Harem House Chapter 33 (Patreon)

Dorm life held many advantages that Rani took full advantage of when possible. Downsides existed, of course, but she enjoyed most things. As an upperclassman, she was privileged with a private two-person room and bathroom. The freshmen on the first floor had communal bathrooms. The biggest downside? Her roommate. Rani returned from her emotional evening at Mindy’s house to find a bra hanging from the door handle. Some people used a sock, but she and her roommate considered bras more amusing. The c-cups of her roommate’s Victoria’s Secret bra signaled Rani to ‘fuck off.’ Rani sighed, hugged her backpack to her stomach, and detoured to the floor’s lounge. She’d planned on pulling an all-nighter. She’d gotten homework done over Sunday, but not enough to keep up with her schedule. One all-nighter and she’d be good. With diligence, she might even pull ahead. She eyed the lounge when she entered, checking for any signs of life. The third-floor lounge had a kitchenette in the near left corner and a TV in the far right corner. Otherwise, the deeper-than-wide rectangular room contained comfortable oversized high-back chairs that acted as three-walled pods. Sitting in them, you were only visible from the front, and they staggered through the room in three-chair groups surrounding small coffee tables.No one else was visible when Rani arrived. She sat in a chair out of view of the door, opened her books, and got to work. She had quite the spread between her laptop, notebooks, tablet, and textbooks. Two hours later, the lounge door opened and closed. Rani peeked over the wall of her cubed chair and spotted a dark-haired, pajama-clad girl by the microwave. The long pink pajama pants had the bedazzled word PINK across the butt. The short blue T-shirt had a stylized Disney Elsa on the front. Typical pajama girl on a late-night tea, coffee, or hot chocolate run. Rani returned to her work. The microwave beeped, and the girl collected her mug from it.A minute later, the scent of powdered hot cocoa hit Rani’s nose. She peeked over her chair again but didn’t spot the girl a second time. She didn’t remember hearing the door but hadn’t heard footsteps either. The girl must have left, though. She hadn’t heard a book bag unzip or the familiar buzz of the TV in its corner. Then came the sniffle. The wet scrape of snot on an inhale dragged across Rani’s spine. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She’d never been able to explain her loathing, but sniffles scraped her nerves like nails on a chalkboard. A second sniffle soon followed, like an icicle stabbed into her ear. She wanted to jump up and yell at this girl for making the noise at random intervals that triggered her primal rage. Instead, Rani reminded herself that this girl, with her hot cocoa and sniffles, was obviously in distress. She needed comfort, not anger. Whoever she was, she was part of that sisterhood of women. She needed–the third sniffle was enough. “Do you need a tissue?” Rani asked, her voice sharp and the ‘or else’ unspoken but clear. She winced after asking, berating herself for being so direct. “I guess I do.” The voice came from the chair that sat back-to-back with Rani’s. She’d been crying. Tears trembled in her weak voice. She’d been crying long before her sniffles came in earshot of Rani. Rani sighed. She wasn’t the right person to comfort someone who needed a soft touch. The young woman sounded like she’d break if Rani snapped at her again. Any of the others would be better at this. Even Kat. Kelly’d be the best. If Kelly were here, she’d mother the girl into feeling better. Sometimes, Rani wished she could be more like that. More comforting and friendly.  She fished a pack of tissues from her backpack, crumpled and old but functional. She climbed over her pod chair’s wall and held them over the bridge. The other girl’s hand rose from her chair and took them, withdrawing them into the privacy of her pod. Rani gave her time until the nose-blowing subsided. “Do you… want to discuss whatever’s got you crying?” Rani asked, hoping for a negative response but offering on impulse. Someone had been there for her once. She could be there for someone else. The girl blew her nose. “I don’t… I don’t even know where to start.” Rani took a deep breath, doing her best not to sigh. “Love trouble?” The girl laughed. “Am I that obvious?” “It’s going around.” Rani said, not elaborating on the issues she faced that she ignored in favor of homework. “But fair warning, I’m an engineering major, not a counseling major. Any advice or comfort I offer will be blunt and to the point.” The girl chuckled. “That’s okay.” She said. “I could use an outside opinion. I don’t mind.” Rani thought the girl might want to wait and see, but she’d find out soon enough. People found her callous sometimes because she was direct, but she tried. She had to channel Kelly and manifest soft, maternal thoughts as she curled her feet under her and got comfortable. “Okay, so…” Rani hesitated, unsure how to ask. “Tell me the story. What’s got you so upset?” “Well…” The girl hesitated. “There’s this guy.” “Go on.” Rani said when the girl didn’t. “We’ve known each other for years. We flirted, but he had a girlfriend, so it couldn’t go further than flirty banter. Harmless fun.” The girl explained. “But…” “But you caught feelings?” Rani asked, foreseeing her conclusion. The girl broke. “Oh-my-god-I-love-him-so-much.” She sniffled again and blew her nose. Rani winced at the sniffle, an ice pick poking her eardrum. “And it’s not because he’s hot. He is, but he’s so sweet and caring. The way he is with everyone is amazing. He’s husband material, you know? And we’d be perfect together.” The girl continued. “But he has a new partner already?” Rani asked. There was always a but to this kind of story, and the guy being taken made the most sense. “Had. Well, kind of.” The girl said. “He and his girlfriend broke up. I tried to catch his attention, but this other girl moved in before I could. And I tried. I tried so hard to get him to ask me out, but I didn’t want to seem too aggressive. I didn’t want to scare him away. He and his girlfriend were together for a long time, so I thought I’d give him time to get over her. I didn’t want to be his rebound fling!” Rani nodded, then realized the other girl couldn’t see her. “Yeah, I get that.” “But this other girl moved in, and she changed him. She’s encouraging him to sleep around, play the field, being a total slut bag, and turning him into this man whore I don’t even recognize.” The girl sounded angrier than sad as she said it. “And the worst part? I thought she was my friend. She knew I liked this guy and intentionally ruined everything for me.” “Sounds like a bitch.” Rani said. “Though, I don’t slut shame anybody. Nothing wrong with sleeping around and playing the field if that’s what they want.” The girl blew her nose again. “I hate her. And I’m so mad at him for falling for it. He hasn’t even looked at me since they started hooking up, and our flirty banter has stopped. It’s like she’s turned him and everyone else against me.” “Everyone else?” Rani asked. “Our friend group.” The girl explained. “We’re in a school club, and they all banded together and kicked me out.” Rani wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t imagine what she’d do if her friend group, the harem, did that to her. “Well, that sucks.” “Yeah.” The girl blew her nose. “They forced me to quit, and I just… I shouldn’t have gotten so angry at him or lashed out.” “Anger’s a reasonable response to heartbreak.” Rani said. “Though we’re still responsible for what we do with our anger. So… how did you lash out?” “I…” The girl hesitated. “I tried to kick him out of our club. It’s too hard being forced to spend time with him, near him, but not having him. And he’s so different from who he used to be, but I wasn’t going to give up the club without a fight.” “Ah.” Rani said, nodding. “And they kicked you out instead?” “Yeah.” “That sucks.” Rani said, not knowing what else to say. What would Kelly say? “I’m sorry you’re going through that, honey.” Honey? Eh, it worked. “It sounds like you need direct communication with this guy. Do you think he’d listen if you tried to talk to him? Maybe your club will take you back if you apologize and explain why you were so upset?” “Maybe.” The girl shuffled in her seat. “Honestly, I should apologize. I don’t know if I can face him again, though. Seeing them together and her influence on him hurts so much when I know he should be with me.” Ah, the clingy possessiveness of the narrow-minded. “Does this guy know how you feel?” “I thought he did.” She answered. “But I get the feeling he’s clueless. He’d never be this cruel. Not without that slut’s influence.” Rani laughed. “Guys are dumb. My boyfriend doesn’t have a clue sometimes when women are into him, and it’s infuriating. The first time I flirted with him? He totally missed my advances. All he had to do was follow me back to my room. He’s smart about a lot of other things but a total idiot sometimes.” “Sounds about right.” The other girl said. “My guy’s that way. Even if he’s not my guy. Yet.” Rani smirked. “Boys are dumb.” “Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em.” The girl replied. Rani chuckled. “Honestly, it’s not my boyfriend I’m having an issue with right now. It’s my… friend.” She didn’t have the energy to explain polyamory to this woman. “Oh yeah?” The girl asked, wiping her nose with a tissue. “Whatcha got? Since we’re clearly trading problems and advice here.” Rani smiled. “She’s… okay. So, my friend is a freshman. She’s young and naïve about certain things, but Baghwan, she’s killing me with the outright dishonesty.” Rani said. “She pretended she knew nothing about football to get attention, but she was a cheerleader in high school. She’s lied to a bunch of our friends about stuff  — small stuff, I guess, but still. And she refuses to leave the closet. She’s more comfortable living her lies than she is being herself. And it drives me insane. I just want to set her free, you know? To show her how great it can be when you’re comfortable with yourself and not always lying to everybody.” “You sound like you came out of the closet yourself.” The girl said, scoffing. “Yeah. Freshman year.” Rani said. “Oh.” The girl said. “But… you have a boyfriend? Are you Trans or something?” “No, I’m not trans. But I’m queer. I like girls, guys, and everything in between. Organs don’t matter as much to me as the fun, right?” Rani asked. “Being with a guy doesn’t mean I stop being queer.” “Well, when you put it that way, I guess not. But cool. Okay, so you’re… out and proud, obviously. Good for you, by the way, but your friend hasn’t gotten there yet?” The girl asked. “Right.” Rani said. “And it’s frustrating.” “You said you came out freshman year?” The girl asked. “Yeah.” Rani said. “And this girl… how long has she known she’s gay?” “Bi.” Rani corrected her. “But uh… I don’t know. Her first time with a girl was about two weeks ago?” She omitted the detail that it was with her and Arthur. Omission, not derailing the conversation with constant explanations, was different than outright deceit. “How long did it take you to come out to people after your first experience?” Rani frowned. “Well, shit. When you put it like that… I guess it took me a few weeks until I had the conversation with my parents. I wanted to have it in person, so I had to wait until Diwali, but her parents live closer than mine.” “Is she scared?” Rani recalled Mindy’s expressions that night. Was Mindy scared? Yes. Was it a logical fear? Rani didn’t think so, but it was still Mindy’s life, not Rani’s. They were Mindy’s parents, and she knew them best. She sighed. “Yeah.” Rani said. “It’s not a rational fear, though.” “Since when does that ever matter?” The girl almost laughed. “If she’s afraid, you can only encourage her and make her feel safe with you, right? Let her be herself with you and build her confidence over time. Eventually, she’ll have the courage to be herself around other people.” “Do you have experience with this?” Rani asked, realizing how wise the advice sounded to her. The other girl sighed. “I seem to attract a lot of gay guys.” She said. “My high school boyfriend came out to me during our senior year. During my freshman year of college, this guy I almost dated, Caleb, came out to me on our first date. Super awkward, but we got over it. We’re friends, or so I thought. He turned on me tonight with the rest. I worried Arthur was in the closet for a while, but no, he’s into women. Just not me, I guess.” Rani tilted her head. “Arthur?” No. The Arthur this girl mentioned had to be a different Arthur. There was no way yet another girl on this campus wanted him. But she had to know. “As in Arthur Clarke?” The other girl scoffed. “Yeah, the guy with not one, not two, but five girlfriends, apparently. He paraded around with them at homecoming like he owned the place. It was disgusting.” “The guy you’re crushing on was Arthur Clarke?” Rani asked, trying to put the pieces together. “Yeah.” The other girl sighed. “He’s just so… ugh. I’m such an idiot.” Rani fell silent for a moment, pondering things. If Arthur’s the guy, then that made Selene the slutbag bitch, right? And Caleb sounded familiar… wasn’t that one of their theater friends? The guy with the band? So then, this must be Yvonne. “Yvonne?” Rani asked, half-surprised she remembered the girl’s name.  “Yeah?” Rani popped up, trying to see over the divide of the two pod chairs. The other girl did the same. Yvonne stared back at her like she’d seen a ghost. Yvonne might be a stranger to Rani, but she recognized Rani on sight. “Shit.” Yvonne said, her tears forming again. “Oh my god. I can’t believe what an idiot I am!” “Hey.” Rani said, holding out her hands. “It’s okay.” “I just poured my fucking heart out to you, and you’re one of them?!?” Yvonne yelled. “Okay, yeah, which, if you think about it, should prove that we’re people, not heartless slutbags. I didn’t know you were talking about Arthur, or I’m guessing Selene, who is technically my girlfriend, I think. It’s complicated.” Rani held up her hands. “But hey, it’s not like I hate you or anything! We’re two strangers who lent an ear to each other! We could be friends! You gave me good advice!” “Fuck you!” Yvonne spat. She threw the tissues at Rani from the other side of the chairs and moved away as fast as possible. “Just… Ugh!” The tears started again by the time Yvonne reached the doors. “Hey!” Rani exclaimed, catching the packet of tissues as it struck her chest. “I wasn’t trying to trick you!” Her protest went unanswered as Yvonne pushed through the door, slamming it behind her. Rani sighed and collapsed into her chair again. She felt the momentary impulse to run after Yvonne, but the girl’s exit hadn’t proclaimed her to be the approachable type. She clearly wanted space, and Rani wouldn’t force her to deal with her problems when she had issues of her own to consider. Not to mention homework. She’d have to tell Selene about the encounter, but it was the middle of the night. She’d tell her in the morning. Rani shook her head and returned to her projects. ~~~Lynn woke to the sound of footsteps above her. She had a late night last night, which was fine because she planned to sleep this morning. Her weekend had been infuriating, and full of work. She finished her labors so she blew off steam in the city, clubbing, dancing, drinking, and teasing. Lynn enjoyed making them beg, knowing she’d never let them do more than grope. They always made her smile when they thanked her for it. Sure, the assholes got pissed off when she rejected them at the end of the night, but she handled her business. That was what tasers were for, and slipping a roofie into her own drink put more than one man in handcuffs for bothering her. The footsteps trod over her bed. She could hear them walking over her grave. Lynn stared toward the ceiling as if she could see through her sleep mask, the ceiling, the floorboards, and into the family room above her. Whatever the hell was happening, she didn’t approve. Was Deb here? Or had Arty and his girlfriends moved in early? Or… was there a thief? No. That wasn’t right. Three cars sat in the driveway last night when she arrived. One of them was Arty’s. He and his girlfriends were here. Not Kelly, though. Her SUV wasn’t in the driveway, anyway. That was a good sign. Whatever that girl thought she knew, she hated Lynn for it. Had Arty told her about their misunderstanding senior year? No. Lynn had been clear about what she’d do if he ever told anyone. Her headache ebbed as she sat up. She slipped off the sleep mask and turned her legs as she slid out from between her white silk sheets. She pulled on a pair of short gym shorts and a cropped top, not bothering with underwear in her own home, even if it was new. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and fell wild, but a quick brush gave her that bedhead look she remembered Arty liked. He’d stared at her enough when she wore her hair this way in the mornings they spent together on the weekends or before school. Smiling, she crept up the stairs and slipped into the foyer. There was no one there. She hesitated and listened. She heard jumping and breathing coming through the hallway. She walked silently, creeping until she arrived at the archway to the three seasons room. And there he was, in a pair of cotton boxer briefs, doing pushups. He had a pair of earphones in his ears, his back to Lynn as he exercised. He seemed to enjoy the pre-dawn morning with the curtains drawn. She didn’t stay to watch for long but let her eyes caress his rock-hard body, sturdy legs, and perfect ass. Lynn licked her lips as she walked away and slipped into the basement once more, closing her door behind her. She could say hello but didn’t think that was a good idea. Besides, watching him work out had gotten her worked up. Lynn slipped into her bedroom once more and closed the door behind her. With her head on the pillows, she spread her legs and planted her heels. Her left hand stroked her flat, lightly toned stomach in steady strumming rhythms while her right massaged the inside of her thigh. She closed her eyes and replayed the image of Arty stepping out from the hot tub, the water dripping off him and onto the ground. She bit her lip to keep from moaning as he roared at her without sound in her memory, straining, making the muscles in his neck pop into vision. Arty, strong enough to resist her, made her moan. Oh, how she longed to see him kneel and beg. Her right hand slid toward her stomach, and its circling massage slipped under her waistband. She moaned, despite herself, as her fingertips applied pressure enough to pull her lower lips apart. She ached and clenched, hissing in a breath as her finger curled against herself. “Oh, Arty.” Lynn chided. “You can do better than that.” Her finger slipped inside, then slid the length of her folds in long, steady strokes. Arty’s imagined tongue fulfilled its purpose, but he needed instruction. Practice. She’d train him how to use his god-given talents for her benefit. The girls he fucked now might be sexy in their own ways, but that wasn’t the same as being given the chance to worship a goddess. Other men begged to kneel at her altar, but Arty? Arty lapsed from his faith. He refused her now, and everything she tried to do or say failed. She’d tried to be flattering and flabbergasted when they first reunited. Failure. She’d tried to be sultry, silly, and cute, everything Deb said Lori was. No dice. Her playful tackle hadn’t been taken the way she’d hoped. He wasn’t grateful for the contact he’d have killed for years ago. The dummy. She exhaled and continued playing with herself, rubbing around her clit with two fingertips. Lynn groped her right breast with her left hand, sliding under her top and squeezing from the underside. She’d tried to get into the hotel, which took a lot of work, overhearing where they were going, buying the beer, and showing up. It’d also been stupid. She should have known it wasn’t a proper party. She’d rushed things and hadn’t done her research. She thought she could slip in and mingle, hiding among the crowd. But that bitch Selene sent her packing. She’d streaked through the lobby and ended up masturbating to the idea of Kelly humiliating her in front of Arty in the parking lot. She’d cum pretty hard, though. And brunch? She sighed in exasperation. Even Deb turned against her during the brunch. That hurt. Deb had always been touchy when anyone pointed out Arty’s negatives, but to take his girlfriends’ side over hers? To support his being a man whore? Lynn wondered if she knew Rani had a violent history on campus. The TikTok of her kneeing some chump in the rod and tackle was great. Lynn opened her eyes. This wasn’t working. Imagining Arty just made her contemplate his girlfriends, which pissed her off. Her body refused to cooperate with her desires since the parking lot. The only way she could get off now was imagining similar scenarios. “Fuck it.” She sighed, slamming her fist into the mattress beside her. “This isn’t going to work.” She sat up and pulled her laptop open. “Today’s the day.” She smiled. “Today, I’m gonna fuckin’ do something about it.” ~~~Beth blinked her eyes open as she stirred early Tuesday morning. Warm and comfortable, she lay wrapped in blankets and half-wrapped around a furnace. Her eyes opened to see Kat’s face near hers, blinking awake. The body between them had disappeared, and they’d fallen toward each other to fill the vacancy in their sleep until they wrapped their arms around one another. “Well… this is awkward.” Kat said. Her voice was sleepy and full of yawns.“Where’s…” Beth shifted away from Kat, realizing they were both naked as she moved and skin slid against skin. “I don’t know.” Kat yawned. “He was here when we fell asleep. Maybe he went for a run?” “A run?” Beth asked, confused. “He does that.” Kat said, yawning again, which made Beth yawn. “He works out all the time. You’d think he had enough cardio last night.” Beth blushed. “So he just left us here?” Beth asked after silence fell. Kat almost appeared asleep again. Her eyes slid closed. Kat sighed. “In his defense, we were asleep and safe until you started moving around. We’d better get dressed. What time is it?” She opened her eyes. Beth rolled over, but her alarm clock wasn't there when she looked at the nightstand. Of course it wasn’t. This wasn’t her bedroom. It was Arthur’s. Well, it was technically Arthur’s. He hadn’t finished moving in yet. The room was naked, with only the TV, table, nightstands, and bed. Its nakedness made hers even more vulnerable. She scooted to the edge of the king-sized bed and covered herself with the blanket. “You don’t have to be shy around me.” Kat said from behind her. “You practically humped me to orgasm last night. I think we’re past the shy stage.” Beth frowned. “I’m… I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” “Was I complaining?” Kat asked, her tone sharp. Beth looked confused. “I… I guess I was, wasn’t I? Sorry. It’s early. I need my coffee. And I’m a little mad that he didn’t even leave a note.” Kat looked around her side of the bed. She spotted their phones plugged in and charged across the room. Arthur set them on the long table with the caged bottom beneath the wall-mounted TV. Master: I’m downstairs. Join me in the kitchen if you wake up before I come upstairs. “He’s downstairs. He says we should join him in the kitchen.” Kat said, standing there naked. Beth noticed the bruises on her ass cheeks and wondered if they hurt. If they did, Kat didn’t mention it. “I have to pee first.” She walked past Beth to the bathroom and closed the door. An exclamation a few seconds later made Beth approach the door. “Are you okay?” Beth asked. “Yeah.” Kat said. “Sorry. I wasn’t prepared for how much this hurts sitting down.” Beth nodded, realizing Kat couldn’t see her through the door. “Do you need anything?” “No–just need a minute.” Kat’s voice came through the door. Beth nodded and walked away, checking her phone. She sighed. Seventeen missed messages and six missed calls, all from Krissy. It was early, but she figured Krissy would either be awake or sleep through the call, and she could leave a message. She wanted to text, but if Krissy was in a panic, she’d need to call to calm her. Krissy: Hey, you coming home tonight? Lol. Krissy: You said you had a dinner meeting. Is that still going? Krissy: Let me know when you’re going to be home. Krissy: I tried calling. Pick up! Krissy: Elizabeth! Answer your phone! Krissy: Did you lose your phone? Krissy: You turned your location off? Krissy: Aunt Diane doesn’t know where you are either. Krissy: You’re not at Mom and Dad’s? Krissy: Are you on a date? Krissy: Hello? Krissy: If you get abducted by a Tinder date, I’m taking your bath bombs.Krissy: ELIZABETH BEATRICE RIAN! ANSWER YOUR PHONE! Krissy: Okay, I’m seriously worried. Girl, call me as soon as you can! Krissy: I’m about to start driving between here and Pendleton.Krissy: I’m assuming you lost your phone or something. Call me as soon as you can! I’m going to the cops in the morning if you aren’t home when I wake up! Krissy: Seriously! Where the fuck are you?!?The last text was four hours old. Krissy must’ve fallen asleep. Beth felt guilty calling if she was going to wake Krissy, but a text wouldn’t cut it. She took a deep breath, sat on the edge of the bed, pulled the blanket over her bottom half, and called. Krissy answered on the third ring. “Where the fuck are you? Are you okay?” “I’m fine!” Beth said. “I… I met a guy last night.”“You what?” Krissy asked. “Where? When? Was this at your dinner meeting? Is he a work friend?” “We had dinner together, and things went really well. He’s a friend, but I’ll stop by home on my way to work. I can’t tell you much about him; I just wanted to let you know I’m okay and safe.” “DON’T SCARE ME LIKE THAT!” Krissy yelled into the phone so that Beth had to hold it away from her ear. “Are you kidding me? You could have been murdered! Do you know this guy? Why can’t you tell me—” “I know him. I trust him. We had a great time. I’m coming home as soon as I can.” Beth said, doing her best to stay calm despite her hammering heart. “Are you still with him right now?” Krissy asked. “Where are you?” “I’m at his house.” Beth said, not explaining further. “He’s downstairs, making breakfast.” “He’s making you breakfast?” Krissy asked, calmer now. “Is he hot?” Beth rolled her eyes. “Very hot.” “How far did you go?” Krissy asked with excitement in her voice. “Uh… I spent the night.” Beth said. “I’ll tell you about it later. I have to hang up before he comes upstairs, but I’ll be home soon, okay?” “Well, hurry! I want to hear all about it! AND DON’T YOU EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN! NEXT TIME YOU PULL A ONE-NIGHT STAND, YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU’RE GOING! GOT IT?” Beth held the phone away from her ear again and took a deep breath. She smiled. Krissy had a point. Not telling her sister where she was going had been intentional but stupid. She should have known her sister would panic. At least Krissy cared. “Okay, I got it. Bye!” Beth said and ended the call as Kat exited the bathroom. She rolled her eyes. “Everything okay?” Kat asked, eyeing her phone. “Yeah. Are you okay?” Beth asked Kat as she stood and moved to help her. Kat waved her away, still walking awkwardly but determined to do it under her own power. “Yeah.” Kat said, nodding. “Just sore in all the right places.” “Do you regret pissing him off last night?” Beth asked, watching Kat move to the bedroom door that led to the hallway. Kat smiled. “Are you kidding? The less he holds back, the better the sex. And last night? Woof. That was the best yet.” Beth smiled, still awkward. Last night was the best time she’d had with Arthur, too. It should be the last time, but she kept thinking of possibilities for next time. There shouldn’t be a next time. She recognized that and so did Arthur. Yet after everything they’d done, she didn’t want to stop. “You’re…” Beth started to speak but stopped when Kat turned to look at her. Beth looked away, turning to face the window. “What?” Kat asked. “You’re really okay with… what we’re doing? What we did last night?” Beth asked without looking at her. “You’re not worried about Arthur and I sleeping together? It all seems so… unreal.” Kat considered her question for a moment. “I trust Arthur.” Kat started to sit on the edge of the bed beside Beth and paused, standing again before her ass made contact. She huffed. “Despite appearances, Arthur… makes me feel amazing and gives me what I need. He takes care of me, more than sexually, I mean. He rides to my rescue mid-fuck with Kelly, cleans my car as a surprise, and cares for me in different, small ways and big ones.” Kat said with a growing smile on her face. “I am his submissive, and he is my Sir. If he wants to fuck you, he can fuck you. If he wants to help you find a Dom, he’ll help you. I know it’s weird sometimes, but… when you let go of everything people expect and declare as normal and enjoy yourself? It’s amazing.” Beth didn’t answer. She didn’t have an answer, but it aligned with her experience. Every time something started with Arthur, she imagined what she should do and say. She recognized the right thing to do, but then he’d smile that wicked grin and look at her with that look. Her plans fell away, and she’d drop to her knees for the chance of hearing him call her a good girl. “Nothing I’ve done with that man has been normal.” Kat said. “But… fuck. I’ve never been so exhausted from cumming so hard. Have you?” Beth shook her head no. “What about you?” Kat asked. “Are you enjoying it?” Beth nodded her head yes.“Well, there you go. You can stop any time you want, right?” Kat asked. “We have our safewords.” Beth nodded. “You talk even less than I do.” Kat said, scoffing. “Weird to be the more social one in the group.” “I’m… I’m so ashamed.” Beth said, her words quiet. “In the words of my friend Rani: fuck that.” Kat said, shrugging. “There’s no shame in this house. No shame between us, or us and Arthur. This is a safe space where we can be as depraved as we want and enjoy whatever we enjoy. No shame. Do what you want, and we’ll do what we want. Or what Arthur wants.” Beth tried to smile at that, but it was brittle and faded quickly.“Ugh, come on.” Kat said, groaning as she stretched. “It’s too early for this. I need coffee.” Kat held the bedroom door open for Beth, and they made their way downstairs. Their clothes were where they left them, but Kat’s were torn and ripped, discarded on the floor, and unwearable. She sighed and left them on the table by the door before she headed into the kitchen. ~~~Kat entered the kitchen to find Arthur at the stove, wearing an apron and a pair of boxer briefs that showed off his ass. She bit her lip as she watched him, but he spotted her and smiled. “Good morning, sleepyhead.” Arthur said. “How did you sleep?” “Pretty well.” Kat said, stepping closer to him but keeping a respectable distance. She eyed the stove to see he was cooking eggs, which she realized must be leftover uncooked from Sunday’s brunch. “I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.” Arthur said. “Bacon’s in the oven.” “You bake your bacon?” Kat asked. “I’m in an apron that doesn’t cover much above the waist.” Arthur said, turning to show her his bared chest, exposed shoulders, and arms. The only barrier was a small square of fabric in the front with the halter tie behind his neck. The flower-print apron must be his mother’s, and Kat smiled to see it on him. Arthur kissed her forehead, and Kat hugged his waist. “Good morning, Sir.” Kat said. “There’s coffee over there.” He nodded toward the coffee machine. “Mugs are on the island.” He gestured to where he’d pulled two coffee mugs. “That’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.” Kat said, leaving his side instantly and walking awkwardly toward the coffee pot. Arthur noticed her gait and gestured toward the freezer. “There’s an ice bag in there. Sit on it.” He said. “I’ll get you more lotion before we leave.” “Thank you, Sir.” Kat said, pouring her coffee, then getting the ice bag and putting it on the stool closest to him. She blew on her coffee, sending the steam away in a puff of swirling fog before she took a sip. Kat typically added cream and sugar, but there weren’t any here. She checked when she got the ice. “Is Beth awake?” He asked. “Yeah. I think she’s in the foyer, getting dressed. She still has clothes, after all.” Kat pouted. “How am I supposed to drive home now? You ripped my dress. And my bra.” Arthur shrugged. “You wanted me to.” Kat busied herself by sipping her coffee so she didn’t answer that accusation. “I guess you can borrow my undershirt for the drive back. Once I get you into your apartment, you’ll have to return it, though.” Arthur said. “Absolutely not.” Kat said, shaking her head. “I’m your girlfriend, right? If you give me your clothes, I’m obligated to keep them. Forever. They’re mine now.” Arthur laughed. “Fair enough.” ~~~Back in the foyer, Beth did her best to dress on the chilly tile floor. She had no panties to collect but took her bra and dress and put them on. She faced the front door as she dressed, peering through its peephole to see their cars remained where they’d left them the night before. All four. She might have questioned the number more if she was thinking straight or had coffee in her system. She smelled it wafting from the kitchen, and she wanted a mug full of coffee with a plate of whatever Arthur was cooking. The sizzling aroma of bacon joined the coffee and permeated the foyer. Her mouth watered. She heard Kat or Arthur approach from behind her as she struggled with the zipper of her dress. Her arms weren’t as flexible as they needed to be. She knew it would be difficult to get into this again. She’d struggled yesterday, too. At least now she had someone to help her. “Hey, can you give me a hand with this?” She gestured, and a pair of hands pinched the fabric above her bare butt and pulled the zipper up to her neck. “Thanks, I–” Beth turned and froze, looking into a familiar face, but neither Arthur’s nor Kat’s. She struggled to place where she recognized this girl from, and then it clicked. She’d seen her, in passing, at the University. During the homecoming weekend, Beth had been helping Krissy get to the car from the bathrooms in the admin building. They’d let this girl in as they left. She’d claimed she’d forgotten her ID and needed to pee. A student, then. Beth’s face turned ghostly pale.A student who could pair her with Arthur, her employee, and who wasn’t one of his girlfriends. “Hi!” The girl said, smiling like a tiger. “I’m Lynn.” Her grin widened. “Who are you, and why were you naked in my house?” Beth’s mouth opened and closed several times. The girl stood too close for comfort, eyeing Beth like a treat. She deduced Beth wasn’t an intruder, or Beth imagined the girl’s reaction would have been violent instead of smug. Meanwhile, the younger woman wore far too little clothing. Her cropped tank top hung without a bra, and poking nipples tipped her F-cup breasts. Sensual curves and glamor composed her entire body, and her face was pretty, like a movie star’s. The gym shorts only covered the upper half of her ass. Everything else was bare, tanned skin. Long legs, toned arms and stomach, and pearly white teeth.  “Uh… I’m Beth.” She said, answering the first question. “And I… Uh… Arthur?!” Beth called into the kitchen, crying for help. The panic in her cry brought him running.  