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River seems so confident that I start to believe him. I think Dad and River are the two people in the world I’d never want to disappoint. They mean too much to me. My mind thinks of Evander, but I push that to the side. Too soon.
“What about Essie? And Cooper?”
“Essie will be jealous as fuck. And Cooper couldn’t give two shits about that kind of thing as long as you’re happy and they treat you well. You might have resistance from the public, and I don’t know how the NYPD will feel about it, but your family has your back, Lake. You do what feels right. And before you ask, Avery and Zoe will not change their mind if you decide to date two men at the same time. They are the most open-minded people I know, and besides, their relationship is open.”
That’s news to me, but I can’t say I’m surprised. I feel like some of the stress is starting to ebb away. I’m worried slightly about my job, not because they’ll care if I’m seeing two people, but because anytime anyone starts a serious relationship, it’s a huge vetting process. Until it’s complete, we have to keep everything a secret. I hate it, but we’re nowhere near the point that I’m subjecting them to that.
“They kissed me,” I blurt out again, and River laughs.
“I was wondering when you’d get to the good part. There was no way you came back looking like that just from getting asked on a date. How was it?”
How was it? That’s a good question. It was overwhelming, and addicting, sweet, hot, and wonderful all rolled into one. “It was very good,” I reply diplomatically.
River snorts again. “Very good? That’s all I’m getting?”
“Yes.”
He chuckles. “Ok, then. I guess that’ll have to do.”
I’m glad he doesn’t push for more. When we get back to our complex, he asks me if I want to go back to his place or mine, and I tell him to take me to my home. I need some time to process everything that happened. Plus, for some reason, I have an erection. And while it went down some from the car ride, it’s still quite uncomfortable and I need to take care of that. I masturbated yesterday, and I typically don’t need to every day, but today seems to be an exception. I’m assuming it’s because of the scene with Evander and Logan.
Once I’m inside, I quickly text Ev to tell him I made it home like he asked. The thought that he’s concerned about my safety gives me that warm fluttery feeling, which reminds me, once again, of my erection. After I have taken care of my needs, I try to process everything that happened tonight. It was overwhelming, and I definitely need some time to myself to regroup. Meeting with Eric was amazing, but it did open a lot of old wounds that I had buried deeply. Even discussing it on television during River’s baby shower didn’t expose those scars like seeing Eric did. I’m so glad that the situation was the push the man needed to get his life in order. He seems to be an amazing man and a great father to Evander, and I’m glad he got to finally experience it, even if it took longer than it should have.
It’s a shame that Seth didn’t have the same revelation, but it doesn’t bother me much. I have much better than Seth now. For his own sake, I wish Seth had gotten clean and made something of his life, but River and I hit the lottery with Luke as our dad, and I’d never change that.
I think everything is going to be raw for a while as I remember more of the past, but I know it will be healing for me.
Of course, that wasn’t the only or even most overwhelming part of the night. Logan and Evander. I’m not sure what to make of the whole situation. I went into the night wanting to explore that strange feeling I got when I saw Evander, only to realize I have it with Logan too. The man is intimidating in a way I’ve never experienced before.
My smaller stature has never bothered me. I’m smarter than most people and use that to keep control of most situations. However, something about Logan makes me feel out of control, but not in a bad way. Just different.
And Evander. Evander makes me feel safe. Another feeling that’s strange to me. How does a virtual stranger make me feel safe? And why? I’m not in danger or a nervous person by nature, but I find myself relaxing on a whole new level with Evander.
Sleep evades me as my thoughts race, and I kind of wish my meeting with Dr. Rooke wasn’t tomorrow. I need to work. To just throw myself completely into my assignments and not think about anything else. I’ll have to just manage for a little while longer.
I eventually give up on sleeping and decide maybe I should work for an hour. It should be enough to calm my brain, and then I can get a few hours of sleep before the meeting. One hour turns to two, which turns to three, and before I realize it, my alarm is going off, it’s time to get ready to meet Avery and Zoe, and I didn’t sleep a wink. At least I’ll have time to get a coffee at Dream Beans Cafe before I go.
I muddle my way through my morning routine before trudging into the coffee shop. My favorite barista, Lucy, is there. She lights up when she sees me. “Lake! It’s so good to see you. How did last night go? I messaged Ev but he hasn’t answered.”
I blinked, trying to make sense of her words. “How do you know about last night?”
“Oh! Ev and I are friends. We’ve only known each other for a little over a month, but we became close. I’ve been to a couple Sunday dinners at Ev’s dad’s before. They’re nice, right?”
I’m starting to wonder why Lucy’s my favorite. Is she always so energetic and bubbly? “Yes, they are,” I respond. That’s the appropriate response, right?
Lucy looks at me curiously as she makes my drink. Did I order, or does she just know it? Of course she knows it. Wow, I really should’ve slept last night.
“And everything went well?” I’m starting to wonder exactly how much she knows, but I let it go. I’ll ask Evander later.
“Yes, it went well, thank you. I don’t mean to be rude, but I have an appointment soon. Maybe we can chat more next time?”
Lucy looks embarrassed as she nods. “Of course! Sorry, let me finish up your drink, hang on.”
Lucy quickly hands me my coffee, and I pay and thank her and leave the shop. I’m meeting Avery and Zoe at the office since it’s in the city, so I need to hurry up and get on the train before I miss it.
Zoe and Avery are already there when I finally arrive. I’ve only been to the building once before, when I took my Omega test. The availability of the tests are becoming more widespread now, and even primary care physicians are offering the test in some locations, but when I took it, you had to travel to the Omega Project building in order to get it done.
There’s nothing special about the building. It looks like every other one in New York, similar to my own. That’s what government buildings are always like: unassuming so people don’t question them.
