcome his warm body over mine, letting my hands explore every inch of him that I can reach.
He continues to move lower, and I know he wants to go down on me, and Lord knows I want that too because if there was an Academy Award for the best performance down south, Leo would win. Every. Fucking. Time. But it’s my birthday, and what I really want is to feel sexy and desirable, to pleasure him and savor every moment of him wanting me.
I roll out from underneath him. “Mmm, no babe,” I say in a heated whisper, “roll over, on your back.” I maneuver my body to roll with his so that I’m straddling him as he lies on his back, gaining control. His body is so solid under mine, so strong.
I wiggle free from my shorts and underwear, lowering myself onto his hard cock, which twitches in response to my warmth. Biting my bottom lip, I bring my mouth inches from his, my eyes locking onto his with intensity. “You wanna know what I want for my birthday?” I ask, and he nods.
“Yeah, babe. Tell me.”
I bring my mouth to his ear, scraping my teeth against his earlobe. “I want to tease the shit out of you and make you beg for me,” I say as I grind into his cock and flick my tongue against his ear.
“Christ,” he groans, desperately wrapping his arms around me before things get really wild.
We become a frenzy of pushing and pulling, tugging and teasing. He wants to be on top, the one in control, driving me crazy, but I won’t let him. I have to hold his hands down multiple times, knowing he’s strong enough to free himself, to whip me over so he can be on top, but he lets me dominate him. He spanks me and grips my ass. “Fuck. You drive me crazy,” he growls, his eyes full of lust with a tinge of savageness.
I do everything possible to tease him, building the fire inside him with the kindling of my touch. Each flick of my tongue, each grind against him is a spark, igniting his desire. As his groans grow louder, I fan the flames, watching the heat rise in his eyes. The fire I’ve stoked consumes him, and I can feel his need for me burning hotter and hotter.
I position myself between his thighs, running my tongue along the sexy V of his muscles, drawing out each lick as I graze his inner thigh with my fingers, taking my time to work him up. I let the anticipation build as I slowly drag my tongue along the length of his thick, beautiful cock, swirling around the tip, then pulling back, drawing out the torture.
“Fuck, babe,” he groans, his voice laced with desperation. I smirk, knowing I’ve got him exactly where I want him. I look him in the eye as I finally close my lips over the head, scraping my teeth softly against the skin. His hand fists the sheets as I move up and down, gripping the base of his shaft with one hand, kneading his balls with the other. I moan as I take him deeper, seducing him with my mouth.
His body jerks. “Jesus.” He’s completely unhinged now, the slow build-up driving him insane. I move up and down in perfect rhythm, using every trick I know he loves.
His body trembles beneath me. “Fuck, I’m gonna come,” he groans, every muscle tensing. The warm liquid flows into my mouth, and I swallow every last drop like a champ. I savor the way my name falls off his lips as he comes, knowing I’ve driven him completely wild.
He drags his hands over his face and into his hair. “Goddamn.” He breathes heavily, staring at the ceiling. “Best blow job of my life.”
He chuckles and looks at me as a wicked grin spreads across his face. “You don’t think I’m going to let you get away with that, do you?”
I smile, moving up to his face, hovering above him. I kiss his mouth. “Well, it’s my birthday, so I get whatever I want,” I say boldly.
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen.” In one smooth motion, he flips me over, nestles his head between my thighs, and reciprocates until I’m limp as a noodle, sweating, panting, and completely satisfied .
Happy fucking birthday to me.
* * * * * * * * * *
Saturday, June 1
I slip into the metallic Michael Costello
dress, its rose gold, gold, and silver tones shimmering under the light. The fabric hugs my curves with a form-fitting stretch that makes me feel like a goddess. A one-inch-wide strap wraps up one side and crosses over to the back, leaving my shoulders bare and cutout. The long sleeves start mid-bicep, giving it an off-the-shoulder look, and cover my arms perfectly. The dress hugs my boobs and then cuts away with a large cutout on one side of my torso, extending around my back and leaving most of my midriff exposed. The side with the cutout has a six-inch fabric panel that transitions into another cutout—a two-inch by six-inch keyhole on my hip, teasing the upper portion of my tattoo.
The dress hits mid-thigh, a mini length that’s sexy as hell. I chose it with Leo in mind, knowing how much he loves my stomach. I want to drive him wild tonight, teasing him with one of his favorite parts of my body. Plus, I wanted to feel sexy and youthful as I step into my thirties. Leo had even given me his credit card and told me to buy any dress, shoes, or bag I wanted for my birthday. It felt indulgent but also incredibly sweet. The dress was totally affordable, but the Jimmy Choo clutch and Christian Louboutin shoes? Not so much.
