“He’s still so serious,” she muses.
“Who, Phantom?” I glance back at him. Phantom is in the kitchen, meticulously fixing a plate of berries, cheeses, and sweets as though each choice is a life or death decision. Pensive, stubborn, control-freak Phantom.MyPhantom. I click my tongue against my teeth, disagreeing. “He’s full of whimsy.”
After some more small talk, our group disperses. Phantom gets ready to start the speed-matching, but not before delivering my plate. The food is adorable—the normal spread of strawberries, blueberries, and cheese bits. But also cookies and cakes in suggestive shapes. My plate has a cupcake with a vulva-shaped icing.
Dove joins me leaning against the bookshelf. She spies the vulva on my plate.
“That,” Dove says, “looks delicious.”
“Help yourself.” I hand the plate to Dove. Trinity has fucked up everything—including my appetite. Dove starts picking at the cheeses.
“I’m going to leave,” I tell her.
“What?” Dove gasps. “No! Why?”
“If I stay, I’m going to cause a scene. I can feel it.”
“Nooo,” Dove says. “You are welcome to hate on her. But you are not welcome to leave.”
“Who are we hating on?” Ginger pops up next to Dove, a plate of hummus and carrots on hand.
“Actually, Ginger is a great example,” Dove says, motioning to her. “Exhibit A. Ginger was the other woman for, like, two seconds. And now we love her. You never know. Maybe Trinity also has some redeeming qualities.”
“You know what the difference is?” I motion to Dove. “Youare a kind and forgiving person. I’m a grudge-holding hell bitch.”
Dove sucks in a breath. “Well, if you go down, I’m going down with you. Ginger, hold this, please.”
Ginger takes Dove’s plate, balancing two plates now. Dove warms up as though preparing to fight. She rolls her wrists. Cracks her neck. Winces, says, “ow,” and then holds her neck.
Thirty-five is fucking rough.
Phantom moves through the room. He stands in front of the unlit fireplace. I get a good look at him now. The black-on-black combo makes him look like the devil in the crowd and I, for one, would give up my winters to follow him to the underworld.
There’s no platform here, no way for him to announce himself, and yet as soon as he starts to roll up his sleeves, revealing those strong forearms, the room begins to go quiet and look up. Somehow, he knows how to command attention without a single word.
I sigh. “I want to chew him like a rawhide bone,” I whisper to Dove.
Dove squints at me. “I think you should try Dorian’s glasses. You may need your vision checked.”
I knock her with my elbow and we snicker like schoolgirls.
“Thank you everyone for spending your Valentine’s Day with us,” Phantom says, lifting his deep voice only a little so he can be heard through the rooms. “You could be anywhere right now. Eating dinner across from your beloved. Instead, you’re here with the freaks. There’s something wrong with you. I see that in you, and I appreciate it.”
Chuckles all around.
“First, let’s thank Princess for setting this up…tonight was her brain child and I can attest that she worked her fingers to the bone cutting out hearts until the very last minute.”
Claps and hoots for Princess, who is standing in the corner, maintaining order. She immediately goes bright red, but smiles gracefully about it.
Phantom pauses for Princess to get her flowers. A little smile from him? He’s proud of her. It’s sweet. Only when appreciation has completely died down does he continue. “In the spirit of the holiday…we’ve decided to play a matchmaking game before everyone goes upstairs to play. You are welcome to sit it out if you’d like. If you decide to play, here is how it will work. Those who identify as submissives, take a seat facing the bookshelf. If you identify as a dominant or switch, you can take a seat facing the windows. If you’re not sure, just sit where you’d like. Everyone will take three minutes to get to know their partner. At the end of the three minutes, I’ll ring a bell, and those facing the windows will get up and find a new table to sit at. You may ask your partner whatever you like. If you get stuck, we have questions you can pull from in a bowl at each table. Once I’ve rung the bell, you should give your partner one of these.” He holds up two paper hearts in his hand—one black and one red. “Red meansyes, you’re interested in playing with them. Black meansno, you’re not interested in playing. Write your name on the back. I understand giving and receivingno’smight make some of you uncomfortable. That’s why we do it. In this space,no,red,andstopare important. Get used to saying them. Get used to hearing them. We prioritize clear, open communication among Seekers.”
This…coming from the man who chokes on his words when he has to express an ounce of affection? I can’t help it. I snort a laugh.
Phantom hears it. He turns to me, and the edge of his mouth twitches. “Ophelia. Do you have something to say?”
“No, Sir.” I flash him my prettiest smile. He looks unamused.
“Alright,” Phantom announces. “Take your seats.”