Arthur emerged through the doorway in a flash, wearing the floral apron. A naked Kat behind him froze in the doorway and hid behind the edge of the archway rather than emerge naked in front of Lynn. Lynn’s eyes flared in triumph at seeing Kat hide but widened in awe at seeing Arthur. “What are you doing here?” Arthur asked, his voice harsh. Beth stammered when she tried to speak but realized he wasn’t angry with or talking to her. He glared at Lynn. Whatever burned between them was fiercer than the faux-anger he’d put into his playing voice. Arthur wasn’t pretending to be anyone’s villain right now. He stood a step away from murder.Beth had never seen him lose his temper, but she witnessed it now. Even when that other asshole dented her car trying to fight him, he’d been calm. This girl appeared, and he turned into the Hulk. “Don’t be like that, Arty…” “You’re supposed to be in the basement.” Arthur said. “You don’t get access to the rest of the house.” “Well, I didn’t know anyone else was here. I thought she might be an intruder until I saw her naked.” Lynn said, gesturing to Beth. “Jesus, what did you do, bang Kat’s mom, too? Her sister and your other girlfriends aren’t enough?” Water stung the corner of Beth's eyes. It was a better assumption than the truth, but hearing she looked old enough to be Kat’s mother stung. “That’s bullshit, you saw the cars. Get out, Lynn.” Arthur said. “Now. Or I’ll toss you out for trespassing.” “Arty…” Lynn stepped closer to him rather than away, looking him up and down and smiling. Her smug expression drove Beth’s terror deeper. “You look good. Domesticity suits you.” She turned toward Beth, reaching for her forearm. “Come–ow!” Arthur grabbed Lynn by the wrist as she reached to touch Beth’s arm, and instead of saying anything playful, he dragged her. Her ankle-sock-clad feet slid on the tile as he marched toward the door beneath the stairs. She struggled against his grip, twisting, slapping, and clawing at his hand, but his grip didn’t flag. “Arty, you’re hurting me!” Lynn cried, hurting herself as she tugged against him. He opened the basement door, flung her through to the landing on the other side, and slammed the door closed. It shut so forcefully that Beth worried it might splinter. “Kat! Chair!” Arthur commanded as he held the door closed with both hands. Kat trotted from the kitchen carrying a kitchen table chair. Arthur propped it under the door handle, preventing the door from opening. He sighed. “I’m adding a deadbolt to this side of the door.” The door handle jiggled, and Lynn pounded on the other side. If she said anything, the door muffled it enough that Beth couldn’t hear it. Beth stared at Arthur in shock, still unsure he’d done what he’d done. “Who was that?” “She’s going to live in the in-law suite downstairs.” Arthur said. “But she’s not a friend. What did you tell her?” “Nothing.” Beth said. She amended her answer once she had a second to think about it. “Just my name. She asked, and I told her my name was Beth.” Arthur took a deep breath. His shoulders shook with it. Kat put her hand on his upper back and hugged him from the side. Beth did the same. Whatever the energy was that made his breathing so ragged, she wanted to calm him. She stroked his chest, feeling his pulse beneath her palm race as if he’d drunk an entire pot of coffee. His expression remained livid, and his eyes burned as if welding the door closed with heat vision. Beth understood he hated this girl, but this seemed like an overreaction to her presence. It wasn’t as if she’d merited such a violent expulsion. “Arthur, are you okay?” Beth asked. “He’ll be fine.” Kat said, pulling them both toward the kitchen. “Come on. Let’s eat breakfast, Sir.” Beth followed Kat and Arthur into the kitchen, still confused but letting Arthur relax as he served eggs and bacon. Kat poured her a mug of coffee. She clung to the mug and sipped it, allowing the warm brew to wake her up. Though running into Lynn had gotten her heart thundering in her ears. Their breakfast continued in silence until Arthur calmed himself. “Where did the bacon come from?” Kat asked. “I don’t know.” Arthur answered. “It was in the fridge. I assume my mom bought it for the brunch and never cooked it?” “We had so much food.” Kat said. Arthur nodded. “Any plans today?” “Class, work, the usual.” Kat said. “But you start before I do. You two?” “Work and class, the usual.” Arthur said, mellowing with every volley. Beth couldn’t stay long. She had to go home before going to the office, as did Arthur and Kat. Still, once the anger passed, Arthur became very affectionate with both of them. They patted and connected with each other as he cleaned the dishes. They hugged, and he kissed them. He gave them plenty of affection as they prepared for their departure, cleaning up their mess and removing any sign they’d been there. Beth appreciated the attention. She hoped it’d lead to more than it did. It wasn’t foreplay like she’d hoped, but more aftercare. Their intense session the night before left its mark on Kat’s behind and Beth’s mind. Still, Arthur appeared distracted, and Beth wondered what churned through his head. She didn’t know how she’d make it through a day at the office without picturing him naked beneath her, driving her toward the ceiling with every glorious thrust. He was supposed to set her up with someone. Yet any man Arthur set her up with had stiff competition. How could anyone live up to the comparison? Beth waited by the door as Arthur and Kat ascended the stairs to dress. Kat descended first, wearing a white t-shirt that was too short to be a proper dress. It was too transparent. Beth spotted the tips of Kat’s nipples through the material, and it was clear she wasn’t wearing a bra or panties. Especially when she bent over to put her shoes on. Arthur appeared, wearing his dress shirt and slacks, and his suit jacket hung over his arm. He put the jacket over Kat’s shoulders before they left. Kat hugged it closed, moved to her toes, kissed Arthur, and nodded goodbye to Beth. Kat sat carefully in her car, still using Arthur’s suit jacket as a coat. Arthur walked Beth to her car. “I’ll see you at the office?” Beth asked, not knowing why she sounded like a high schooler at the end of a first date. “Of course.” Arthur said. “Oh, and uh… well, never mind, we’ll discuss details at the office, but I might need to leave early today. If that’s okay.” Beth rolled her eyes. He’d probably need to keep leaving early until they figured out his new hours. Until then, he could do as he pleased. With their arrangement, he was the one in control. “You make the rules, remember? It’s fine. I’ll… I’ll see you there.” Arthur nodded, and not sure whether she should, she accepted his hug one last time. He closed her driver-side door after making sure she was ready. Then Arthur jogged to his car. The three of them drove away from the house, leaving the fourth car in the driveway. ~~~Lynn watched the three cars drive away. Kat wore Arty’s suit jacket as she got into her car. Not a big deal. She was Arty’s girlfriend for some reason. It boggled Lynn’s mind that someone as hot as Arty included someone as average as Kat among his girlfriends. There was no accounting for taste, she supposed. Or she was a package deal with the lithe sister, Selene. Kelly was the only one Lynn considered a threat. And Beth was a girlfriend now, too? Was she a street walker they’d brought home? No. That didn’t fit. The dress looked slutty, sure, but not that slutty. Lynn rubbed her wrist. He hadn’t hurt her, not really, but he’d been so unyielding to her struggle against him. It made her imagine disgusting scenarios, with him holding her against the wall, his hand at her throat clasped as tight and unrelenting as his grip around her wrist. She coughed, shaking the thoughts from her head. No. That wasn’t right. She wanted to be the one with her hand around his throat, making him kneel and worship her. Right? She left the basement window and returned to her bedroom. So, what was Beth’s story? She looked familiar, and not just because she looked like a MILF relative of Kat. Where had Lynn seen her before? Beth’s humbled expression at being referred to as Kat’s mom had been delicious. She wasn’t a cougar but acted sensitive about her age and body. Whoever she was, she was too easy to fuck with. Lynn pondered Beth’s face as she marched around the outside of the house to the front door. The box under her arm was closed. She used the key Deb gave her for emergencies on the front door, deactivated the alarm, and moved the chair from blocking the basement door. She carried it into the kitchen, pushed it into place at the table, and sighed. Arty would be a problem. He hadn’t stopped when she said he hurt her. That wasn’t the Arty Lynn knew. He wouldn’t listen to her, which meant she held less control over him rather than more. Why did nothing work? She could only recon for so long. Convincing Arty hadn't worked. Playing with Selene hadn't worked. She’d landed in this mess without realizing their polyamorous situation. So, blackmailing the girl with Kelly was doomed from the start.So far, the only victory was that they thought she was a harmless idiot. She almost laughed as she recalled Mindy, Rani, and the others at brunch. She’d riled Deb in the crossfire, but she’d be easy to reconcile. One invitation for a coffee date with Auntie Deb and Lynn would be back in her good graces as a surrogate daughter. She should schedule that soon. With the information gathered Sunday morning, Lynn spent Sunday and Monday working the hardest she’d ever worked on her new pet project. She now had everything she knew about the girls consolidated and ready to go. She loved playing these games, and winning.    It was time to separate Arty from his harem. That was the first goal line. And where to start became a straightforward choice. Mindy had mocked her. She might have started with Arty if the stars aligned, but no. It was a pity there’d been two other women in the house this morning. Maybe she should have interrupted his workout. She could have claimed something had happened if they met alone in the house together. An old threat, sure, but an effective one in her experience. She’d just have to orchestrate time alone with him. Maybe she could somehow get access to his apartment or ambush him at school. School. The University. That was where she’d seen Beth before, exiting the admin building at homecoming. She was too old to be a student. An alumnus? Or was Arty fucking a professor? Holy shit, Arty. Way to take a play out of her playbook. Lynn smiled at the thought. She had to discover which classes Beth taught and get her blackmail material. Then Arty would ditch those bitches and wrap himself around her finger like a ring. It was a great start to her Tuesday. She laughed as she carried her box upstairs and started looking for the stuffed bears. None sat in the master bedroom. Pity. None in the other rooms either. Lynn sighed. Those bitches must have taken them home. Fuck. She’d have to wait. She took the box downstairs with her. Lynn locked the front door and descended to her basement apartment. She tossed the box onto her sofa and opened her laptop on her kitchen counter. She tabbed over from her research on the other girls. She double-checked, but according to Facebook, Selene and Kat’s mom, Melissa, looked nothing like Beth. Kat must have gotten her lack of looks from her dad. Lynn had stalked his girlfriends’ social media accounts through fake accounts with pics taken at homecoming and mapped out their contacts on a spreadsheet. Her plan to break up Arty’s Harem was getting complicated, and it would only be more difficult if he kept adding bitches like that professor. Lynn pulled up the University’s website and started searching through their faculty and staff page. She searched for Beth and found an Elizabeth Rian with a profile photo much prettier than the hot mess she’d seen this morning. With makeup and her hair done in the staff photo, she looked almost human, five years younger, and twelve pounds lighter. This morning, the woman’s hair gave Lynn the impression that she’d been through a hurricane. And her makeup had been a sight. Lynn sighed. It didn’t help knowing that Arty could fuck. He must have gotten laid a lot during his college career. A pity she hadn’t bugged the master bedroom yet or swapped out the decoys.Beth. She needed to focus on Beth. The woman was clearly not a random hookup. Arty cared about her. He protected her. Yet Beth acted like Lynn caught them, her guilt plain on her face, and her life was over. When Lynn found her, her frightful expression sprang out of a B-horror flick. Beth wasn’t a professor, though. Pity. According to the directory, Beth managed the marketing operations office, which sounded dull. So how had she and Arty crossed paths? She pulled up Arty’s socials with her mom’s account. He’d blocked Lynn, but Arty was too nice to cut ties with her family. She searched his friends but found no Beth or Elizabeth matching the woman. Weird. Ah, but there it was in Arty’s timeline. He worked at the marketing operations office. He’d changed his employment status recently to declare his promotion to supervisor. “Oh, my god.” Lynn said, staring at Arty’s profile picture. “You’re fucking your boss and got a promotion out of it. Oh, you are so fucked.” She laughed her mocking laugh at him. Now, all she needed was proof.In the meantime, she’d let them know not to fuck with her by making an overture. Mindy had it coming. Lynn tabbed over to the Garden Wok’s menu to plan her lunch.  ~~~Selene woke when she heard the keys in her apartment door, and her apartment door opened. Groggy, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes with her forearm and blinked at the surroundings of her once-familiar bedroom. She’d spent so much time at Arthur’s falling asleep with him she didn’t sleep as well without him nearby. She slid from her bed and opened her door a crack, expecting to see Kat’s walk of shame. And what a walk of shame it was. Selene giggled to see Kat’s wild hair and washed face devoid of any makeup. She noticed the shirt Kat wore wasn’t the dress she had on yesterday, either. A more pleasant surprise was Arthur’s presence with a small duffel bag. Had they come straight from the house? No, they stopped at his apartment first. So why had they come here? “Is she awake?” Arthur asked, his voice low and quiet. “I’ll wake her up.” Kat said. “You go get ready for the shower.” “I’m awake!” Selene said, stepping through the door in a hurry. They answered her question. They’d come here for her. She ran to Arthur’s feet. He moved for a hug, but she dropped to the floor in a Nadu pose before Kat or Arthur could say anything. She was completely nude except for the collar around her throat. Selene considered donating her old pajamas to Goodwill since she didn’t intend to wear them anymore. She only wore things with Arthur’s permission, and even though he’d never told her so, she’d decided that slaves didn’t wear pajamas. Arthur smiled. “Good morning, Slut.” His gaze fell on her lithe ballerina body as she spread her knees wider for him to get a good look between her legs. Selene returned his smile. “Good morning, Master. How may I please you this morning?” She opened her mouth and pushed her tongue forward, letting it hang out of her mouth to welcome his cock. If he wanted her, she was there for him. “Subtle.” Kat sniped as she walked past Selene and stripped off Arthur’s t-shirt. Arthur threw the suit jacket he’d been carrying onto their sofa. “Your sister and I thought we’d use your shower to get ready this morning instead of mine.” Arthur explained. “What do you think, Brat? Should your sister join us or watch?” Selene bowed her head, trying not to show how pleased she was at the idea of either option. “I am your submissive, and you are my Sir.” Kat recited. “Decisions are your job, so do your fuckin’ job. We’ll do whatever you want.” Arthur rolled his eyes. “Get in the bathroom, Brat. You too, Slut.” Kat sighed and marched to the bathroom as if it were a chore. Selene followed, crawling on her hands and knees. Arthur walked behind them both, enjoying the view. “I see my sister earned quite the spanking last night.” Selene said, eyeing Kat’s bruised ass. “Yes, she did.” Arthur said. “Want me to tell you about it?” Arthur asked. Selene nodded vigorously, so Arthur did. She turned on the shower water, and Kat and Arthur stepped in. Selene knelt on the bathmat, listening to Arthur tell her the story of last night as he washed Kat. Their shower might have had room for three, but it would be a tight squeeze like at Arthur’s. With Selene on the outside, it let Arthur and Kat move around more, and Arthur took full advantage of playing with Kat’s body while they bathed. He squeezed, groped, and fingered as he wanted to, and Kat’s soapy body fell against him for support. His cock lodged between her cheeks, the only part of her ass that wasn’t red or bruised. Kat closed her eyes and moaned as Arthur’s thighs pressed her round ass flat. His arms around her held her against him. One hand fucked her, the other groped her breasts. She raised her hands, holding onto him overhead and behind her as he drove her toward the crisp edge of pleasure. Arthur smiled as he recounted the story of Kat and Beth switching off blowing him under the table at the restaurant. He told Selene how he stripped Kat in the foyer. Kat came as he retold how he tanned her hide and brutally fucked her over the bed.  Selene listened to their story, wishing she’d been there last night or gone to them after the Theater Club meeting. Instead, she’d gotten a lift from Caleb and came home. She’d considered sleeping at Arthur’s, but she’d slept here since she had homework and knew Arthur wasn’t coming home that night. When Arthur finished with Kat, he rinsed her off, then kissed her forehead. She stepped out of the shower, and Selene handed Kat her usual towel. Kat took Selene’s spot on the bathmat, drying herself off. Selene took her place in the shower, washing Arthur. She spent far more time washing his cock than necessary because it grew every time she stroked it, to her absolute delight. “You still have enough left over for me?” “Of course.” Arthur said. “Do you want to suck it?” The water had rinsed away the soap, which meant he was fresh rather than with Beth or Kat lingering on him, but Arthur’s raw taste had its appeal. She dropped to her knees, steadying herself on the sides of the tub, and sucked him into her mouth. Arthur clenched, holding himself steady with one arm on the tile wall, the other on Selene’s head as she bobbed back and forth. He slowed her speed, even though they were in a rush. His cock flexed in her mouth, and she doubled her efforts, using a hand at the base to jerk him off into her mouth.“Hurry, Slut. If our Master is late for work, you know he’ll blame us, and my ass can’t take another spanking, so it’ll all be on you.” Kat said, watching Selene make Arthur’s fists clench with the build-up of his impending release. Selene continued, and Arthur rested his hand on her head for balance. Kat placed one hand on Selene’s head and the other on the small of Arthur’s back. She shoved Selene’s face forward, making her choke on Arthur’s cock. Arthur lifted his head back. Selene turned her choking into a consistent massage until Arthur’s clenching loosened. He pumped his release into Selene’s throat, then her mouth as Kat allowed her to withdraw. She swallowed every drop, then licked and rinsed him clean. “Thank you, Slut.” Arthur said, patting her head. “Of course, Master. I’ll gladly suck you off any time you want.” Selene said, smiling as she wiped the corners of her mouth with her thumb. Arthur laughed and switched places with her. “You can masturbate yourself to release today. Film it for me. I’ll watch it the next time I let you suck my cock.” “Yes, Master.” Selene said, imagining how she’d do it. He washed and rinsed her, and by the time they stepped out, Kat had finished curling her hair. Arthur stepped onto the mat and passed Selene her towel, forcing Kat out of the bathroom as she had to dress.Selene started by drying Arthur, pausing as he bowed to let her dry his hair. “What happened at Theater Club last night? You said someone tried to kick me out?” “Yvonne.” Selene sighed and told him the story as she dried him off, recounting every detail. “I can’t believe Yvonne quit.” Arthur said, still stunned. “The club meant so much to her. Is she okay?” “Who cares?” Selene asked. “She’s a bitch.” “Selene.” Arthur said with his voice firm. “I know she’s a diva and a bitch sometimes, but she’s our friend and obviously more upset over this than we realized.” “Master, you can’t control everyone’s reaction to everything.” Selene said, drying his feet. “Yvonne’s just jealous because you didn’t fall and worship at her feet the moment you became single again. Did you ever even consider asking her out before you and I started doing this?” “Well…” Arthur hesitated. “No.” He admitted. “Not really. She’s attractive, but something about her has always rubbed me the wrong way. She reminds me of Lynn, I think. That’s not her fault, obviously, that’s my baggage. But I still feel guilty. Should I reach out to her and see if I can calm her down? She’s always responded well to me when she’s upset.” Selene scoffed, tucking her towel around her after drying her hair. “And when will you squeeze that into your busy schedule?” Selene raised an eyebrow when Arthur didn’t answer. He was in high demand. He had to leave them soon for work, which meant this would be the furthest they could go for now. Arthur had his classes, work, and Rani’s photoshoot this afternoon/evening. Tomorrow was work, class, night class, and the post-harem-meeting orgy if he was up to it. Selene hoped to make that a regular occurrence. It was a great way to conclude the dull business end of six or seven people dating each other. On Thursday, Arthur had another night class. His next free evening was Friday, and everyone in the harem was eyeing the slot for their date night. Saturday was the Ren Faire. “Maybe lunch?” Arthur asked. “I don’t know.” He stopped trying to figure it out as Selene pushed him out the bathroom door, holding onto his hips as she shoved him into her room. Arthur picked out her clothes for the day, and they dressed in a hurry. He was in a rush after seeing the time, and Selene followed him to the front door. Kat was in the living room wearing a robe and drinking coffee.