Leo walks into the bathroom wearing a light-gray suit. Frozen except for his eyes, he slowly moves them down, undressing me in his mind.
He chuckles softly, “Jesus, babe. This dress is a weapon. I can’t walk around all night with a hard-on. You know I’ll have to steal you away for a shag, yeah?”
I stride over to him. “Can’t wait,” I murmur.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Where are we going?” I ask Leo in the Uber. His hand rests on my thigh with mine atop his, fingers intertwined.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Come on, we’re almost there. Just tell me, so I know what to expect.”
He glances at me. “Fine… We’re going to Aurora Sky Lounge , a rooftop venue in the heart of downtown. It has incredible views of the city’s skyline. Fantastic food too.”
I smile. “That wasn’t so hard, now, was it?” I say sarcastically, then turn serious. “I’m excited to see it. Thank you for planning something special for me.” I give his hand a squeeze, prompting him to kiss me in the back seat.
We arrive ten minutes later and take the elevator to the top floor and step out into a dimly lit room that buzzes with energy. The lounge is packed with people, and one wall is open, revealing the stunning rooftop patio outside. A row of semi-private cabanas lines the patio, each offering an intimate escape with a view of the city skyline.
We weave through the crowd, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. I follow Leo as he guides me past the bustling bar and into a quieter hallway behind it. The sounds from the lounge become muffled as we walk further.
Just as I start to wonder where we’re headed, we reach a set of doors guarded by bouncers. Leo flashes a wristband, and the bouncers nod, opening the door and letting us through. We step into a spacious event area, and before I can take in my surroundings, a chorus of voices erupts.
“Happy Birthday!” a crowd of people yell.
“Jesus,” I laugh, clutching my chest. My heart races as I look around, my eyes wide with surprise. The room is beautifully decorated, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the elegant setup. There’s a DJ booth in one corner, a dance floor ready for action, a small bar along the back wall, and cocktail servers moving gracefully between guests, offering drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The far wall of the event space is open, connecting to the shared rooftop patio, but bouncers are stationed nearby.
As I process the sight of my friends gathered to celebrate, a wide smile spreads across my face. I turn to Leo, who’s grinning from ear to ear, and now behind him stand Sarah and Ryan.
“Oh my God!” I cry out, and she runs to me. We embrace tightly, screaming and laughing with joy.
“Ahhhh, when did you get here?” I ask.
“Two days ago. It’s been killing me not to see you, but Leo didn’t want to ruin the surprise… I didn’t either, but I was tempted.”
I look to Leo. “How did you arrange this? I’m shocked, truly.”
“It wasn’t easy,” he says. “I had to steal your phone to get Sarah’s number, which was not as easy as it sounds because I had to do it while it was still fresh and open from you using it… I don’t know your password. We met two days ago when she arrived, and she helped me with some last-minute details of the party.”
“I’m impressed, babe. Seriously, come here.” I pull him down, kissing him fervently. “Thank you. You scared the bejesus out of me… but thank you.”
“This one, by the way,” Sarah says, patting Leo’s arm, “is a keeper… We like him.” She smiles wide with Ryan by her side, and it means the world to me that two of my favorite people have met, and that Sarah has put her stamp of approval on Leo.
Leo’s gaze is fixed on me as I glance between him and Sarah. “Yeah… he is… He’s a keeper for sure.” I’m smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. “I’m gonna make the rounds,” I say, looping my finger in a circle in the air as I make my way to say hello to everyone.
I chat with Meredith and Piper, and her friend Johnny, who I’ve met a few times now. Michael and Stella are here, along with Leo’s friend Adam. Carrie and Jill from my work, my boss David and his wife, and Kara and some of her friends that I’ve gotten to know pretty well. Scarlett and Matt, friends who live in our complex, five of the women from my support group, and a few other people that Leo and Meredith hang out with, part of a larger group that I’m getting to know slowly .
I make my rounds. Guests are enjoying craft cocktails, fine wines, and gourmet bites as cocktail waitresses dressed in black round the room. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the city lights and the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan. It’s perfect, absolutely perfect.
* * * * * * * * * *
I find myself laughing at a story Ryan has told, while the buzz of my third—and final—old fashioned settles into my blood, creating a hazy fog over my vision. Numbness starts to set in around my mouth, and the song I Can’t Feel My Face starts to play in the back of my mind, as it always does when this feeling settles in.
So far, the night has been great. The DJ’s nailing it, the cocktails and food have been out-of-this-world good, and I’ve been able to talk to everyone for at least a few minutes. Leo even hired a photographer and set up a photo-op backdrop. He really thought of everything, and it makes me feel all the feels for him.
