21. Cole
Cole
“So, here are some of my suggestions for the new materials and how it would look in both print and digital formats.” I spin my laptop around to show Jessie, who leans in.
I’m back at Salt, and I won’t pretend it’s not slightly jarring given the last time I was here I was as naked and slippery as a greased piglet.
But it’s a Tuesday daytime now, and despite the lack of natural light – most of Salt is underground – the air holds none of the tension that exists in the evenings here.
Evenings at Salt seem to have their own magic – as if the air itself holds its breath in anticipation to see how the night will unfold.
There is so much possibility in a place like this.
The stakes are so much higher given any encounter could lead to sex within the time it takes to finish a dry martini.
It’s definitely got the edge on a standard nightclub, that’s for sure.
Though I’ve been to a fair few spots in Soho where there were definitely illicit activities happening on the actual dance floor…
“I love these so much,” Jessie says, breaking my reverie. “I can really see how the use of colour has changed the tone and vibe. And these textured elements? It’s like they’re really brushstrokes.”
“Oh, they are,” I reply, with a shrug. Jessie glances up.
“You paint?”
“A little. I dabble a bit. Nothing major.” Freddie keeps telling me to stop belittling my own work, but it’s impossible to break the habit of a lifetime. My parents were very quick to point out that artists make no money and that I shouldn’t pursue a career with such ‘weak foundations’.
“I’d love to see your work.” Jessie gives me a warm smile, which I can’t help but return, especially as I think about the post-orgasm colour explosion that’s still sitting on my easel in the studio.
“Oh, it’s just personal stuff, really. I incorporate little elements here and there in my design work, but I’ve never shown anyone any of my paintings.”
“Well, I would be honoured to see them if you ever feel like sharing.”
Her words echo Sloane’s, and I feel a pang. She’s gone a bit quiet on the group chat and I know Freddie’s feeling it. She’s so present when you’re in person, but I can feel her pulling away a bit. I’m not sure how I feel about it, especially given how far gone Freddie is for her already.
“Thank you,” I reply, giving her a small but genuine smile.
We spend the next few minutes talking about designs and some of Jessie’s ideas, before she offers me another coffee.
“I had this beauty brought in last month,” she says, affectionately patting the high-end bean-to-cup coffee machine that’s in the corner of Luke’s office.
“Luke used to be completely wedded to Salt, and spent every waking hour here. Now he works from home a bit more, so I get to share this beautiful space. And I have much better taste in coffee than him.”
“What changed?”
“Mmm?”
“What changed? Why isn’t he here so much these days?”
“Ah, the usual story – he fell in love. And he has a much healthier work/life balance now that he has someone to dote on as much as this club.” She gives me a wistful smile.
“Of course,” I reply.
“And what about you? Are you keeping our girl Sloane on her toes?” She levels me with a curious but unblinking stare as the machine whirrs to life.
“I think it’s the other way around,” I say with a small laugh. “She’s extraordinary, and Freddie is completely gone for her already. But it’s not always easy to know what’s going on in her head.”
Jessie nods. “She’s a tough cookie, our Sloane. She has to do a lot of things on her terms. Fiercely independent, you know? I think she basically raised herself, so she’s had to be. But don’t let her bullshit get in the way of getting to know her, ok?”
We share a beat of eye contact and I nod.
“I really like her. I’ve never done a poly relationship, and it’s weird because Freddie is my best friend… and?—”
I stumble into silence. I’ve never really talked about my feelings for him before. Even saying it out loud feels like a lot. Those are feelings I thought I’d put to bed a long time ago.
“Ah. I think I get it.”
The look on her face is all sympathy without pity.
She gives me another wry smile. “Freddie is certainly quite a charmer from all I’ve heard and witnessed.”
“Don’t I know it. Eighteen-year-old me was not prepared for him when we met. He has no idea the effect he has on people, because it’s just his personality. Everyone is drawn to him. He’s like a walking dopamine hit.”
“So jumping into bed with him and Sloane together is…”
“Complicated,” I finish for her.
She purses her lips and nods, before carrying our coffees back to the sofa.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. I’m usually a lot more professional.” I give a hollow laugh and blow on my espresso.
“Cole, we’re in a sex club. The boundaries of what is considered normal are not in play here. Besides, I like getting to know people. People are my whole business.”
“Well, thank you for listening. I appreciate it. I imagine we’re not the first people in Salt’s world to try and navigate a threesome with the potential for a relationship.”
“And is that what you want? A relationship with them both?”
I sigh. I don’t know. Admitting it – even to myself – feels weighted. But I can’t deny the idea of giving this mad idea a go is tempting.
“I think so.” I pause, studying the cup in my hands. “Freddie's never been like this over anyone before. And Sloane is… I don’t know. Wonderful. But hard to read.” I exhale. “I just don't want to want this and then have it fall apart. Because if it does—” I stop.
I can’t finish the sentence. If it falls apart, it could take Freddie with it. And that's not something I know how to come back from. I throw my espresso back and sigh.
Jessie tucks an unruly curl behind her ear.
“I don’t have the answer for you. But I can tell you what I do know.
I see people making connections every single night in this club.
Usually, it’s just for a night or two of fun.
But – as I have said to Sloane – the chemistry between the three of you feels…
charged. Like there’s something there. It’s up to you three what you do with that.
” She gives me another warm smile, then reaches over and squeezes my shoulder before she rises.
“Thanks, Jessie,” I say. “I really appreciate the chat.”
“Anytime. I like your company. Pop in whenever you fancy a coffee. And I’ll drop you a line about the designs.”
With that, we bid each other farewell and I find myself climbing up into the sunlight.
Later that afternoon, my phone pings.
FREDDIE
Ok, I’m going to bite the bullet and see if she fancies dinner and a movie at mine. You game?
Yes, I’m game. Though I get veto rights on the film.
FREDDIE
What are you talking about, I always pick great films.
Uh huh.
FREDDIE
That was ONE time.
The one time he’s referring to was at university.
We were on a big night out and decided to do pre-drinks at the cinema – a few ciders, a dumb action movie, then on to the club.
Freddie accidentally bought tickets to Revolutionary Road instead of The Day the Earth Stood Still , and six of us endured one of the most upsetting films we’d ever seen while half cooked on cheap cider.
No one fancied the dance floor after that.
A few seconds later, the group chat chimes.
FREDDIE
Anyone fancy dinner and a movie at mine? I’m thinking takeaway, a little sofa snuggling, maybe round two of snap…
To my surprise, Sloane replies swiftly.
SLOANE
Freddie Lane, are you trying to seduce us?
FREDDIE
Always.
SLOANE
Who gets to pick the film?
FREDDIE
You and Cole can toss for it.
SLOANE
Toss what? A coin? A pancake?
FREDDIE
I’ll leave it to your imagination.
SLOANE
Ha. When?
FREDDIE
Friday?
SLOANE
Busy then. Saturday?
FREDDIE
Sold. Cole?
I’m in.
And as I slide my phone back into my pocket, a smile spreads across my face.