“I love you, Master.” Selene said, dropping to her knees by the door. “I love you, too, Selene.” Arthur said. He tilted her chin and kissed her. She leaned upward to meet him and closed her eyes as their lips pressed together. Kat stood beside Selene, cleared her throat when they finished, and presented her forehead. Arthur kissed her forehead, then tilted her chin toward him and brought her lips to his. “Be good.” He told Kat. “Make me.” Kat said, winking at him. “Oh, wait, I guess you did.” She mimed spanking herself.Arthur laughed. He squeezed their hands before he departed after double-checking that he had everything. Selene closed the door behind him and leaned against it. A dreamy expression clouded her face. Kat looked at the door with a similar goofy expression, her eyes hooded. “You love him.” Selene said, looking at Kat. Kat stuck her tongue out at Selene. Selene returned the gesture and laughed. Their old sisterly gesture was like a hug between them. “Have fun at work! I’m going to go masturbate.” Selene said, striding toward her room. Kat sighed and rolled her eyes but started her makeup routine. “You sure you don’t want a ride to campus? He didn’t say where you had to masturbate.” Selene peeked out of her room with a wicked gleam in her eye. “Oh my god, you have the best ideas.”~~~Rani’s morning was much the same as her evening and night. She’d completed her electronics project. She planned to do one more pass to check her work but needed time away. Her proximity sensor project was nearly complete; she needed to test with her Arduino, but that’d wait until the other materials she ordered arrived. When morning broke in through the lounge windows, Rani shuffled to the coffee cart and bought six shots of espresso to get her through the day. Classes usually held her attention, but she had trouble focusing. She kept doodling the letter M in her notebook. Mindy hadn’t messaged her or anyone. The group chats had their basic chatter, but Mindy hadn’t read or supplied any. Rani checked and double-checked. After class, Rani stood outside the science building, staring at her phone. Mindy worked with Arthur. Arthur would have messaged the group if she hadn’t been there. Rani could always message the others to see if anyone had seen her. No, she was being stupid. Direct was always best. Rani: Mindy, are you okay?Mindy didn’t answer. Rani: I haven’t seen a peep of you online since I left your parent’s apartment last night. Are you okay? Are you safe? Mindy: I’m fine.Rani: We need to talk. Can we have lunch together? Mindy: Every time we eat together, something dramatic happens. Rani: That’s not true. It wasn’t, and Rani knew Mindy knew that, but the avoidance triggered a deep fear in Rani’s brain that set off her alarms. Should she reach out to Kelly or Arthur to mediate? But if either of them got involved, she’d have to expose Mindy as a liar to explain the problem. That might make the confrontation more dramatic. Rani: We can ask Kelly or Arthur to join us if you want a mediator, but we need to discuss and resolve this. We can’t avoid it, and we need to talk about it in person. I always come off too snippish and blunt in text. Mindy: You’re blunt in person, too, lol. The lol was a good sign, right? Rani took hope in that until Mindy took it away. Mindy: You’re blunt in person, too. (edited) Rani sighed. Rani: I can’t help that, and I don’t have the energy to filter today. I’m running on espresso here. So… lunch? We can eat somewhere private if you’re worried about dramatics in the cafeteria. Mindy: Fine. The cafeteria’s fine, but everyone else will be there, too. We could always box our lunch and take it to the pond? Rani: Sure. That works for me.Mindy: Okay. See you then. Rani sighed, leaning against the science building and clutching her phone to her chest. She took a deep breath, enjoying the calm autumn air with its dry, crisp wind. Rani closed her eyes and appreciated the smell of the dry grass beneath her feet and the crunch of leaves against the sidewalk as people walked past her. She dressed for the sixties temperature wise, and the morning had not disappointed her. The high-waisted carpenter jeans cinched to her middle beneath a men’s triple-X hoodie with the University logo on its chest. She wore minimal piercings today and pulled her hair into a simple, messy bun that frayed in every direction behind her head. “Hey, you okay?” A familiar voice asked, approaching from the left. Rani turned to see Katelyn, her arm in a sling. Her blue jeans were tighter on her legs than Rani’s, and her pink and white sweater was far less baggy. For a moment, Katelyn’s recognition surprised Rani. Most people didn’t see her when she dressed casually. Then again, Katelyn had seen her in various outfits and lack thereof. “Eh.” Rani said. “I’ve been better. How are you?” “I’m good.” Katelyn said. “Shoulder’s healing. Kelly said you’ve been busy, but I haven’t heard from anyone since Sunday.” “Oh, yeah.” Rani said. “I’ve been slammed, and not in a fun way. Sunday was nice, though.” Katelyn agreed immediately. “Yeah, I loved that house. And Arthur’s mom? She’s my new favorite person.” “Yeah.” Rani said. That was easy to agree to. “How are you holding up? Still mulling over joining the harem?” Katelyn shrugged with one shoulder, a trick she’d developed after accidentally shrugging with both precisely once. “I’m still waiting on my invitation, but Arthur hasn’t called, texted, or… anything. He’s been totally radio silent, which…” “Is pretty shitty of him.” Rani supplied. Katelyn looked surprised. “It’s not intentional.” Rani said. “Sunday night was a lot. And his Monday filled up quickly. He was with Kat and Beth last night. I’m not sure how that went, but Kat’s been joking around in the chats this morning, so I guess pretty well?” “Great.” Katelyn said. “Someone else to split Arthur’s attention and make me feel like crap. Is Beth a new addition, too?” Rani raised an eyebrow. They’d kept Arthur busy, and then he had to focus on Beth last night, and he had work and class this morning. “I’m sure he’ll be in touch soon.” Rani said. “It’s the three-day rule, right? He’s probably following that because he thinks you want him to.” Katelyn giggled. “We fucked and did… other things together. He doesn’t need to wait three days to call me.” Rani laughed. “Yeah, I guess not. That was a wild weekend, even for me.” “Wild is understating it.” Katelyn agreed. “I’m still trying to come to terms with the insanity. I can’t believe I said or did half the things I said or did.” “Do you regret it?” Rani asked. She didn’t know Katelyn that well, but after the weekend they’d had, maybe she knew her better than most. “No.” Katelyn said immediately. “I mean, not exactly.” She shook her head. “I don’t regret the weekend, but yesterday was awkward between me and Kelly. I’m sure it’ll be awkward whenever Arthur’s busy schedule opens up and he calls me.” Rani smiled. “Eh. Awkward is only a thing if you have shame. Good girls have no shame.” Katelyn gave a squeak of surprise at Rani’s casual use of the term. Rani laughed. “Come on. I have to grab a box lunch from the cafeteria. You want to walk with me?” “Sure.” Katelyn said, turning aside. “I was heading that way myself, trying to beat the rush.” Katelyn turned aside, and Rani walked beside her as they traipsed from the science building across campus to the cafeteria. The typical flood for lunch was a trickle when they arrived. The hour was too early for most people’s lunch. So, instead of eating early, they sat in the lounge area, waiting for their friends and catching up. Kelly arrived a few minutes later and joined them, hugging Katelyn and kissing Rani, to Rani’s delighted surprise. “Well, hello, Miss Linnehan.” Rani said, retaking her seat. Kelly laughed, blushing as she perched her butt on the arm of Katelyn’s wooden chair that she wasn’t using. “Hello, Miss Shah.” Kelly said. “Hey guys!” Selene joined them next, wearing her choker, a long black skirt, and a long-sleeved knitted sweater over a black bralette. Rani smiled to see her and blew her a kiss. Selene gave her one in return, then kissed Kelly and sat on the floor in front of Rani’s chair since Rani had her legs tucked under her, sitting criss-crossed. Kat arrived next, waving hello and sitting across from Katelyn and Kelly. The group turned when someone they didn’t recognize approached and waved at Kelly. “Oh!” Kelly said, hopping up from her seat. “Thalia, hi.” “Hey.” Thalia waved to the others. She had a thick accent, but Rani couldn’t place it. She hadn’t heard many Greek accents. “Everyone, this is Thalia. Thalia, this is Katelyn, whom you know, and that’s Selene, her sister Kat, and our girlfriend Rani.” Kelly said, gesturing to each of the gathered women. Thalia raised her eyebrow. “I thought you were dating your gym husband? Or did you mean girlfriend in the what-is-the-word way?” “Platonic, but no.” Kelly supplied, smiling. “And I am dating Arthur, yes. So are they.” She gestured to the other girls. Thalia raised her eyebrows. “This man must be god. You are all very hot.” Selene nodded. “Arthur’s practically my god. I spend more time on my knees with him than at church.” The others laughed. “Rani is the photographer, yes?” Thalia asked, turning to face Rani. “I am modeling for you later.” Rani nodded, smiling as she stood and offered her a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you.” “Pleasure is mine.” Thalia said. “We meet at the dorm later, yes?” “Yep!” Rani nodded. “I look forward to it.” Thalia said, smiling in an award-winning way. The young woman was taller than Katelyn, though not quite Arthur’s height. Muscles filled her frame, and her toned body stood with long legs she showed off in a short asymmetrical skirt. Its left half was at the top of her stocking-clad thigh, while the right fell to her ankle. A flowery ruched hem slashed across her, showing tall, knee-high boots with inch-high heels. Her top hung over the waist, a thin, long-sleeve cotton top that hung off her shoulders with thin spaghetti straps. The material showed off her flat stomach, strong back muscles, and shapely chest. “Would you like to have lunch?” Kelly asked. “Of course!” Thalia said, throwing her arm around Kelly’s shoulders. “Come!” Kelly grabbed her purse, and they walked away but turned toward the cafe rather than the cafeteria.“Okay, I’m still not bi, but was it just me, or was Thalia super hot?” Kat asked, looking at Rani. “Super hot.” Rani said. “I almost wish I wasn’t photographing her so I could bang her instead, but she’s perfect for what I wanted.” “Closed circle, remember?” Selene asked. “You’d have to ask Arthur’s permission first.” Rani rolled her eyes. “Think he’d say no? Did you see the muscles on her? She’s even more muscular than Kelly. Bulkier. Can you imagine if they wrestled? Or Thalia and Arthur going at it all rough and tumble?” She sighed dreamily. “I shouldn’t bang my models. It’s unethical. Well, except Arthur. But I’m not a professional photographer, so it’s okay to dream.” Katelyn giggled. “I’m gonna get lunch.” She said, standing. “You coming, P-K?” Kat stood up, brushing off her lap. “I’m coming.” She said. “Slut? Queenie?” “I’m waiting for Master.” Selene said. “I mean, Arthur!” She blurted, then realized they were alone. No one else outside the harem heard her, so she relaxed. Kat laughed, shaking her head as she and Katelyn entered the cafeteria.“You can go if you want to, though.” Selene said, glancing at Rani. “I’m waiting on Mindy. She and I are going to eat by the pond.” Rani said. “Oh.” Selene said, her tone curious but not pressing further. “That sounds like fun.” Rani nodded. “We had a… a whole thing last night.” “Oh! That’s right!” Selene said, clearly remembering their text conversation. “How did meeting her mom go?” Rani told Selene the story, following it up with her meeting Yvonne during her all-nighter in the lounge. She’d meant to message Selene earlier, but her fretting over Mindy distracted her. Selene was all ears for the first story but looked angry when Rani relayed Yvonne’s words. Still, she let Rani finish with minimal interruptions. “That is such a… a twisted version. That is not what happened. I didn’t steal Master–Arthur from her. She didn’t make a move, and I did. If anything, she should blame Lori. She’s the one who–” Rani slid to the floor beside Selene and hugged her, silencing her with a kiss. Selene’s eyes widened in surprise, but she settled into the kiss. Someone walking past wolf-whistled at them, and Rani absent-mindedly gave them the finger. Rani ended the kiss and took her seat back. “What was that for?” Selene asked. “You were upset.” Rani shrugged. “I thought that might center you.” “Well… yeah, but…” Selene sputtered. “I mean… it kinda did, but now my heart is racing…”Rani laughed. “Don’t worry about Yvonne. I’m more worried about Mindy. What does it mean for the harem if I fuck this up?” “You and Mindy aren’t breaking up. Neither is the harem. We love you both.” Selene said as if it were a matter of fact. Rani supposed it was. “And it sounds like you figured out what you need to do.” Selene said. “But what about the lies?” Rani asked. “How can we trust Mindy when she’s lied so much and insists on lying to her family?” “I… kind of see her point about lying with the football stuff.” Selene said. “I’ve definitely feigned ignorance once or twice. Not with Arthur, of course.” Selene clarified. “It feels gross, but a woman has needs.” Rani sighed. “Arthur’s going to freak out if he learns she lied to him, though.” Rani said. “He doesn’t like liars.” “Arthur will forgive her.” Selene said. “Give him some credit.” “I do.” Rani said. “He’s so much more mature and emotionally aware than I thought he was.” Selene raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like your date Sunday was pretty eye-opening.” “Yeah.” Rani said. “What did you two discuss before we arrived?” Selene asked. “I…” Rani hesitated, wanting to tell her but knowing she would rob Arthur of the chance if she did. With him, at least, it wasn’t a matter of dishonesty but transparency, and he intended to catch everyone up at the next harem meeting. Hopefully, after the sex, because it would ruin things if it happened before. “Rani?” Selene asked when Rani didn’t reply. “I’ll let him tell you.” Rani said. “Oh-my-god.” Selene said, her eyes widening as she stared at Rani. She moved closer, standing on her knees beside Rani’s chair. “He told you what happened between him and Lynn, didn’t he?” “You know?” Rani asked, surprised. She thought only Kelly, Lori, Arthur, and Lynn knew. Even then, she hadn’t verified with Kelly what she knew. “It wasn’t hard to figure out!” Selene said. “What else could make you so cagey? What did he say?” So she didn't know. “I’ll let him tell you that.” Rani said. “When he’s ready.” Selene frowned. She sat back on her heels and crossed her arms. “I can’t believe he told you before he told me.” Rani sighed. “Selene, it’s not a competition. He just wanted to get it off his chest, and I forced him to. Plus, he knew I wasn’t going to break down and cry on him. The man is obsessed with keeping you happy.” Selene processed that, and Rani watched the flicker of her thoughts playing across her face. “That means whatever it was, was bad.” Selene said. “Like… call the cops ‘cause I’m about to murder a bitch, bad.” Rani sighed. “Let’s just say I don’t blame Kelly for chasing her away from Arthur. And I have a new, healthy respect for Kelly’s restraint. I probably owe her an apology for things I said at the hotel.” Selene looked up at her. Her expression was tight-lipped. Her eyes looked frozen in place. Rani turned away to look at the doors where Arthur and Mindy were approaching. Arthur held the door for Mindy, who entered first, smiling, bright, and cheery.Rani’s heart fluttered. She closed her eyes, swallowed, and stood. Selene did the same, springing to her feet and rushing to hug Mindy. They embraced, and Selene traded Mindy for Arthur, who hugged her and rubbed her back. Mindy stepped forward, hugging Rani like nothing was wrong. “Ready for our lunch date?” “Uh…” Rani glanced at Arthur. “Yeah.” “Come on!” Mindy said, linking her arm through Rani’s and turning them toward the cafeteria. Rani followed. Behind them, Selene didn’t let go of Arthur, continuing their hug for several beats longer than usual. Arthur released her, but Selene didn’t release him. “Everything okay?” Arthur asked. “Did I miss something?” “I missed you.” Selene said.  “I missed you too.” Arthur said, patting her butt. “Come on, let’s get lunch.” “Yes, Master.” Selene said, kissing him before she let him lead her to the cafeteria. “I love you.” “I love you, too.” Arthur said, holding her hand as they walked together. Rani went through the line, packing her salad into a wrap within the to-go container. Mindy grabbed a sandwich and a serving of fries. Rani lost track of her, but Mindy came up to her as she waited by the exit. “Sorry. My suitemates wanted to check in real quick.” Mindy said. “I spent the night at my parent’s.” Rani nodded, and they left together, walking out of the cafeteria building before Rani started talking again. They walked against the crowded walkway’s flow, giving them the benefit of no eavesdroppers for more than a sentence at a time. She wanted to say something, but it felt awkward to start while they walked.Mindy walked beside her, both holding their lunch containers with two hands in front of them. The campus walkway shifted, and they crossed the walkway to the park section. Rani’s sneakers crunched the leaves. Mindy brushed the bench at the picnic table before she sat. Rani didn’t. Mindy looked like a chic anime character in her tall stockings and short, pleated plaid skirt. It had to be intentional, Rani thought. The skirt bounced as she walked, teasing but never rising enough to show whether she wore thigh-highs or pantyhose. Her top was even worse, a tight white blouse with the buttons stretching over her bust covered by a tie that matched the blue and black of her skirt. Mindy must have pinned the tie in place because it didn’t move in the breeze.They sat, and Rani inhaled deeply before starting.