Page 84 of Her Possessive Daddies

"But what will people think?" I pace the length of our tiny bathroom. "My parents would die if they knew. And my classmates..."

"Who gives a flying fuck what anyone thinks?" Tessa starts combing her wet hair. "Your parents don't need a play-by-play of your sex life. And those judgmental prudes in your psych class? Please. Half of them are probably jealous they're not getting any action."

"But three men? At the same time?" My voice cracks. "That's not exactly normal."

"What is normal, anyway? Normal is overrated." She points the comb at me. "You spent three years being 'normal' with Chandler. How'd that work out?"

"That's different-"

"No, it's not." Tessa grabs my shoulders, forcing me to stop pacing. "Look at me. Are you happy when you're with them?"

The sight of Seth's smile, Corey's touch, Donovan's voice sends shivers through every part of me. "Yes."

"Do they treat you well?"

"Oh god yes."

"Then that's all that matters." She squeezes my shoulders. "Fuck what everyone else thinks. Your happiness isn't up for public vote."

"But-"

"No buts." She cuts me off. "Unless you're talking about their fine asses. Then please, continue."

I can't help but laugh. "You're impossible."

"I'm right and you know it." She winks. "Now stop overthinking and go get your men. All of them."

"You're right." I look for my phone. "But first I need to clear the air with Chandler."

"Want me to stay?"

"No, I got this." I head out to our tiny balcony, the night air cool against my heated skin.

My finger hovers over Chandler's name. Years of history wrapped up in seven letters. I press call before I lose my nerve.

"Abbie?" His voice sounds different. Steadier.

"Hey. Got a minute?"

"Yeah, actually. I was hoping you'd call." A pause. "Look, I need to apologize. For everything. Not just the other night, but... all of it."

I lean against the railing. "I'm listening."

"I was a dick to you. For years. Made you feel small because I couldn't handle how together you were. Are." He sighs. "Truth is, seeing you with my dad... it hit me. You've grown. I haven't."

"Chandler-"

"No, let me finish. You deserved better than who I was. Still deserve better. And if that's my dad, or whoever... that's okay. I get it now."

My chest tightens. This isn't the Chandler I knew. "What changed?"

"Dad and I talked. Really talked, you know? Made me see some things." A self-deprecating laugh. "Plus, Mara dumped me. Said I needed to grow up. She wasn't wrong."

"I'm sorry about Mara."

"Don't be. It's time I figured out who I am without daddy's money. Maybe go back to school for real this time."

"That's... really mature of you."

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