Page 266 of Better When Shared
“Impact investing? I can do that from anywhere.” I shrugged, trying to put into words the realization that had been building since that first night in the tent. “I don’t have anywhere else I’d rather be. Nothing more important than this.”
Skylar’s hands relaxed slightly on the steering wheel, some of the tension draining from her shoulders. “Really?”
“Really.” I slid my hand higher on her thigh, just shy of inappropriate for a public road. “And I’m not trying to make Ryker look bad. I think the same is true for Ryker,” I added, watching her face carefully. “He wants to be here. With us. It’s just...”
“His job is important.”
I nodded. “It’s harder for him to pick up roots. He’s not a rich asshole who can throw money at problems until they go away. And his sister lives in Denver.”
That got a genuine laugh out of her. “You’re not an asshole. Most of the time.”
“High praise.”
“Wait. His sister! What time is it? Her podcast is happening right now!”
“How would you know that?”
She grinned at me. “It’s entirely possible that I was stalking Ryker via his sister’s podcast.”
“You didn’t Google me to find out if I was really rich, but you started listening to Ryker’s sister’s podcast? I feel a bit left out.”
“Oh shut up. I didn’t know your last name!”
“Yeah, cuz there are a ton of Kiaan’s in California who own tech companies,” I muttered as I pulled out my phone, curiosity piqued. A quick search brought up Aimee’s podcast page, and to my surprise, a “LIVE NOW” banner flashed across the top.
I turned it on speaker just as Aimee was saying. “If you’ve just tuned in, inspired by someone in my life, I’m exploring the topic of polyamory. Who out there wants to chat about the struggles and joys of poly relationships.”
Skylar’s eyes widened. “We can’t call in.”
Aimee’s voice continued. “Come on, callers, don’t leave me hanging…”
“Ryker wouldn’t want me to leave his sister hanging.” I wiggled my phone suggestively.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
I grinned, already tapping the call-in number. “Watch me.”
The phone rang twice before connecting to what was clearly a call screener. I explained briefly what I wanted to discuss—a long-distance polyamorous relationship with the screener’s boss’s brother. There was a pause, then a laugh, and suddenly I was on hold, being told I’d be on air in less than a minute.
“They’re putting me through,” I whispered to Skylar, who was torn between horror and amusement. “I’m actually going to be on the podcast.”
“Motherfucker,” she muttered, her expletive making me laugh just as a chipper voice came through the car speakers via Bluetooth.
“Welcome back to The Aimee Position, where no relationship question is too awkward to answer! I’m your host, Aimee Hale, and we’ve got a very interesting caller on the line. Caller, you’re live—what’s your relationship dilemma today?”
I cleared my throat, suddenly nervous. “Hi, Aimee. I’m, um. Kitten, calling from Washington State.”
“Hi Kitten! And you’re in a polyamorous relationship?”
“Yeah. I we’re a triad, as in, we would love to live together you know. All three of us. But I’m not sure what to do about boyfriend being an idiot hero in Denver when he should be home with us.”
There was a beat of silence, then a sharp intake of breath.
“You sound… familiar. Have we talked before?”
I burst out laughing. “I might happen to know someone you know. A firefighter. From Denver.”
“Oh my god! It’s so good to hear your voice, Kitten! I’d love to meet you some day. Is your girlfriend there?”
