Sitting in the office, I feel pride swishing through me.
In the past two days, we have booked three new events. The locals are finally taking advantage of our first time booking discount, which Darian thought of, and I am so happy that they are.
We are taking a break from planning, having some lunch and catching up on all things that are us. It is one of the things that we promised each other years ago— that we would always know what is happening in each other’s lives.
Communication is the pillar of any strong friendship. Too many times, tragedies have unfolded because individuals kept their feelings hidden and didn't seek help. Darian has always been there for me, especially during the difficult times with Crypt and the club. And I have stood by her, helping her navigate the heartbreaks that have shaped her into the person she is today.
Friends can be chosen, families cannot.
I got lucky with my family. Grandpa Pete and Aria are everything to me, they are what makes me get up in the morning.
“Damn, this is good.” My bestie moans around a mouthful of food.
“Graceful as always,” I reply, making her wink at me with bulging cheeks like a full hamster.
We had food delivered from one of the local food trucks who have signed up for our local foodie day. It is a day for food vendors, even store owners come out to the area and we have a food festival.
“Hey, have a bite then you will understand why I am having a food orgasm in my mouth right now,” she says before taking another bite.
I do as she says and flavors explode on my tongue, dragging a moan out of me. Her eyes widen before she giggles.
“See?”
Damn, she is right. These pulled pork burgers are to die for. The twister potatoes are spicy, but not too much heat, and leave a tingle in your mouth.
“I am so glad we signed up this brother duo. These are amazing.”
“I agree, plus it is not a hardship to look at them, either.”
My head snaps in her direction to find her grinning from ear to ear.
“What about Forge?”
“What about him?”
“I thought you two were starting something.”
She shakes her head. “It is just some fun. He knows how to fuck, babe, so I am going to take what I can get from him. We both know that neither of us wants more, so why not enjoy some hot sweaty sex.”
“I wish I was like you. You make it sound so fun to just hook-up with a guy.”
“What about Target? Surely, you want to bone that hot piece of biker.” My face instantly heats at her words, then she gasps.
“Oh you dirty bitch, you already did and you did not tell me.”
I nod. “I was going to tell you today, I needed some time to process what we did. I am not like you, and I mean that in the nicest way possible, you know that.” Her head bobs back and forth in agreement.
“You will never offend me, Mads, you know that. We both know each other inside and out, so I know that you will never intentionally hurt me and I won’t you, either.” It is my turn to nod.
“It was the night that I watched his children for him. He came home late and I was sleeping on the sofa and one thing lead to another.” My cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Darian gets to her feet, leaving her discarded food on her desk and she comes to me. Planting her butt on my desk, she gives me a stern ‘mom look’ even though she is not a mother and never will be.
“Listen to me and you listen good, Missy.” I giggle, but she brings her finger up to my face, tapping me on the nose gently. “There is nothing wrong with having sex. It is the natural order of the world. Sex is fun, it is freeing, and it should be enjoyed by those who take pleasure in it. Sex only becomes a problem when it is used to hurt someone.
“You having sex with Target will never hurt you or him, unless he hurts you, then he will have a big fucking problem because biker or not I will cut his balls off and send them to his mother.”
I splutter out a laugh and she winks.