The DJ announces that it’s time for dancing and cranks up the volume, starting off with Dua Lipa’s Levitating . You better believe I’m gonna dance my ass off tonight. It’s my dirty-thirty, my best friend is here, and I’m going home with the guy who has an eight-pack, who I love… yeah, it’s gonna be a great fucking night.
The girls all head to the dance floor to get the party started, and after four songs, I’m a ball of laughter and giggles as Piper, Sarah, Stella, and I make fools of ourselves. Carrie and Jill are killing me with their 80s dance moves, incorporating the sprinkler and balloon stretch into their routine, causing me to laugh all the more.
I see Leo on the sideline chatting with Michael. I catch his eye and gesture for him to come out here. He flashes me a grin, holding up his index finger, indicating he’ll come in a minute.
In da Club by 50 Cent plays, and slowly the men start making their way onto the dance floor. The group of girls in the center of the floor goes crazy, forming a circle around me because you know, “ Go shawty, it’s your birthday ,” and well… it’s my birthday. We are out of hand, a wild mess of dancing, singing, and grinding on each other—the way us girls do on a dance floor.
Leo and Michael approach us with a tray, grinning mischievously. ‘Birthday shots!’ Leo announces. I take one, laughing as I clink glasses with everyone and down the shot. The alcohol burns its way down, and I feel my buzz intensify, my plan to avoid getting wasted tonight going out the window.
Leo stays in the center of the circle with me, dancing with moves I didn’t know he had. I’ve got to hand it to him—he’s got rhythm, and he’s mouthing every lyric. Of course he is, fuckin’ millennial. Michael and Adam join Stella, Mer, and Piper, adding to the craziness and fun of the dance party.
Leo takes a spot on the floor behind me, and I slowly back up into him as the chorus plays. I grind my ass into him, my hands on my thighs, rounding my booty against him. As I stand, his hands grip my waist. My hands go into the air, and I lean back, dancing to the music.
We dance to a few more songs, all having a great time, and then the DJ plays Ginuwine’s Pony . The dance floor transforms into a sexy, gyrating mass, complete with friends twirling invisible lassos in the air. I can’t help but laugh at the wild scene.
I face Leo, my arms wrapped around his neck, leaving no space between our bodies. I can feel his dick digging into my hip. His hands rest on my waist, his gaze downward, stroking my bare skin with his thumb. A wicked smile spreads across his face.
“How many times have you undressed me with your eyes tonight?” I teasingly ask.
“Oh, are you wearing clothing? Because in my mind, you have been naked all night,” he says, chuckling.
Cupping the back of his neck with one hand, I gently slap his chest with the other. “You’re so naughty.”
He leans down, whispering in my ear, “Oh, I do love it when you talk dirty to me, babe.”
I tip my head back, laughing .
“Should we get out of here? Find somewhere for a quick shag?” He pulls back and waggles his brows. “Yeah?”
Grinning, I nod.
Grabbing my hand, Leo pulls me off the dance floor. We snag another shot from a cocktail waitress before slipping out of the event room.
“Where are we going?” I ask, laughing and trailing behind him.
“I don’t know yet. I’m just being spontaneous,” he calls out.
We find ourselves in a single bathroom, separate from the men’s and women’s restrooms, with multiple stalls.
We lock the handle behind us quickly, pressing the push button frantically, and start making out. Leo shoves me up against the door as I untuck his shirt and fumble with his buttons, his lips never leaving mine. His hands roam over my body, gripping my hips through the thin fabric and cutouts of my dress.
“God, you look incredible,” he mutters against my mouth, his breath hot and ragged.
“So do you,” I whisper back, my voice filled with passion. “You’re so fucking hot.”
I feel the hard press of his cock against my hip, and it sends a thrill through me. An aching, hot pulse builds between my thighs. My fingers work his belt, the need to feel him consuming me entirely. He catches my hand, guiding it to his zipper, and I pull it down with a sharp tug.
“Someone’s eager,” he teases, his voice low and rough, but there’s no mistaking the urgency in his movements as he lifts the hem of my dress.
I laugh into his mouth, “You got that right, babe.”
The cold air against my skin contrasts sharply with the warmth of his touch as his hand slips between my thighs. I bite back a moan, not wanting to draw attention to our little escapade, but it’s difficult to stay quiet when he knows exactly how to drive me crazy.
“Do you have a condom?” I manage to ask between gasps and kisses.
“I always have a condom,” Leo replies, taking one out of his pocket and ripping the corner.
He lets out a low growl as he frees himself, the tip of his cock brushing against my entrance over my underwear. He pauses for a moment, his eyes locking onto mine. The intensity in his eyes sends a rush of anticipation through me.
