Page 94 of A Fool's Game

Conversation drifts away from heavy topics, touching on the wedding Avery and Fran are currently planning for their clients, and of course stops right on me and the fact that I graduate from grad school in less than three months.

“I have some internship applications in, and I’m just waiting to hear back.”

It’s not entirely untrue. There are plenty of applications I haven’t heard back about.

There’s just that one application.

The one I really wanted.

That one I have heard back about.

And haven’t told a soul.

We came to town on scooters, Taylor on one and Ains and I on the other. They’re parked right next to Avery’s lime green golf cart. The island doesn't seem to have personal cars. Just work vehicles, golf carts, scooters, and lots of bikes.

“Drop your leftovers and let’s go to Bally’s,” Fran is saying as we cross the sandy street to our vehicles.

“Ah, I think I’m ready to call it a night,” Avery says with a stretch and a yawn.

Fran pouts at him, hands on hips. “That’s fine, old man.” She crosses over to stand between Taylor and Ainsley, pulling them close to her sides, much to all of our amusement. “I think these two big, strong bucks can keep me safe.”

Avery’s eyes narrow playfully at her. “You know, I think I just got a second wind.”

Bally’s is, as Fran informs us in her cocktail enhanced chatter, the island of Faraday’s only place to dance. Saturday nightsare “Top Hits”, which we learn as we enter the dark, loud, crowded bar, is the U.S. Top 40 from about ten years ago.

“I love this song!” Fran shouts, grabbing my hand and dragging me inside after her.

I look back helplessly to the guys as she leads me to the dance floor.

Chapter 33

Ainsley

Taylor and I wait in the long line at the bar for another round of beers, accepting the bottles with a hefty tip in hopes of quicker service next time.

I look around to find where Avery and the girls got off to, but I only see him, leaning with his back to the bar, alone. We make our way over and flank him. I hand him a beer which he accepts without looking my way.

Without taking his eyes off whatever’s in front of him.

When I follow his gaze, I understand why.

The crowd on the dance floor has parted just enough to give our girls some room, making it seem like they’re dancing in a spotlight. They’re dressed for the weather in short, tight dresses that ride up their legs as they twist and spin, holding hands, hugging, and then twirling each other and laughing as their exposed skin glistens with sweat.

It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Fucking hell,” Taylor mutters from Avery’s other side.

Ave snorts. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”

We all watch in mesmerized silence for what feels like forever but doesn’t even last an entire song. Time seems to have slowed as the girls dance and grind together in our own personal fantasy show.

“So, you three are like…together?” Avery asks finally, still not looking away from the girls.

“Yeah,” I say, barely able to get the word out with my mouth still hanging open.

“How does that work?”

“I fuck her one way, and he fucks her the other,” Taylor cuts in.

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