Page 56 of King of Envy

“That’s not how bachelorette parties work.” My older sister Liya gave her a stern look. We shared the same high cheekbones and rich brown skin, but she was shorter and had softer features. “This is Ayana’s night.Stopthinking about the guys and celebrateher.”

Indira shrugged, looking sheepish. She was one of the few models I considered a friend rather than a colleague. We didn’t hang out every week, but we were often booked for the same jobs, and we spent a lot of time bitching and commiserating about the industry.

“Sorry, but I can’t help it. Have you seen the guest list for the bachelor party? It’s like a who’s who of the hottest men in New York.” She cast a quick glance in my direction. “Not that I’m not having fun with you guys. This is, like, the chillest bachelorette ever.” Her tone indicated that wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

My cousins all lived out of town and couldn’t make the new bachelorette date, so there were only five of us in the group: myself, Indira, Sloane, Liya, and my ride-or-die hairstylist Kim.

We were having dinner at a restaurant that was famous for its kitschy decor, extensive cocktail menu, and great-looking servers. It was a popular spot for bachelorette parties, as evidenced by the many sash-and-tiara-wearing women scattered throughout the lively space.

I’d eschewed both the sash and tiara, but I did dress up in a gorgeous new Stella Alonso dress and my favorite heels. I might not be marrying for love, but that was no reason not to look my best at my own bachelorette.

“Okay, enoughchillfor the night,” Kim said. She was in her late forties, but she had a more vibrant social life than half the twenty-somethings I knew. “We’ve been sipping cocktails like we’re at a goddamned book club. It’s time to liven things up a bit.”

Liya crossed her arms. “How? There’s no dance floor.”

As my maid of honor, she was the one who’d planned our night: dinner followed by a customized escape room and late-night cocktails at a jazz speakeasy. I wasn’t a big clubber, and I made Liya swear she wouldn’t take me anywhere near naked abs or penis-shaped desserts. Our current itinerary was perfect, even if it was too “chill” for Indira.

“Like you need a dance floor to dance.” Kim scoffed. “But that wasn’t what I had in mind. If we’re going to spend the night together, we should get to know each other better. Think simple, fun, raunchy…”

“Like a drinking game!” Indira’s face brightened. “How about Never Have I Ever? It’s a classic.”

“I don’t know.” Sloane wrinkled her nose. “I haven’t played that since college.”

“That explains it,” Kim said. “No offense, hun, but you look like you could use about three more drinks and some major loosening up. Unclench your ass. It’ll feel better.”

Her tone was warm and teasing. Nevertheless, I shot a nervous glance at Sloane, who did not and would not ever take shit from anyone. She was a little more uptight than the rest of my friends, but I’d known her long enough to confirm she could let her hair down and party if she wanted to, especially after she and Xavier started dating.

To my surprise, Sloane let Kim’s comment slide. “Icoulduse another drink,” she agreed. “It’s been a hell of a week at work.”

“So it’s settled.” Indira clapped her hands. “Never Have I Ever it is.”

We ordered a fresh round of margaritas, and Indira kicked things off after I declined to go first.

She thought for a second before announcing, “Never Have I Ever had a foursome. Yet.”

Kim took a demure sip, eliciting gasps around the table. “What?” She shrugged. “The early 2000s were a wild time.”

Afterthatsurprise, the game went into full swing. Each admission was raunchier than the last, and when it was finally my turn, I couldn’t think of anything good that hadn’t already been said.

“Never have I ever…had multiple orgasms from a partner in one night.” It was the best I could come up with, but the last thing I expected was for everyone else to drink. I gaped at them. “Seriously? You’re telling me you’veallhad multiple orgasms? That’s statistically impossible!”

Most women would be lucky to get one orgasm from their partner, much less two or more.

“Experiment enough, and anything’s possible,” Indira said. “I will say, I tend to have better luck with women than men on that front. They’re better at getting down to business, if you know what I mean.”

“I got lucky and met averytalented French guy when I was studying abroad.” Kim fanned herself. “Gerard. Phew! I still think about that man from time to time.”

We turned our attention to Sloane, who shook her head. “I’m not discussing my sex life in a restaurant with banana-shaped lamps. But…” She lifted one shoulder, a glint of mischief brightening her cool blue eyes. “I will say I have no complaints in that department.”

“You. Don’t say a thing,” I warned my sister. “Or I’ll never look at Nathan the same.”

I couldn’t imagine my calm, quiet brother-in-law…no. I shuddered.Don’t go there.

Liya laughed. “No details, but all I’ll say is, sometimes it takes a little guidance. When you’re comfortable with someone, you’re not afraid to tell them what works and what doesn’t. It makes things more enjoyable all around.”

“You need to tell Jordan to step up his game.” Kim clucked her tongue. “I know you’re in love and all, but I’ve seen that man dance. Poor thing has the rhythm of a sentient washboard.”

I shouldn’t laugh, but a giggle slipped out before I caught myself.

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