Just as he takes the condom out, the door rattles against us as someone tries to come in.
The lock isn’t holding, and Leo quickly reacts, dropping the condom wrapper as he pushes the door closed. “Shit,” he mutters under his breath before locking it again. The buzz from the drinks we’ve had only adds to the chaos. We silently gasp for breath, staring at each other and trying not to laugh. My heart beats wildly, and I can hear it in my ears.
“Hurry,” I gasp, the words barely coherent as he finds the edge of my panties and pulls them aside.
He lifts me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he thrusts into me, filling me completely. His hands grip my hips tightly, the sensation electric, making my breath hitch. He moves with a rhythm that’s both desperate and controlled, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge.
I cling to him, my nails digging into his back as he drives deeper, the sound of our panting breaths and the faint echo of the party outside filling the bathroom.
“Leo,” I whisper, my voice trembling with need. He leans in, capturing my lips in a searing kiss, his pace quickening.
The tension coils tighter within me, each movement bringing me closer to release. When it finally hits, it’s like an explosion. My body shudders as a surge of ecstasy courses through my veins, a breathy moan escaping my lips. He follows moments later, his grip on me tightening as he finds his own release.
We stay there for a few moments, breathing heavily. Slowly, he lowers me back to the floor, smoothing down my dress as he pulls out. I catch my breath.
“That was… so intense,” I say, laughing breathlessly.
He grins, then his eyes widen as he looks down. “Viv, the condom,” he gestures toward the floor where the unused condom lies next to its wrapper .
He squeezes his eyes shut, pressing a fist against the door and resting his head on it. “Fuck, I dropped it when someone tried to come in.” he mutters, his voice filled with regret. “I must’ve thought I put it on.”
Liquid pools in my underwear as I let the reality of what just happened sink in. I can see the worry etched on Leo’s face, the tension in his shoulders. “Don’t worry, babe,” I say, trying to sound reassuring. “It took Ben and me forever to get pregnant, even with tracking my cycle and everything. It’s unlikely that I’d get pregnant from this one time. And you were just tested, so we really don’t have anything to worry about.”
I’m not overly concerned but still try to calculate where I am in my cycle, but the shots are hitting me and the room is starting to spin.
Damn, I can’t think.
I haven’t tracked my fertility since I was trying to get pregnant with Ben; there’s been no need. Honestly, I don’t even remember when I’m fertile, or if I ever figured it out because my cycle can be sporadic. The stress of the situation mixed with the alcohol I’ve had is making everything a blur.
Leo rubs his forehead, pinching and smoothing the skin between his thumb and index finger. He’s squinting, trying to focus, the shots are hitting him as well.
“I’ve never seen you take the pill. You’re not on birth control, right? If not, we’ll have to grab a Plan B in the morning,” he pleads, more to himself than to me, his words slightly slurred.
“I don’t take birth control,” I say, my voice steady.
I’m a product of my mom, who’s a health nut. I rarely eat junk food, let alone take a prescription that I haven’t ever needed. I haven’t been sexually active in two years, and we’ve been using condoms. I didn’t feel it necessary to go on the pill. Embarrassingly, I didn’t even think about it because it’s not something I’ve had to think about since I was a teenager. Even with Ben, if I had gotten pregnant before we planned, it would have been fine—I was in a stable relationship, and then we got married.
He sighs and kisses my forehead. “Well, we can swing by a pharmacy in the morning then. Let’s get back before anyone notices we’re missing.”
I nod. “Okay, you go first, I need to clean up. ”
We share one last, lingering kiss before Leo unlocks the door. “Hey, Viv,” he says, looking back with a cheeky grin, “You’re a fantastic shag. Happy fucking birthday!” He gives me a wink before slipping out the door and back into the party.
I smile to myself.
Hell yeah! I am a great shag.
I toss the condom and its wrapper in the trash, pee, and reflect on what just happened. It was wild and fun. And Leo’s right, we’ll deal with the condom situation in the morning. I’m not going to let anything spoil my birthday buzz. This is a tomorrow-Vivian problem.
Trying to look as composed as possible after such a wild encounter and our moment of stupidity, I step into the hallway and make my way back to the dance floor. I’m greeted by friends, laughter, and a Nelly song.
The rest of the night is a blur of laughter, shots, and dancing. The music pulses in the background, and I let myself get completely lost in the rhythm, laughing with friends who are just as caught up in the evening. Each shot adds to the buzz, and the worries from earlier seem like a distant memory. When it’s time to leave, I’m on a high, feeling euphoric and satisfied. The night was a whirlwind of pure, unfiltered fun—a perfect way to enter my thirties.