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For a while, I thought Damien might be into me, because of all his hugs and touches, but I came to realize he’s touchy-feely with all of his friends. Though the flirting between myself and all four of them seemed to be reciprocal in those early days, it soon became crystal clear that they only saw me as a friend, and eventually like a sister.
I’ve watched them go out on dates; I’ve seen most of them have brief relationships with women over the years. Of course, I’ve gone on dates and had boyfriends myself, but none of the men I’ve been with have quite measured up to my housemates.
It didn’t help that I used to spend a lot of time with them—that is, until recently. These days, it seems they’re all too busy for me. We used to cook meals and eat together, watch TV and play video games … but lately, I’m home alone a lot.
Though I’m still resisting the inevitable, their absence is a big flashing sign that the time has come to move on. I finally have a job that will allow me to afford my own place. The thought of living on my own, or just without them, makes me want to cry, but it’s what I need to do to move forward with my life.
It’s been a long time since any of them brought their dates back to the house. Maybe they’ve picked up on my unrequited feelings, or maybe I’m somehow holding them back from living their lives. I know that living with them is holding me back from finding love—I just need to convince myself to find the willpower to make a fresh start.
* * *
My new job is definitely a step in the right direction. After a year of searching while working at a restaurant to get by, I was so excited to finally find a local position in my field of information technology. The company is growing, and my boss, Garrett, is a really nice guy. He’s a little older than me, but still in his twenties, and he’s been both patient and fun while teaching me what I need to know about the work.
Garrett’s desk is covered with pictures of a beautiful blond woman, so I’m a little taken aback when he stops by my cubicle in the afternoon and invites me to go out for drinks after work.
“My girlfriend, Autumn, will be coming,” he adds before I can answer. “I think you two would really get along.” Suddenly, his invitation makes a little more sense.
After five, I follow him to a trendy spot nearby, where we duck under the artificial spiderwebs that decorate the entrance. Autumn, who’s even more stunning in real life, is already there, involved in conversation with the bartender.
The woman turns as she sees us approaching, and gives me a warm smile before her focus shifts to Garrett. If this were a cartoon, her eyes would be filled with hearts. The affection definitely goes both ways between these two.
“Hi, I’m Autumn,” she says, holding out her hand to me, as Garrett puts his arm around her and lovingly kisses her cheek.
“It’s your season,” I say, flustered. The woman has a presence that’s somehow intimidating, even though she’s being very kind.
When her brows knit, I try unsuccessfully to cover my awkwardness. “Autumn. Fall. It’s my favorite season.” Helplessly, I gesture to the Halloween imagery that adorns the wall behind the bar. “I’m Sabrina, by the way.”
“Oh, right,” she smiles, glancing at the decorations before turning back to me. “It’s nice to meet you, Sabrina. Fall is my favorite season, too.”
“I knew you two would have a lot in common,” Garrett says, before asking what I want to drink. While he and I are talking, the bartender continues the conversation with Autumn that we interrupted when we arrived. When Garrett notices me glancing their way, he explains, “Autumn sings and plays guitar, and sometimes she performs here.”
Wow. I can easily imagine this woman commanding the attention of the entire room. I’ll bet her voice is as beautiful as she is. “I’d love to see her perform,” I tell him.
“I’ll let you know when she has a date set,” Garrett says.
When Autumn is done talking to the bartender, the three of us move to a nearby table with our drinks, and I learn that it was Autumn’s idea for Garrett to invite me to come out.
“I used to work with Garrett in your position, and I miss the social aspect of the job,” she explains.
“But you perform,” I say, confused. “You’re around a lot of people all the time, aren’t you?”
“It’s different. I’m up on stage, separate from everyone. Anyway, I’m really glad to meet you.”
We continue talking, and I’m about halfway through my glass of wine when two men in matching navy blue shirts come up to our table. Up close, I see that the emblems on their shirts are from the local fire department.
“Sabrina, this is Trevor and Adrian. Guys, this is Sabrina, she works with Garrett.”
The new arrivals shake my hand, and then I nearly fall out of my seat when each of them gives Autumn a kiss. On the lips. Kisses that linger just a little too long to be friendly.
CHAPTERTHREE
Garrett’s chuckling as he explains to me that Trevor and Adrian are also in a relationship with Autumn, and there’s also a fourth man named Duke, and they all live together.
Before my boss’s explanation has any chance to sink into my addled brain, Autumn interjects, “Oh! Speaking of Duke—and Sabrina, since you love fall so much, I bet you’ll be interested in this. Duke is head of security at Club Red on Four Points Island. Have you ever been there?”
I’m still dazed as I nod my head. “I saw the show once.” Vague memories of the revue dancers come to mind, but mostly I recall how, even though gorgeous men were stripping on stage, I couldn’t stop thinking about my housemates and wishing it was them stripping for me. Somehow, watching strangers only made me lust after Xander, Damien, Victor, and Jack even more.
“They’re having a huge party on Halloween,” Autumn says. “There’ll be a shortened show on stage, and then the dancers will be out in the audience, mingling, dancing, partying. It should be a lot of fun.”