“I’m sorry, Mindy.” Mindy glanced at Rani in surprise and released a sigh. She’d clearly been expecting a fight instead of an apology. “I’m sorry, too. I should have… I don’t know… I wasn’t ready. It felt like you were pressuring me to tell my Umma about us.” “Maybe I was. I’m sorry for that.” Rani said, admitting the possibility. She hadn’t meant to, but reflecting on it, she saw her guilt in the situation. Her conversation with Yvonne only reinforced the necessity of transparency in her mind. “I don’t like being your dirty little secret.” Rani said. “I don’t enjoy being one thing with one group of people and another with another group. I’m me, and I don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks.” Mindy nodded. “But I’m not you.” Her voice hushed. “I’m not brave like you are.” Rani fell quiet at that, frowning. She didn’t think it was brave, so much as honest. But if Mindy’s fear made her hold back the truth, then maybe it was bravery to her and not a deception versus honesty issue. Rani sighed. She wasn’t perfect, either. Her lack of transparency with Yvonne caused problems. Hiding Arthur’s trauma from the others and omitting her wealth unless asked, she had her ‘secrets’ too, even if she could justify them to herself. Mindy deserved to choose what she shared with her parents. That was separate from lying about her interests and history, but Rani focused on the more important argument.“Are you still mad at me?” They asked at the same time. Mindy giggled. Rani smiled. “I’m not mad.” Rani spoke first. “It hurt last night when you weren’t honest with your mom about us. And I know that it’s your life and your choice who you tell about your sexuality, but… it still hurt. Like you were ashamed of me, or I should be ashamed of me. Of us. I hate that feeling.” Mindy swallowed, looking at her sandwich after she opened her container. “I didn’t mean it that way. I'm sorry.” “I appreciate that. And I understand needing to prepare and ensure you have the energy for that conversation.” Rani said. “Even I get tired of explaining our relationship to people sometimes.” Mindy nodded. “Hopefully, I never have that conversation with Umma.” Rani didn’t want to argue, so she swallowed her initial retort. A rarity for her. Instead, she phrased it as a question. “Can you explain to me why you’d rather lie to your mom than tell her the truth?” Mindy sighed. “It’s just… easier.” She said. “My Umma is a nice person. She is. She loves me and means well, but she interferes and manipulates. If she gets riled, she’ll stick herself into whatever’s going on and ruin everything.” Rani thought back to last night. Her mom seemed nice enough to Rani, but to hear Mindy talk, her mother was a devious tyrant. Mindy appeared able to predict Rani’s thoughts. “She asked me Sunday morning if I could hang out on Monday.” Mindy said. “I told her no because I had homework. Then, the very next day, she just happens to show up to whisk me away for an evening that she clearly planned with Judy? Judy, who was not surprised to see me and who my Umma would never volunteer to hang out with alone. Like, ever. She might not be rude to her face, but she constantly makes comments about her. Criticisms. She hates white people. You heard her last night.” Rani thought back to it, scrunching her brow in confusion as she tried to remember any point when Mindy’s mom had come across as racist. “The whole white man’s world thing?” Mindy reminded her. “She’s constantly saying stuff like that.” “Oh.” Rani said, not quite thinking that was the same thing as racism. “Were you listening to us outside?” Mindy nodded.“I mean… it’s kinda true, though. This is a white man’s world.” Rani said.Mindy sighed. “You and I are both dating a white guy.” Rani said. “A guy who, through no fault of his own, has never had to deal with the shit we have.” Mindy sighed. “It’s not as bad as it used to be.” “Min…” Rani said, hesitating. They’d had different experiences with racism and sexism. Rani had to remind herself that Mindy was young. Rani’d grown up sheltered from the worst of it, too. Her family spent most of their socializing with other Indian families. But she also had an awareness of the world beyond her childhood. She’d met some assholes since leaving her parent’s house. Mindy’s experiences with this world had always been favorable. Rani couldn’t be the one to burst her bubble. “Ran…” Mindy said, confused as to why Rani stopped talking. “Never mind.” Rani said, smiling at Mindy’s mirroring the shortening of her name. “I don’t know what Arthur’s got to do with it. You shouldn’t be on my mom’s side. You should be on my side.” Mindy said. “I’m not taking her side.” Rani said, then paused. “Maybe I did. I’m sorry. I mean, you are right. It is weird that she showed up like that. Does she usually come here to feed the ducks?” Rani asked. “She does. Sometimes. We came here when my brother attended and even before, but she used it as an excuse.” Mindy said. “Well, my mom makes excuses to not have to visit her kids. So, forgive me for being jealous that your mom chases you down.” Rani said, trying to turn it into a joke as she said it. Mindy frowned. “See? You’re still taking her side over mine.” Rani started to say something, then stopped herself. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m awful at this. The girlfriend shit. You have more experience with your parents than I do. I should trust you have more insight into them than I do.” Mindy’s expression turned grateful. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful for my parents. I love my mom, but she’s just so much. She has no middle gear. No off switch. If she found out I was bi, she’d be all over me about it. She’d do all kinds of research, try to convince me I’m not, and work herself into a frenzy over nothing. I’m bi. It’s fine. I even told someone new yesterday! Even though that guy got creepy. Not that my mom would be creepy, but she doesn’t need to know.” The monologue agitated Mindy. When she finished speaking, she was rushing through her words a mile a minute. Yet Rani wanted to make her point before the conversation ended. So when Mindy paused for breath, Rani interjected. “Your mom needs to learn who you are if you want a close relationship with her. Not to mention the rest of your family.” Rani said, unable to restrain herself. She wanted to circle back to the creepy guy later. Right now her attention was on Mindy and Mrs. Tae. “You can’t hide who you are from your family forever.” “Then let me do it in my own time!” Mindy exclaimed. Her raised voice shook her tears loose. “Stop pushing me! I’m not you, okay!” She balled her fists. “If my parents rejected me, I’d be on the street! I’d lose them and the rest of my family forever! Not to mention college and everything! Everything would fall apart! And then I’d lose you, Arthur, Kelly, Selene, and even Kat!” Mindy’s tears dropped from her chin by the time she finished. She’d raised her voice more than she meant to, judging by how she shrunk into herself when she finished speaking. She held her sides and cried. Rani abandoned her side of the bench, slid beside Mindy, threw her arms around her, and hugged her tightly. She didn’t let go, and Mindy gripped Rani’s arm, clinging to her. Was Mindy being overdramatic? Yes. Were her fears rational? No. Could Rani say either of those things without deserving to be slapped in the face? Also no. She remembered what Yvonne said last night. Fears didn’t have to be rational; the only way to get rid of them was to help Mindy feel safe. Mindy needed time, security, and reassurance. Rani could give her those. She had to let Mindy handle her parents on her own schedule. Yet, she was so invested in Mindy’s happiness it was challenging to let her handle it on her own.“I love you.” Rani said, her voice a whisper. “I’d never let that happen to you. I’d never let you get kicked to the curb. If anyone ever tries to hurt you, the entire harem has your back. You know that.” She squeezed Mindy, who sniffled, but Rani didn’t care. “I’ll knee your mom right in the groin if I have to.”Mindy inhaled what might have been a laugh if she wasn’t crying. “I love you, too.” Mindy said, squeezing Rani’s arm in her hand. “I’m sorry I made you feel like I was ashamed of you. I’m not. You’re… you’re the bravest, most amazing person.” “Fuck yeah, I am.” Rani said.Mindy laughed, despite being mid-cry. She patted her tears away, trying to stop crying, but Rani didn’t mind if she cried. Rani wished she could, but she wasn’t a crier. Besides, her tears would be happy ones. She’d said ‘I love you’ and Mindy said it back. “You love me, huh?” Mindy asked, wiping her eyes. “Is it too soon to say it?” Rani asked.  “Probably.” Mindy patted her arm and took a deep breath. “I don’t give a shit.” “I don’t either.” Rani said, pressing her nose into Mindy’s cheek to stop a tear from falling. Mindy turned and kissed her, locking her lips over Rani’s, who returned the kiss with slow and steady heat. Mindy broke away and wiped her tears with her palm, pushing the rivulet to the side. She sniffled. Rani passed her a napkin she’d taken from the cafeteria. “Okay.” Rani said after taking a deep breath. “No more emotional conversations for at least a week. Okay?” Mindy giggled and blew her nose. She mopped up the residual tears and shook her head. “You’re dating five women and one guy. No promises.” “Six women, if you count Katelyn.” Rani said. Mindy nodded. “Seven women and one guy in one relationship means more emotions than any one person can handle.” “It really does.” Rani said, nodding. “I’m glad we sorted this out ourselves, though.” Tomorrow night would be a doozy without adding to the agenda. “Me too.” Mindy said, squeezing Rani. “Are we… are we okay, then?” “Yeah.” Rani said. “We’re okay.” They stayed beside each other on the bench as they finished their lunches, facing the pond and cuddling against one another. The ducks swam on the water, quacking occasionally to communicate. Birds chirped in the trees. Leaves crunched. Cars drove along the street fifty yards away to reach the parking lot. “Do you love Arthur, too?” Mindy asked. “Or just me?” Rani tilted her head, considering her answer before she gave it. “I love him too.” She said. “I don’t think I’m ready to say it to him yet, though.” “You’re capable of holding back something you know to be true?” Mindy asked, teasing her. “Well, when you put it like that… I guess I have to tell him.” Rani said, laughing. “We’ll see how it goes.” Mindy nodded. “You?” Rani asked. “Oh, I love him. I’ve loved him for weeks. I just didn’t want to scare him away.” Mindy said before taking a bite of her sandwich. “I’ve got terribly embarrassing notebooks full of drawings he shouldn’t see for at least a semester.” They laughed. “Why is it so much easier to be vulnerable in ropes, with plugs up our asses, crawling around like dogs on leashes, than to be emotionally vulnerable with people we love?” Rani asked. “Practice?” Mindy asked, making both of them laugh. Their smiles remained well after lunch when they walked hand-in-hand to Mindy’s next class before kissing goodbye.~~~Lynn found The Garden Wok easily. It was the only Asian Fusion restaurant in Reedville, just as Mindy said. The small town had a quaint suburban atmosphere compared to the city Lynn grew up in. There were very few shops here, most of them food-related, and the entire row of buildings and businesses gave off a brick-and-mortar ‘middle class’ vibe. Lynn stepped out of her sleek Ford Mustang and double-checked the locks. The police car parked in the same parking lot was encouraging, at least. She put her sunglasses on as she walked, though it wasn’t terribly bright or warm. Lynn looked the part of a starlet with high-waisted striped diamond-print leggings of blue and gold tucked into her heeled ankle boots. She wore a cropped white sweetheart neckline top that fit her, showing off the taper of her torso from her breasts to her waist. The leggings showed off every curve of her ass and hips, hugging her like a second skin with their soft cotton lycra. She wore a cropped denim bolero jacket that was mostly sleeves over her shoulders and arms. It couldn’t close over her breasts but looked cute and sexy, framing her cleavage to perfection. Lynn stepped into the Garden Wok as if she were ready to step onto a Hollywood movie set. Her hair, nails, and makeup were professionally done. The interior was quaint, with a polished, clean dining area beyond the foyer with its hostess counter. Korean decor hung on the bamboo-stained wood-paneled walls. Green and pink pastel cushions padded the matching benches, chairs, and tables that clashed with everything Lynn wore. Still, the restaurant smelled good. There was something spicy wafting from the kitchen. A few heads at the tables showed it wasn’t a total bust. The Tuesday lunch crowd wasn’t their busiest, but people still needed to eat. The policeman before her in line made Lynn smile. He’d been speaking with the hostess when she entered and turned to give her a long, lingering once-over from her polished toes to her framed breasts, where he’d gotten stuck. Lynn stuck out her hip, then gasped. The hostess surprised her by smacking the police officer across the back of the head. She stood on her toes to do it.  “Jun-Ho!” The older woman said as if it were an insult. The J. on the man’s name tag suggested it was the policeman’s name. “Umma!” The officer protested as he rubbed the back of his head and returned his attention to the hostess. “You can’t do that when I’m on duty. That’s assaulting an officer. I could arrest you.” The woman behind the hostess counter didn’t protest or argue. She huffed in annoyance or challenge, and her mouth pinched closed. She raised her eyebrow as she stared down the much taller, attractive young man.“It’s okay.” Lynn said, her voice high and girlish. She covered her mouth, trying to hide her smile. “I don’t mind, especially when the guy is hot.” The cop blushed, and Lynn removed her sunglasses to get a better look at him. Her eye makeup was stunning. He stammered something, but Lynn didn’t make it out. It might have been Korean. He was cute, tall, broad-shouldered, and fit. Young, too. A hot young cop to toy with? Her day was looking up. She could use someone like that. “Besides.” Lynn said, smiling as she tucked the sunglasses into her purse. “I like a man in uniform.” “Oh, uh…” The cop shifted, looking away as Lynn leaned forward to put away her glasses, acting oblivious to the view he had down her top. Lynn giggled, brushing her hair behind her ear and turning her hand out as if she were nervous. “I was about to eat lunch alone, but if you’re ready for a break… Do cops eat lunch?” “We do, but I–” “He’s married!” The woman behind the counter said. She grabbed the young man’s hand and showed Lynn the ring on his left ring finger. She’d noticed it but wouldn’t let that stop her from having fun. Lynn pouted. “Happily?” The cop’s eyes went wide. The hostess’ eyes narrowed. Lynn laughed, waving her hand in front of her face. “I’m just kidding, I promise.” She said. “Teasing you is fun. Think of it as payback for leering. It’s only fair.” The cop blushed again. “Well, uh… yeah. I should get going anyway… I’ll see you later, Umma. Oh, and Judy wanted me to thank you for inviting her to your girls’ night with Ji-Min. She had a great time.” The older woman glared at the cop again, and he retreated, waving goodbye. He passed her. Just for fun, Lynn winked at him with her back turned to the hostess. He stumbled through the front door, making Lynn laugh. The hostess looked angry, but Lynn couldn’t tell if she was annoyed at her or the cop for leering. “I’m sorry for him.” The hostess said, frowning as if it was her face’s natural expression. “He knows better.” “Oh, it’s okay.” Lynn said. “Honestly. It happens all the time.” The older woman grunted but didn’t argue or comment. “Are you here to pick up, or would you like a table?” “Oh, actually, I’m here to meet Mindy.” Lynn said, lying through her teeth while baring them in a smile. “You know, Mindy?” The hostess asked, following up with a question that sounded even more surprised. “She’s coming here for lunch?” “I was supposed to meet her and her girlfriend Rani here.” Lynn said. “I hoped that cop would spare me from being the third wheel and turn it into a proper double date.” She sighed. “Oh well.” The hostess gave Lynn a funny look, but Lynn expected that. She was gambling. Mindy’s parents were Korean Methodists. Everything on their social media told her that if they knew about Mindy’s sexuality, they weren’t proud of it. Chances were, they were unaware. Mindy’s socials didn’t suggest she was Bi either unless you looked at her interests and spotted the pattern. Lynn kept her smile on as if nothing she said should be confusing. “Is Mindy here already?” She asked. She checked her phone as if she might have a text from the girl. “How do you know Mindy?” The hostess asked, her eyes narrowing and her brow creasing.“Oh, I’m one of her new housemates.” Lynn said. “We’re all renting from the same guy.” “I thought the owner was a lady? Deb Clarke?” The hostess asked. “Oh, sure.” Lynn said. “She and her husband George own the house, but her son Arthur manages the property. He’s a friend of mine.” “You’d better take a table.” The hostess said. Lynn could tell she recognized Arthur’s name, Arthur, but the people coming in behind Lynn distracted her. “Thanks!” Lynn said. “Do you know if Mindy’s parents are here?” She asked as if she hadn’t seen Mrs. Tae’s picture online. “I’d love to meet them, and according to Mindy, they own the restaurant.” “I’m Mindy’s Umma.” The hostess said, moving sharply to pick up three menus and take Lynn to her table. “Is that Korean for sister?” Lynn asked, following her to a table by the exotic aquarium built into the wall. She sat on the bench-side as if she needed a good view of the entrance to spot Mindy and Rani’s arrival. If her attempt to flatter Mrs. Tae worked, the older woman made no sign of it. “It means mother.” Mrs. Tae corrected her. “Oh!” Lynn said, as if unaware who she’d been talking to this entire time. “It’s so nice to meet you! Mindy says the loveliest things about you!” The woman wasn’t sure how to take that. She looked at Lynn in confusion. “Like what?”“Oh, the usual.” Lynn said, recalling her research from social media. “Watching Korean TV shows together, your taste in coffee, that kind of thing. Mostly, she babbles about how lovely it is to have parents break the stereotypes and support her lifestyle.” Lynn shrugged. “She and Rani are so cute together, too. But you know that.” The older woman looked toward the kitchen, then to her hostess counter, where a group of three waited for her. She returned her gaze to Lynn and frowned. “One moment. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” “I’ll be here!” Lynn said cheerily as she opened the menu. She crossed her legs under the table and smiled a wicked grin as she reviewed her options. She already knew what she’d be eating. Mindy’s mom shuffled the three newcomers to their seats, then spoke quickly to the only other waitress working the floor. The server came to Lynn’s table with water and asked if she was ready to order. Lynn ordered her usual sushi order, though she doubted it would be as fresh as the sushi in the city. She was taking a risk here, but she enjoyed her sushi, and if she got sick, she’d make Mindy pay for it. Win-win. Mindy’s mother joined her a minute later, sliding into the seat across from Lynn and leaning forward. “Before Mindy gets here. What did you mean about Mindy’s lifestyle?” She asked.“Oh, you know…” Lynn said, glancing side to side. “That she’s a lesbian? Not many Asian parents would be okay with that, and I know you’re religious.” She eyed the cross necklace Mindy’s mom wore. “So I think it’s really great you accept her for who she is.” “My daughter is not a lesbian.” She shook her head. “I think you misunderstand.” “Oh.” Lynn said, laughing at her mistake. “That’s right. She said bisexual.” Lynn said. “But between you and me? I think she’s just saying that because she’s holding back. I’m sure Rani will help her figure out her sexuality. She’s very experienced.” Mrs. Tae shook her head. “No. Rani is…” She looked around. “Queer.” She said in a hushed tone. Lynn couldn’t tell if she was embarrassed to say the word out loud or trying to respect Rani’s privacy. “But Rani has a boyfriend.” “Oh, you mean Arthur?” Lynn asked. She pulled out her phone. If Mrs. Tae's knowing about Arthur surprised Lynn, she didn’t show it. Instead, she showed Mrs. Tae a picture of Arthur and Kelly she’d taken without their knowledge at homecoming. They sat side-by-side in the bleachers at the game. “No, that’s Arthur’s girlfriend. Kelly. She’s living with us too, of course.” Mrs. Tae looked at the picture and frowned. She looked more confused than before. So Mindy hadn’t told her parents about being bisexual or the harem. Mrs. Tae thought Arthur and Rani were dating, and all Lynn had to do was prove Arthur was dating someone else. She’d wind her up and set her loose. Mrs. Tae would do the rest herself. Perfect. Lynn turned her phone toward herself and looked surprised. Acting like she’d just gotten a message, she rolled her eyes. “I guess I’m on my own for lunch. Mindy said she and Rani got distracted. They do this a lot. You know how lovebirds are.” Mrs. Tae sat across from her, dumbfounded. Lynn giggled. “It’s okay. More sushi for me! But maybe I’ll take it to go?” Mrs. Tae nodded. She said nothing. She left the table and strode into the kitchen as if unaware she was walking. Lynn laughed. “Call me dumb again, whore. I dare you.” She put her phone away, folded her hands on the table, and waited. ~~~The school cafeteria overflowed with people during the height of lunch. Round tables squeezed in as many chairs as they could. Chatter and conversations across the tables filled the dining hall, making the air thick with voices as Katelyn moved through it. She lost Kat somewhere in line for food but knew she’d find her again. Balancing her tray with her plate was manageable as long as she had the counter bars to rest her tray. Doing everything one-handed was an adjustment, but she supposed she should be thankful it wasn’t her dominant arm in the sling. “Here, let me carry that for you.” His baritone voice surprised her as Arthur reached past Katelyn and took her tray. “Oh.” Katelyn said, eyeing him. He wore a navy blue suit with a white-collared shirt, the top button open. He looked good, in a textbook definition of ‘business casual.’ “Thank you.” Arthur nodded. “What other food would you like?” “Oh, uh… fries?” Katelyn suggested. Arthur nodded and took her plate to the bar, where the server gave them a serving of french fries. Katelyn smiled. Arthur playing waiter for her was strange after their night together, but she wasn’t complaining. It was better to have three hands than one. “Anything else?” Arthur asked, looking at the vast array of cafeteria food. “No, that should be good.” Katelyn said, eyeing her sandwich and fries. “Where would you like to sit?” Arthur asked, surveying the dining hall. They spotted Kat simultaneously as she knelt on her chair to wave them over. She’d sat at a table with some of the volleyball girls. Arthur set Katelyn’s tray beside Kat, kissed Kat’s forehead when she lifted it toward him and then returned to the cafeteria for his own tray. “Ooo.” One of the girls cooed at Kat. “Three questions: Where the fuck did you find him? When did you get a boyfriend? And does he have a brother?” Kat rolled her eyes. “It’s new.” She admitted and glanced at Katelyn. “But we’re polyamorous.” “So anybody can fuck him?” The girl asked, leaning to look past Kat. “No.” Kat answered. “It’s a very exclusive club. Just because we’re polyamorous doesn’t mean we’re open.” A few of them stared at Kat. “So, who else are you dating?” The girl asked. “Well, I’m not really–” Katelyn cut Kat off by raising her hand. “Me, kinda.” “No, we’re–” “I knew it!” One of the other girls exclaimed, pointing at Kat, then Katelyn. “You two are so gay for each other. It’s adorable.” “What?” Kat asked, shocked. “No, we’re–”  Katelyn laughed. “We’re just dating the same guy.” Selene said, joining the conversation after she joined the table Arthur pointed out to her. The four other girls at the table stared at Selene, then Arthur, as he approached the table with his tray of food. They eyed him with raised eyebrows and curious expressions, and more than one of them let their eyes linger on his crotch. Katelyn wanted to apologize for her friends, but Arthur sat, and their eyes lifted. “Arthur, this is Ava, Sophie, Claire, and Kennedy, friends from our intramural volleyball team.” Kat said, making the awkward introductions. “Everyone, this is my–sorry, our–boyfriend Arthur.” Ava, an African-American junior, was almost as tall as Katelyn. Her athletic build looked like she should have been on the official school team instead of intramural. Katelyn always wondered why she didn’t try out for the school team, but it was a much bigger commitment, and Ava did everything for fun. Her dreadlocked black hair contained streaks of dyed blonde twisting through the braids, and her smile could light up a room. She didn’t smile at Arthur but looked at him with curiosity. Sophie smiled, her curly black hair twisting and wild as it fell to her mid-back. She was as tall as Katelyn but built more like Kat, with curves. She wasn’t the prettiest, but she was the only one besides Katelyn with a boyfriend, at least until Kat snagged Arthur. That was when Katelyn was dating Sean. Katelyn supposed she was back in that grouping with Arthur, though she wondered about their status. Claire scoffed at Kat’s correction, shaking her head but not being rude. Like Ava, she was athletic in her build but flatter in every respect. Her short, buzzed hair made her appear masculine, but her narrow chin and the feminine features of her face were unmistakable. She was the only one not looking at Arthur like he was a talking dildo. Kennedy, Ava’s identical twin, had her hair loose but cut shorter than her sister’s. She was the only one to answer as Arthur took his seat. “It’s nice to meet you.” “The pleasure’s mine.” Arthur said. “We’ve been wondering what man could tame Kat.” Sophie said. “And you’ve got other girlfriends?” Arthur nodded. “Yeah, we’re trying Polyamory.” He said. “It’s unconventional, but—” “I think it’s great.” Sophie assured him as she cut him off. “Love is love, right girls?” Ava and Kennedy nodded. Claire rolled her eyes. “So, how many people are you dating?” Sophie asked. “And are all of them girls, or…” “Uh, well, there’s seven of us, including Katelyn.” Arthur said. “And we’re in a polycule, so some lines cross, others don’t. We’re still figuring things out.” “Are we including me?” Katelyn asked, looking at Arthur with an expression intended to challenge his statement. “It’s been kinda quiet since Sunday…” “Trouble in paradise already?” Sophie asked, looking between Kat and Katelyn. “That’s my fault.” Arthur said. “I should have reached out to you yesterday. I keep forgetting you’re not in the group chats.” “The two of you need to go on a date.” Selene said, glancing between them. “So you can get to know one another.” Arthur nodded. “That’s a great idea.” He looked at Katelyn. “Would you be interested in a date? Just the two of us?” Katelyn considered the question, eyeing Arthur and judging whether he made the offer because he wanted to, Selene wanted him to, or because he felt pressured. The volleyball girls were staring. Kat was looking at her plate, and Selene was smiling. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Katelyn said. Arthur smiled softly. “Of course, but I want to get acquainted.” “When can you fit in a date?” Kat asked. “You’re already strapped for time.” Arthur frowned, conceding Kat’s point without saying as much. Katelyn wondered how that would work long term. Six girlfriends? He would have one for each day of the week and one day for himself. Even God rested on the seventh day, right? “How about right now?” Arthur asked, looking at Katelyn. “What?” Katelyn asked, confused. “A lunch date.” Arthur explained. “We can take our lunches outside or take a walk together after we finish our food?” “Don’t you have work?” Kat asked. “I have the afternoon off because of the photoshoot. But I have time before then and can skip my afternoon class.” Arthur offered. Katelyn considered it. Was he willing to skip a class to make time for her? That was sweet. Everything she heard from Kelly was how studious and responsible he was. She knew he wasn’t the type to search out excuses to blow off his classes, unlike a particular ex. A lunch date was a cute idea. Her afternoon class wasn’t until later, and she’d wanted time with him. Guilt swelled in her chest. Was she stealing Kat’s boyfriend from her? Or Selene’s? “Go.” Kat said, nodding toward the exit. “Let the rest of us eat in peace.” “You want to come?” Katelyn asked, tilting her head. “We’ll go if you want us to.” Selene said, volunteering Kat in her answer. “But we both have class, and you need the one-on-one time without us distracting you.” Kat nodded. Arthur stood. “I’ll be right back. Let me grab us a pair of to-go containers.” He left the table. “Poly sounds like a lot of work.” Sophie said, watching them. “Is that all it is? Just figuring out scheduling?” Selene giggled. “There’s more of that than I expected, yeah.” Kat said. Half her face pulled into a smile. “Do y’all ever just… dog pile him?” Ava asked. She kept her eyes on Arthur as he tangoed through the tables. Claire choked on her water, making Kennedy and Sophie laugh and pat her on the back until she recovered. Katelyn, Kat, and Selene blushed and looked down at their food instead of answering. “Oooo.” Kennedy cooed, teasing them as she elbowed Kat. “That’s a yes!” “Disgusting.” Claire said. “Aren’t you two sisters?” She pointed to Kat and Selene. “Yeah, but it’s not like we do anything to each other.” Kat said. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Claire.” “No judgment.” Ava said, raising her hands in surrender. “I shouldn’t have asked.” Arthur returned, and the girls fell quiet. He glanced at Kat, who nodded. Selene smiled at him, looking ready to fuck him. He set the to-go container in front of Katelyn’s plate and looked at her for permission. She nodded, and they watched as he moved Katelyn’s food, then his own, to the to-go containers. “Ready?” He asked Katelyn. Katelyn nodded, pushing her chair back and standing as Arthur offered her his hand for stability. He carried their food and waved goodbye to Selene and Kat, who responded in kind. “It doesn’t bother you, knowing they’re going to go have lunch without you?” Sophie asked, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. “The FOMO is real.” Kat said. “But bearable.” She shifted in her seat, closing her eyes as she did so as if Arthur was hugging her from behind. Selene smiled, and they continued their lunch while Katelyn and Arthur left the dining hall behind them. ~~~“So, this is not smoothies on Friday.” Thalia said, sitting with her wrap and veggies from the cafe. “No.” Kelly agreed, opening her grilled chicken salad. “But since we ran into each other, I thought it might be good to catch up before your shoot with Rani and Arthur tonight.” Thalia nodded. “It is okay with me.” Kelly smiled, smoothing her calf-length skirt in her lap and placing her napkin over it. Her gray dress was plain but styled with a built-in white blouse beneath its straps to the squared neckline. The woolen polyester blend hugged her frame, and the long white sleeves ended in ruching at her wrists. The vintage, narrow-chained silver watch on her left wrist ticked away the time. Thalia crossed her legs under the table and tugged the higher left-hand side of her asymmetrical skirt to her upper thigh. She eyed Kelly with a small smile and started eating her wrap. “So…” Kelly said. “So. The housewife Kelly is in a polyamorous relationship now?” Thalia asked. Kelly nodded. She pressed her lips together, sipped a gulp of water from her water bottle, and rallied. Thalia would want answers, but Kelly needed a second to calm her nerves.“So how does that work with you only wanting a serious, dedicated relationship and not being open to casual sex? Have you changed your mind over the summer?” Thalia asked. “Or is it a serious, committed relationship with each of them?” Kelly sighed. “Both?” Thalia looked doubtful but proved kind enough not to press. Kelly was thankful for that. “I owe you an apology.” Kelly said. “I’m sorry for reacting the way I did when you suggested a casual relationship.” Thalia looked surprised but nodded as Kelly’s sincere gaze kept her eye contact. “It is okay. I should not have said what I did, either. It was narrow-minded. I should have been more sensitive to your feelings. I am sorry.” Kelly swallowed, closing her eyes against the water that threatened them and blinking. Thalia had never meant for her comments to be cruel. Kelly understood that. “I appreciate you saying that.” Thalia reached across the table and placed her hand over Kelly’s. “I really am sorry.” Kelly clasped her other hand over Thalia’s and nodded. “Me too.” “Friends?” Thalia asked. “Friends.” Kelly said. “Good.” Thalia said. “Now, tell me how you came to date this gym husband and these girls.”  Kelly smiled. “Well… I considered what you said over the summer.” Kelly explained. “And you were right. I grew too attached and too invested too fast. You hadn’t even given me any hints you were interested in a committed relationship. I took our flirting way too seriously, and when we got together… I understand now how I scared you away. So when Arthur asked me out, I decided we should be casual until after graduation.” Thalia ate her wrap while she listened, interested but hungry. She didn’t protest that Kelly scared her away, either. “That lasted for a few days.” Kelly said, laughing at herself. “You crushed on him for a while, and his girlfriend.” Thalia said. “I know this.” Kelly nodded. “Lori broke up with him last semester after you and I… had our misunderstanding.” “So, she is not part of your new relationship?” Thalia asked. “No. She transferred to a different school.” Kelly said. She took another bite of her salad. The grilled black and tan chicken amongst the fork full of greens disappeared piece by piece. “Because of the breakup?” Thalia asked. “She was so upset she left?” “Other way around.” Kelly said. “Lori didn’t leave because she’d broken up with Arthur. She broke up with Arthur so she could leave. She just… threw it all away.” “Ah.” Thalia nodded. “So, how did you go from casually dating one man to seriously dating one man and many desirable women?” “Well, since I suggested keeping things casual, he asked about other partners.” Kelly said. “Then I met them, and we all just kinda… clicked.” She shrugged. “So we decided to try polyamory, with a somewhat open arrangement.” “So you are free to date anyone and open to casual relationships now?” Thalia asked, raising an eyebrow. Kelly looked down at her plate and frowned. “Not exactly. We agreed to close the polycule for now. So we can focus on our relationship. We’re exclusive to each other most of the time.” “So it is serious most of the time. What does most of the time mean?” Thalia asked. “There are exceptions to the exclusivity. We established rules for those who want casual partners.” Kelly said. “But only with everyone’s agreement, or Arthur’s involvement, or one of us with him, in his case.” A butchered summary, perhaps, but succinct.“So, if you wanted to spend the night with me again, you would need permission from your boyfriend?” Thalia asked. Kelly blushed. “And Arthur would be with us.” She tried to cool off by taking another sip of water. “That sounds hot if you like men.” Thalia said. “I understand why he would want that, but why would you agree? It sounds very unfair to me.” Kelly shrugged. “It’s… It sounds lousy, I admit, but Arthur’s not like that. He agreed as a concession, not a desire. And honestly? I’m fine with it because I’d want him there anyway. He’d look out for me, and I’d be safe, even if it was a one-night stand or something crazy.” Thalia considered her answer for a moment. “So he is your boyfriend and bodyguard?” She snickered. “More like booty-guard.” Kelly laughed with her. “You’re not wrong.” She trusted Arthur to protect her, even if she didn’t need his protection. She could fight her battles and was a better fighter than her pacifist boyfriend. Still, Arthur was the person she felt safe beside. She could drop her guard when he was around. Her anxiety melted away in the warmth of his presence, and she could play.“This shoot should be fun.” Thalia said. “Will you be there?” “I’m busy tonight.” Kelly said, frowning. “But Arthur and Rani will be there.” “And if they ask me to fuck?” Thalia asked. “Will you be jealous?” Kelly rolled her eyes. “Rani probably will ask you.” “Your boyfriend will not?” Thalia asked. “Even though he has freedom?”“Probably not.” Kelly said. “He’ll go with what Rani suggests, and if she’s there with him, it’s what we’ve agreed to. You'll have a good time if you let him lead after that.” “You will not be jealous if I fuck your photographer girlfriend?” Thalia asked. “I’ll be sad I missed out.” Kelly answered. “And a little jealous. But Arthur and Rani have my permission to do whatever they want, so long as they follow the rules of our relationship.” Thalia smiled. “It sounds like you are giving me permission to fuck your boyfriend and your girlfriend.” Kelly laughed. “I guess I am.” Thalia looked surprised. Kelly shrugged. “I’ve opened up my sexual boundaries in the last couple of weeks. Just tell Rani I’ll want to see the pictures.” She winked. Thalia laughed. “And you were always so clingy and prudish.” “I’m not a prude. Anymore.” Kelly said. “I’ve had time to adjust, open up to new experiences, and work on my clinginess. Arthur has helped me do that. The whole harem has helped.” “Harem?” Thalia asked, surprised. “It’s what we call ourselves.” Kelly said. “Mindy or Selene started it. Probably Selene.” “These girls sound interesting. You must love having the best of both worlds. Hot boyfriend, multiple girlfriends, you have your cake and eat it too.” Thalia said. “Maybe I am the jealous one.” Kelly laughed and continued eating her salad. “Maybe you should be.” She said. She wiped the corner of her mouth with her thumb to catch a drop of errant dressing and wiped it on her napkin. “I would offer to join your club, but I dislike the idea of being unable to take other partners.” Thalia said. “And I am a full lesbian, not half one.”Kelly nodded. “I know. I didn’t think you’d changed your mind about that. The exclusivity thing, not the sexuality, obviously.” “I have not.” Thalia said, agreeing with Kelly. “It is best to be free and not settle down.” “Agree to disagree.” Kelly said. “But I’m glad we can be friends again.” “Of course!” Thalia said. “Now, to the real gossip. Have you seen the field hockey games this season? They did much better when you were on the team.” Kelly laughed, and the conversation turned to the women’s field hockey season and its final upcoming game. ~~~“So, where do you wanna eat?” Katelyn asked as they left the dining hall. She followed Arthur’s lead but had no idea where they were going as she walked beside him. Arthur carried her lunch for her, which she appreciated, but she didn’t initiate or hold on to his arm like she might have with Sean. Awkwardness hung between them. He’d seen her naked and made her do things in vulnerable, humiliating positions. He’d split her in half with that massive pole between his legs. She’d begged for it, thanked him for it, and called him names she’d never called anyone before. The night at the hotel, sharing him with the others, and playing with Kelly and Kat had been surreal. She’d experienced more pleasure in a single night and morning with him than in her entire relationship with the cheating bastard Sean. Katelyn tilted her eyes to the side of Arthur’s face. She wondered what thoughts were floating through his head. Was he thinking a mile a minute like she was? Did he have any idea how fast her heart beat when he grinned at her? “I have no idea.” Arthur answered honestly. “Would you prefer outside or indoors?” “I don’t care.” Katelyn replied, honestly unable to conjure a preference. Arthur sighed. “I guess I should decide. Everyone wants me to be more dominant outside the bedroom.” Katelyn didn’t know if she’d put it that way, but she didn’t mind him deciding. “Let’s eat outside.” Arthur said. “There’s a gazebo in the park. It won’t be warm enough for much longer, and if it’s unoccupied, we can eat there.” “Okay.” Katelyn said, knowing the place he was talking about. The walk wasn’t far. While a path toward the campus admin building passed the gazebo, it wasn’t close and was separated from the pond by a staggered clump of trees. In summer, the private homes in the distance fenced in a lovely view of the flowery field. In the autumn, it became a lake of leaves, which was charming in its own way.  Arthur led her to it and offered her his hand to help her step up to the wooden platform. She didn’t need it but took it. Katelyn sat with her back to the trees, overlooking the meadow. Arthur sat beside her and opened her food box. She closed her legs, and he set it in her lap, then did the same with his lunch. “So…” Arthur said, opening his utensil pack. “How have you been since Sunday?” Kat smiled. “I’ve been okay. Things were awkward returning to the usual routine on Monday after the craziness this weekend.” Arthur nodded. “I’m pretty sure my schedule will never be normal again.” “Because of all the girlfriends?” Katelyn asked, teasing him. “Yeah.” Arthur said. “Not that I’m complaining.” Katelyn laughed. “Of course not.” She said, but she imagined it must be hell trying to juggle six different schedules instead of one. “How are you feeling about… well, everything, I guess?” Arthur asked. Katelyn considered the question as she ate a fry. “I don’t know.” She said. “I love the girls, but I’m on the outside of things with them. Like it’s their club, and I’m Kelly’s plus one. Or Kat’s plus one, I guess.” “I can understand that.” Arthur said. “To be honest, you’re the first person we’ve considered adding since we established the rules. And adding you surprised me because Kat was so adamant we not add anyone for a while.” “Kat’s the one who invited me.” Katelyn said, even though she knew Arthur was aware. “I know.” Arthur said. “It’s… it was a whole thing. I’m sure she explained some of it to you. As for the rest, well… Kat is one of the most confusing women I know.” Katelyn nodded as if understanding. “She doesn’t explain herself well.” “You can say that again.” Arthur said, scoffing. “But I’m starting to understand her, slash, speak her language.” Katelyn nodded. “Can you handle it? The responsibility of being with so many people, and not just sexually, but like… maintaining a relationship with each and putting the work in? Don’t get me wrong, the sex was great, like… holy shit. But I’m looking for more than sex, you know? Kelly is, too. And Kat’s a lot. We each want a meaningful relationship, not just a…” She glanced at his lunch on his lap. “A dick to ride on.” She blushed when Arthur laughed. “I know, and I hope I don’t disappoint anyone in that regard.” Arthur said. “I’m not in it for only sex, either. I care about everyone, and I’d hate for anyone to get hurt. That’s why communication is so important. We check in with each other and try to maintain transparency.” Katelyn nodded. That made sense. Though, she still had her doubts. Intentions didn’t always produce reality. Silence fell between them while they ate. Katelyn watched the leaves skitter across the grass. “Do you even have time for another girlfriend?” Katelyn asked. “Or should I expect to be on my own most of the time if we date?” Arthur considered her question before answering. He chewed and swallowed. “I think time together will be more readily available when we’re in the house and not living in different places.” That was a fair point. Most of their time away from each other was because they lived in different apartments and slept in different towns. Having everyone in one place would erase that time away and lead to more shoulder-to-shoulder time. Their meals would be together, and their sense of community stronger for it. “And no.” Arthur said. “I can’t guarantee I’ll be around twenty-four-seven, but each of my partners is a priority in my life. And we have each other, the group, I mean. So even when we’re not together, you’ll have the harem looking out for you like Kelly does now, and we can stay in touch more through the messenger apps.” Another good point, Katelyn thought. “So, how does this work?” Katelyn asked. “You and I have our lunch date, and then you decide if I make the cut?” Arthur smiled softly. “Are you interested in dating me?” “Um…” Katelyn looked away from him, moving her eyes to her food. “Let me put it this way.” Arthur said, taking a softer tone. “If the harem didn’t exist. If I was single, and Kelly or Kat introduced us, would you want to date me?” “Absolutely.” Katelyn said, nodding. “You’re totally my type. Tall, strong, and protective. You’re not angry or aggressive, and how you always look out for everyone around you? It’s… I don’t know. It’s very attractive.” Arthur nodded. “Thanks.” He said. “I mean, I get angry the same as anyone else. I’m human, you know?” Katelyn nodded. “But I fucked things up.” She said. “And I already forgave you for that.” Arthur said. “Besides, we’re past that now. After everything we did this weekend, we know we’re compatible.” “I know, but I still feel guilty about it.” Katelyn said.Arthur nodded. “It wasn’t as bad as you think, trust me. You didn’t cross the line. There’s a difference between someone going through something and making a mistake and someone who doesn’t believe they can make mistakes and does whatever they want. You’re nothing like–You’re not a bad person, Katelyn. You made a mistake, but you let me stop you and made apologies and amends since.” Katelyn looked confused when he started talking, but her confusion abated by the end. Arthur spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully and looking off into the distance. He was right. She’d apologized to him and his girlfriends, done her best to make it up to him, and they’d forgiven and included her. Even Kat forgave her, and Kat could hold a grudge. Arthur laughed, startling her. “Do you want me to spank you for it?” He asked. “I can throw you over my knee right here if you want.” Katelyn giggled, covering her full mouth with her hand. “No, thank you. I didn’t enjoy spanking as much as I thought I would. It hurt too much.” Arthur nodded. “Well, it is a punishment.” “The others enjoy it!” Katelyn protested louder than she meant to. She shrank and looked abashed. “You’re not them.” Arthur said simply. “You strike me as someone who enjoys the gentler aspects of dominance and submission more than the sadism and masochism aspects. You responded well to my providing a safe space for your submission. You were pretty eager to obey me and Kelly, but viewing spanking as an actual punishment you don’t enjoy might be good.” “Really?” Katelyn asked. “Sure.” Arthur nodded. “It gives me something I can punish you with when you misbehave or need motivation. It’s an empty threat to the others because they enjoy it. I have to motivate them with different things.” Katelyn shook her head. “Like, how would that work? What would you motivate me to do?” Arthur pondered the question. “Well, for example, your swearing.” He said. “You’re trying to curb it because you want to be an elementary teacher, and Kelly’s constantly reminding you hasn’t been completely effective, right? What if we said ten spanks for every curse word you used?” “Shit, that’d add up fast.” Katelyn said, not saying no to the idea. The more she pictured it, the hotter she got. “We’ll see.” Arthur smiled. “So if you don’t enjoy spanking, what did you enjoy from the weekend? Anything?” Katelyn recalled their time at the hotel and replayed the memories she’d considered since then. “When you talked to me in the bedroom before we started, I appreciated how accommodating you were and how safe you made me feel.” Arthur waited for her to continue. “I enjoyed the fun of it. Pretending to be a pet was fun, kinda endearing. It was weird, but… I dunno. Then you were accepting of the kinks I wanted to try, even encouraging. Sean never did that.” Katelyn said. “That’s one thing we do as a group.” Arthur said. “We explore. We have fun with it.” “I know.” Katelyn said. “That’s what Kat and Kelly said, too, but it was better to see it in action. And… woof. Seeing you with the others was hot, and when you and I…” Katelyn blushed, cutting herself off and staring at her food. “The way you were with me when we—It was everything I wanted it to be. You were perfect.” “You’re not so bad yourself.” Arthur said, deflecting the compliment. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Katelyn nodded. “I know my kinks are weird, even compared to the others.” Arthur shrugged. “There’s nothing weird about wanting to feel safe with a partner. Safe enough to be yourself or to let your inner child out with them. To play and enjoy yourself. Sex can be more than just pleasure; it can be fun with the right partners.”Katelyn nodded. She understood that better now than before their stay at the Ashwood Hotel. “The harem seem like the right partners.” Arthur closed his now-empty to-go container. “And you definitely are.” Katelyn said. She let her eyes wander over to Arthur, watching his face. “You’re so gentle with me, and you take care of me, even with the small things… It’s nice.” Arthur blushed, looking awkward for a moment but recovering. “I don’t want you to feel pressured to join the harem.” He said. “But I want you to join us if you want to.” “I want to.” Katelyn said, saying it as she decided. “I might not be into everything everyone else is, though. Is that okay?” “That’s more than okay.” Arthur said, smiling in a way that made Katelyn’s heart flutter. “It’s encouraged. You can be your own woman and decide what you prefer. Any partners, myself included, will respect that.” “So what’s next?” Katelyn asked. She wasn’t sure if there was an initiation the other girls went through. Should she kiss him? She looked at his lips. “Do we kiss?” Her eyes dipped to his crotch. “Do I… suck your cock?” Arthur laughed, startling Katelyn and making her laugh with him. “Do you want to?” Arthur asked. Katelyn shrugged with one shoulder. “I can’t do much else with my arm like this.” Arthur shook his head. “It’s too open here for that. And I’m not sure where we fall with permission from the whole group right now. I was thinking we’d just eat our lunches, honestly.” “I’m having trouble finishing mine.” Katelyn laughed. “I need two hands for this sandwich.” “Oh, I have a solution for that.” Arthur said, reaching over before she could say anything. “Let me feed you.” “Like a baby bird?” Katelyn asked. The idea disgusted her, which was no secret in her reaction. Arthur laughed. “I meant I’d hold your sandwich so you could eat it comfortably.” He scooted closer to her until they sat hip to hip, and her thigh was against his. “Oh.” Katelyn said, blushing at her stupidity. “That makes so much more sense.” Arthur shook his head and reached into her container with his right hand, reaching across himself and her as she sat on his left. He put his left arm behind her on the gazebo’s bench. Katelyn looked at him and nodded. He withdrew her sandwich and offered it up to her lips. His hands were bigger than hers, and he only needed one to hold the food. She shifted her head forward and took a bite, tearing off a piece of the sandwich while she chewed. Arthur watched her, holding her food in place for her. With her left arm in a sling from her dislocated shoulder, she was trying to let it rest. Even so, his doting wasn’t entirely necessary. She wasn’t going to point that out. “Can you put your arm around me? Around my hips?” Katelyn asked, leaning forward.Arthur obliged, wrapping his arm behind her and putting his left hand on her left hip. She was skinny, and he didn’t have to reach far with his long arms. His arm wasn’t the most comfortable cushion between her and the bench, but she didn’t press into the bench. She leaned into him, and he squeezed her, cuddling her with one arm and feeding her with the other. She ate her sandwich in small, delicate bites. Piece by piece. It wasn’t sexual, but intimate. Katelyn was closer to him than she thought possible, eating her lunch bite by bite because Arthur was taking care of her. She melted into him, confident in her decision. He smelled of smoky pine, and the faint, crisp scent of dying leaves surrounding them drifted on the wind. When she finished her sandwich, Arthur moved his hand away, but she pulled it back to her lips and sucked on his finger, cleaning crumbs and residue with her tongue. She sucked on each of his fingertips, then his thumb, closing her eyes as she pushed each finger into her mouth.Arthur pulled his hand away after she sucked his thumb, picked up his napkin, and wiped her face for her. He lingered at the corner of her mouth and looked at her. She looked up into his hazel eyes with her large doe-brown eyes. She expected him to look hungry, or horny, or… vaguely sexually threatening. Instead, he looked warm, affectionate, and calm. His presence was a warm blanket against the chilly autumn weather, and she turned her gaze to his lips. “Thank you.” Katelyn said.“You’re welcome.” Arthur answered. He folded up her to-go container and added it to his.A couple walked past them, holding hands. Katelyn rested her head on Arthur’s shoulder and closed her eyes. They sat, embracing and still, while the world bustled around them. People went about their lives unaware of the change in hers. Katelyn couldn’t wait to tell the girls she wanted in.~~~Hours later, Mindy emerged from her last afternoon class with the weight of her class notes in her bag heavier but her burden for the day lighter. Work was behind her. Apparently, she couldn’t report to Arthur anymore, but she’d still call him Boss. Tara and Sarah made a stink over her being promoted, those bitches. Beth remained adamant this was a lateral move, not a promotion. She reported to Beth now, though her work remained the same. According to the guidelines, she couldn’t date Arthur if she reported to him. Mindy didn’t love the idea of moving her workstation into Beth’s office, but neither had Beth, so she worked with the others for today at least. Though, as she considered it, moving her desk into Beth’s office might be best. That way, they could have ‘morning meetings’ with Arthur, and their office games could continue with Beth, Arthur, and herself. Class was also behind her. She could focus on dinner and homework. It seemed so unfair how much of it piled up between classes. She’d been a minute late to her after-lunch class, having had to fix her makeup. Mindy had cried enough for one day. She smiled every time she thought of Rani, which was frequent. If anyone doubted, they could admire the doodled sketches of Rani and Arthur in her class notes. She walked with a skip in her step from the science building toward the cafeteria, pulling out her phone to catch up on the chats for the afternoon. She had her phone on Do Not Disturb during class and work hours, but the notifications were there for her to read. Twenty missed calls. Mindy slowed her walk and sighed. Her mother had a habit of calling back instead of leaving a voicemail, but this was excessive, even for her. Something must have gone wrong at the restaurant. The peaceful night of homework she’d had planned vanished in her mind’s eye, replaced with delivery driving, or worse. Working in the kitchen with her Appa wasn’t too bad, even if it was uncomfortably hot. Waitressing with her Umma was a fate worse than death. She could do nothing right with her Umma there to criticize. Taking a deep breath, she deliberated on her choices. She could text her mother and tell her she couldn’t take a shift tonight. She had homework. Schoolwork was a ‘get out of jail free’ card with her parents. It hadn’t worked last night, but as a student, they considered homework her full-time gig. Her studies as a business major should overrule any work schedule they might impose. Or she’d make extra cash for this weekend and spend money at the Ren Faire with the girls. Even if it meant misery tonight. She’d have to face her mother and apologize for being grumpy last night after Rani left. She didn’t have long to consider her choices; her mother rang her again as she walked with her phone in her hand. The picture of her mom sitting beside her father at a church fundraiser, holding his arm and smiling at the camera consumed her screen. The word “Umma” made her sigh as she answered. “Eomeoni.” Mindy said, greeting her mother in Korean. “Ji-Min!” Her mother’s voice sounded relieved, more than angry or desperate. “Where are you right now?” “Uh… I’m on campus.” Mindy said. “Why? What’s wrong? Did something happen at the restaurant?” “I’ve been calling you for hours! Why didn’t you answer your phone? Are you with Rani?” The barrage left Mindy confused. She paused in her walk and looked around, gauging where she stood versus the destination of her car, the dining hall, and the dorm. No one gave her a second look as they walked past her, except to make sure they didn’t collide with her. “I had class, Umma.” Mindy said defensively. “Why? What’s wrong? Is Appa okay?” “Appa and I are okay. Come to your dorm room, Ji-Min. Now.” Her voice stiffened at the end, solidifying the command. What did she mean to come to her dorm room? Was her mom there? Of course not. Her mom was at the restaurant. The only way her mom left the restaurant during business hours was… Jun-Ho’s wedding. That was the only example she recalled. Still, her mother’s English wasn’t that bad. Maybe she was slipping in her frustration over whatever happened. “If you need me to cover a shift tonight, I can move some things around.” Mindy said as she resumed walking. “No.” Her mother said. “I need you to come to your dorm room. Now, Ji-Min. Right now.” Mindy wasn’t sure what was happening, but her mind did a speed-run through the worst-case scenarios as she turned toward her dorm building. Appa had a heart attack and died? Something happened, and the restaurant exploded? Jun-Ho was shot on duty and in the hospital? Or Judy? Her walk became a run despite her heeled boots and short pleated skirt. Mindy gave more than one person a show when she ran through the lobby and turned too sharply for the hallway toward her suite. She slowed to a trot and entered to find her Umma sitting across from Rachel in the suite’s common room. Mindy glanced back and forth between the two of them wildly. Her mother had been crying. Mindy could see it in her eyes. Her mother clutched her purse in her lap like a lifeline. She’d never seen her mother cry, even at sad movies, but red puffiness lurked beneath her makeup. Her mother’s weary expression shifted when Mindy entered. She looked relieved to see Mindy rather than angry. Mindy dropped her bag and rushed forward. “Umma? What’s wrong?” Mindy asked, rushing to her. “Is Appa okay?” She asked as her mother crashed into her in a hug. The two collided and fell to the sofa. The momentum nearly knocked over her mother, a small woman. She’d never been affectionate or physical with Mindy but hugged her daughter back with strength enough to break her heart. Something terrible had happened, she knew it, and she started crying before they pulled apart. “Is it Jun-Ho?” Mindy asked, nearly choking on his name. “Or Judy?” “No.” Her mother said, also tearing but reeling them in and straightening her spine as Mindy pulled away. “I’ll let you two talk.” Rachel said, rising from her seat. For all the emotion in Mindy’s mother’s voice, Rachel’s sounded stiff. She glanced back at Mindy before she left the suite with an unexpected expression of sympathy. She glanced at the coffee table and left. “Umma?” Mindy asked, wiping her eyes. Her mom let out a shaky breath. “Ji-Min.” She said. “We have a lot to discuss.” She gestured to the coffee table, and Mindy’s eyes turned to see her sketchbooks. The sketchbooks she left under her bed in a box. Sketchbooks containing penciled drawings of her, Arthur, and many of the girls from the office in naked, compromising positions. She’d filled them with graphic, uncensored drawings of sex scenes and daydreams she’d had over the semester. The most recent contained several sketches of the harem members, including Rani, but all in different styles. Her mother should never see these. No one should. Had Rachel shown them to her? How had Rachel found them? She snooped through her stuff?Of course, there were more drawings than the lewds and nudes, but they featured prominently. Mindy went pale, trembling as she looked at her mom. “I can explain.” She said out of reflex, though no explanation jumped to mind. She couldn’t claim they belonged to Rachel, after all. “These are Veronica’s. You remember? My friend from high school. I held onto them for her because she didn’t want her parents to find—”“Ji-Min.” Umma’s voice was devoid of anger, which surprised Mindy more than a slap across her face. Her mother’s relief cooled into her typical chilly, imperial, and parental tone.“Umma.” Mindy said, her voice a whisper. “Do not lie to me. It is an insult.” Umma stiffened and wiped her face. “You have lied enough for one lifetime.” Mindy swallowed. “What do you—?” Her mom held up her hand for silence, and Mindy fell quiet. Mindy’s shoulders slumped from the weight of that silence. She wished Rani were here, but she couldn’t call her. She wanted Arthur here. The soft sofa was a poor substitute for his secure frame. She could always run away, but her mom was sitting too close. “You have not been honest with us for some time, I think.” Her mom said. “About who you are and who you want to be.” Mindy sniffled. “I’m–” She cut herself off at a look from her mother. Her mother was speaking now. It was time to listen. “You lied to Appa and I. You snuck around. You have come to live on campus to make such sneaking easier. Where you have gone wild with…” She swallowed. “With all kinds of depraved, sexual sins.” She paused to let her words sink in, and Mindy remained mute. “Do you deny it?” Her mom asked. Mindy couldn’t bring herself to speak. She shook her head no. No, she didn’t deny it. She couldn’t. Rani was right. She should have been honest. Now, she faced the consequences alone. Her mother would scream at her, disown her, and she’d never see her family again. Her breath came out as a sob. “Why did you lie?” Her mother answered. “Do you not love us? Your parents? Do you not respect us?” Mindy looked at her mother with tears, trying to gauge whether it was her turn to speak or whether the questions were rhetorical. Her mother nodded, and Mindy sobbed instead of answering. She brushed her tears away and quaked with the effort of thinking through her emotion-clouded fog to words that might save her and salvage this situation. “I love you and Appa very much.” Mindy said. “I respect you.” Her mother waited. “I lied because... I’m scared. I knew it was wrong. I knew I’d upset you and Appa.” Mindy said, not elaborating. She gripped her skirt hem, pulling it over her thighs so tightly that her knuckles turned marble white against her tan-colored skin. “Geuraeyo?” Her mother asked. Is that so? “What do you believe is so wrong you had to lie?” Mindy sniffled. “Who I am.”Her mother broke, but not in the way Mindy expected. She’d expected outrage. She’d expected a slap or something thrown at her. Hollering, yelling, and shouting in Korean so fast and angry that every guttural utterance became a punch or a slap. Instead, her mother collapsed over her, pulling her into the fiercest and longest hug they’d ever shared. Mindy’s confusion and surprise overtook her sorrow and self-loathing until she came to terms with what was happening and fell apart. She was a wave from the ocean crashing against the rocks, and she broke in waves of tears that soaked her mother’s sweater. Her mother’s tears soaked her hair, and they clung to each other on the sofa. Eight minutes passed before either of them spoke again. “Ji-Min.” Her mother said, whispering. “Never be ashamed of who you are. You are my daughter. And I love you.” “But…” Mindy responded in confusion. “I thought you were mad at me.” “For the lying, yes.” Her mom said. “But I am not mad at you because you are a lesbian.” Mindy hid her face in her mother’s sweater, crying still. Her mother held her. “I’m…” Mindy sniffled when she pulled away. “I’m not a lesbian, Umma.” “Do not lie to me.” Her mom said. “I’ve met your friend and seen your drawings. Rachel showed them to me. I know you love women.” “No, I mean… I do like girls.” Mindy said, drying her eyes. It felt strange and oddly wonderful to say that while looking at her mother’s face. Her mother’s tear-stained, splotchy face, but not angry or hate-filled face. “But I like boys too. I’m bisexual.” “Oh.” Her mother paused. “That is better!” Mindy laughed, surprising herself as the giggle caught in her throat and became a cough. She turned her face aside and coughed into her elbow, sitting straight again. “Umma…” Mindy said. “As for the rest. The drawings and the…” She couldn’t bring herself to say whatever she wanted to say. “Your roommate said you had… toys in your room?” Mindy blushed, her face darkening as she tried to hide behind her hair. “It is normal for a woman to be curious and interested in such things.” Her mom said. “But do not act on them.” Mindy frowned but didn’t fight. She nodded and took a deep breath. Her mother accepted her. She’d found out, somehow, and accepted her. They both had questions, but her mother went first. “Your friend and roommate said confusing things about Rani and her boyfriend.” Her mom said. “I see them in your drawings…” She gestured to the sketchbooks. “Are you… in a menage et trois?” Mindy’s eyes bulged. “How do you even know what that is?” Her mom laughed her familiar, derisive laugh. “Ji-Min.” She held her daughter’s hands. “I grew up in South Korea. You know this. Very different country. Very different culture. Everything was stiff. Formal. When I attended college, I had the opportunity to study abroad. I spent a semester in France, where I met Appa.” Mindy nodded. She knew that part, though her parents had just said college when they discussed where they met. They rarely told stories of themselves. Their romance sounded so romantic to everyone in the harem, but they were her parents. She couldn’t bring herself to contemplate them being cute together. She always got grossed out whenever they hugged, kissed, or flirted. “I was like you. Young. Confused.” Her mom continued. “I’m… not confused, Umma.” Mindy said hesitantly. “I know, I’m sorry. I mean, I was confused.” Her mom said. “I was… there was this girl in Paris.” Her mom stopped talking, and Mindy waited. She saw her mother’s eyes soften at a distant memory. “Sandrine.” Her mother said. “Sandy, we called her. She lived below us in the apartment building and was elegant, lovely, and very… adventurous. She swept me away in the most forbidden romance.” Mindy’s eyes went wide. “Umma…” She couldn’t process this. Her mind refused to process this. “Are you… are you telling me you’re gay?” Her mother laughed. “No.” She said. “I am telling you, I thought I was gay once when I didn’t even have the word in English for it.” “So… what happened?” Mindy asked. “I thought I was in love with Sandy.” Her mother said. She swallowed before continuing and wiped her nose on a tissue from her purse. “I was so enthralled and infatuated. She opened the world for me, and the river swept me away. She was my world.” Her mom nearly started crying again. “But to her, I was just another place within the world.” She wiped her nose. “She moved on. We did not see each other again.” Mindy’s heart broke. “After that. I met Appa, and we fell in love.” Her mom said. “You know the rest.” “Umma…” Mindy said, realization dawning. “You’re bisexual! Like me!” She bounced in her seat and hugged her mother again. Her mother laughed and patted her back. “No, no.” She shook her head. “I–I love your Appa. I am not in love with a woman.” “It’s not about that. You can be bisexual and still monogamous.” Mindy said. “It’s about who you find appealing.” She explained, even as all the times her mother commented on the beauty or attractiveness of the women in the K-dramas they watched came crashing into her skull. “Holy shit!” “Language Ji-Min!” Her mother’s sharp tone slapped the curse words down out of reflex more than enmity, making Mindy giggle. “Sorry, Umma.” Mindy said, shaking her head. She let her thoughts coalesce and asked the first question that came to mind. “But how does that work with the whole religion thing? When did you and Appa become so Christian?” “Ah, that was when we moved here.” Her mom answered. “Living in France was temporary. We married but couldn’t live there after graduation. Your father got a job, but we came here when your grandpa got sick.” She gestured to the ceiling. “I missed France, but I missed my family in Korea more. I was homesick, but we couldn’t afford to visit. My English was awful. I was learning, but I only talked to Appa and his family. I cried a lot and felt so alone. So, Appa introduced me to Korean people here. The other Koreans in the area were part of this church. So, we started going.” Mindy couldn’t remember ever having such a heart-to-heart with her mother. She’d never known her mom was so lonely after moving here, but it made sense. Mindy didn’t meet many other Koreans outside her church. They’d been scarce at school, but there were more here at college.  “For a while, it was more for the community and culture than Jesus.” Her mom said, holding the cross necklace she wore. “It’s the only time we connect with others from Korea. When Jun-Ho was born, and later when you came, they helped us. They’re good to us, and their teachings are good. We wanted to raise you right, with your cultural heritage and traditions, and Jesus has good morals. So, we stayed in the church over the years.” “But doesn’t the church hate gay people?” Mindy asked. “Bah.” Her mother shook her head. “People in the church hate gay people. That’s not the same. There are people in the church who love gay people. Even pastors are gay in some churches.” Mindy considered that. “Who you love does not matter. Love is love. God is love. So it’s impossible for love to be evil.” She glanced at the sketchbooks. “Lust, on the other hand…” She sighed. “You need to be responsible, Ji-Min. You’re a good girl and don’t need to make my mistakes.” “Loving Sandy was a mistake?” Mindy asked. Her mom paused, frowning. “Maybe.” She said. “But the things I did with Sandy? Yes. I have carried much shame and guilt over that for many years. I don’t want you to carry that same burden. You need to wait to act on these… impulses until marriage.” Mindy started crying again, happy tears ignoring her mother’s no-sex-before-marriage moral. If anything, she found the idea amusing. Apparently, being gay was fine. Acting on her sexuality before they signed a legal document wasn’t. Why God might care about that made no sense to Mindy, but she knew better than to ruin the moment by saying it. “Does Appa know? About you and Sandy?” Mindy asked. Her mother nodded. “I… told him about it long ago.” “What did he say?” Mindy asked. “He said he was glad Sandy was an idiot because if she’d been smarter, he never would have met me.” “Aw.” Mindy wiped her face again. “That’s sweet.” Her mom nodded and held Mindy’s hands in hers. She took a deep breath. “We need to tell Appa you’re gay.” “Bisexual.” Mindy corrected. “Okay, okay.” Her mother said. “And Rani should meet him, especially if she leaves her boyfriend. But she needs to ask Appa’s permission to date you.” Her mother wagged her finger. “The rules still apply, even if you’re dating a girl.” “Oh…” Mindy said, hesitating. “Uh… about that.” Her mom raised an eyebrow. “In the interest of honesty, I should tell you, I… um… I’m kind of dating a few girls?” Mindy said, bracing herself. “And one guy. Arthur.” Her mother stared at her. “We’re… we’re a menage et whatever the French word is for six?” Mindy tried to turn it into a joke, but her mother didn’t laugh. If her eyes bulged further, they might pop out of her head. “Rachel said you are part of a sex cult with this boy, Rani’s boyfriend?” Her mom said. “I didn’t think she was right. She's strange, but… Are you in a cult, Ji-Min?” Mindy shook her head. “No, no, it’s nothing like that. He’s not our religious leader. Arthur’s our boyfriend. Mine and Rani’s, and the others. He looks out for us, keeps us safe, and guides us… Okay, when I say it like that, it sounds like a cult, but it’s not!” Mindy added quickly. “It’s a different kind of relationship. I’m not just bisexual. I’m polyamorous.” Her mother’s forehead scrunched in concentration. “I don’t recognize this word.” She shook her head. “Amor means love, but what do you mean?” “I mean… I love Rani, but I also love Arthur, Selene, Kelly, and even Kat.” Mindy said. “We’re all in a relationship with Arthur together and each other.” “That is…” Her mother didn’t seem to know how to understand. “That is too much. Too many people. You can only date one person at a time. One relationship. Marriage is between one man and one woman. That’s in the Bible. If you’re gay, it can be one woman and one woman or one man and one man. That’s fine.” “Well, technically, a biblical marriage is between one man and as many women as he can buy.” Mindy said, trying to turn it into a joke. Her mother didn’t laugh. “Ji-Min.” Her mother said. “These girls you mention. These are the ones you want to move in with?” “Y-yes.” Mindy said, realizing how badly she’d just fucked up by being honest. “But–” “You can’t move in with people you are dating!” Her mom said. “Whether it’s Rani or Arthur, you must live apart until marriage.” “Umma…” Mindy groaned. “Things aren’t like that anymore…” “No.” Her mother shook her head. “My answer is no.” “What do you mean, your answer is no?” Mindy asked. “You are gay. Fine. You are Polyangelus… eh. I have to research. But you want to live with your partner outside of marriage? No. We raised you better than that! What if you have a baby? You drop out and don’t pursue your business degree? What if you catch a disease? You know better than to live in sin. No. You can live in the dorms or at home, and you study. After you graduate, you can get married and live with your husband or wife, whichever you choose. Even if they’re not Korean.” Mindy sighed. This conversation had gone better than she’d expected. Total understanding, however, lay outside her reach. Her mother had accepted her for being bisexual. Her mother seemed willing to learn what Poly was and, hopefully, how to pronounce it. Yet, there had to be a line somewhere, and her mother drew it at moving in with her potential romantic partner(s). She put her head in her hands and groaned. She had time to change her parent’s minds. Arthur, Rani, or Deb might help. She felt relieved at the thought. “Come on.” Her Umma pulled her to her feet. “What?” Mindy asked, startled by the gesture. “We’re going to have dinner with Appa. You should tell him so he doesn’t find out from a stranger like me.” Her mother said. Mindy rose to her feet and collected her sketchbooks. Then, what her mother said struck her. “A stranger?” She asked, looking at her mom for answers.