Page 51 of Yours, Now and Always
“Look, I like sex. A lot,” Maddie says unapologetically. “I like it slow. I like it rough. I like it often. And luckily, I married a man who treats orgasms like a full-time job, with benefits.”
Kristen nods. “We stan a man who makes it his mission in life to provide orgasms.”
I look at her. “You lost me at ‘stan.’ I got that we’re pro-orgasms, but beyond that, no idea. Does it mean I need to clap?”
Maddie snorts. “It means we’re obsessed, babe.”
“Which is the correct reaction to a man who delivers orgasms like Amazon Prime,” Olivia says.
“So,” Maddie says, “every good honeymoon survival kit includes these things: hydration, lube, and lower back support.”
Olivia nods. “And snacks. Preferably high protein. And a first aid kit.”
Kristen turns to her with a questioning look. “A first aid kit?”
“You’ve met your brothers-in-law, right?” Olivia deadpans. “Something always ends up sore, pulled, or in need of treatment.”
“Okay, fair.” Kristen glances back at Maddie. “But lower back support?”
“Have you never been bent over a marble vanity by a man with Olympic-level stamina who’s trying to ruin you?Then flipped into some ungodly sex position six hours later? Then wrecked again at midnight like it’s round three of a championship match?”
“You’re right,” Kristen says. “Managing a Black brother in the bedroom is not for the weak. One should never underestimate their stamina. Or their obsession with holding your soul hostage and blessing your cervix at the same time. Or their filthy fucking mouth.”
I nearly choke on my wine as I think about all the ways I try to manage my Black brother and his stamina and filthy words. “Yes. Agreed.”
“That was very specific, and I am unwell,” Marin says while spritzing herself with her ceremonial mist as if she needs divine intervention.
“We are all unwell,” Maddie says. “These men want us marked and ruined.”
“With their name on our lips and bruises on our thighs,” Kristen says, raising her glass like it’s communion.
Olivia clinks glasses with her. “To the Black brothers. And to not being able to sit down after they’ve had their way with us.”
A voice floats in from the hallway. “Should I be concerned?” Ingrid steps back into the room, eyebrows lifted in bemused amusement.
Kristen doesn’t miss a beat. “We just had a honeymoon prep session. Nothing to be concerned about.”
Ingrid gives us all a once-over, eyes sparkling as she reclaims her seat. “Well. I’m glad you girls are taking care of the essentials.”
Marin, who has looked mildly devastated since the sex talk, says, “Wait. Are there any Black brothers left besides Hayden?”
Olivia’s eyes narrow instantly. “Why not Hayden?” She uses the tone that says she’ll go to war over this if needed. It makesme smile because I love her fierce loyalty. Olivia is always just one beat away from protector-mode when it comes to these men.
Marin waves a hand. “Oh, it’s not like that. Hayden’s hot. Like, criminally hot. The problem is me.” She leans forward a little. “He’s too still. Too composed. Too good at hiding whatever’s going on in that haunted soul of his.” She lifts her spray bottle. “I come with mist. And crystals. And a playlist titledMy Future Wedding to a Man Who Doesn’t Run From His Feelings. I would terrify him.”
“You terrify most people,” Kristin says.
“Exactly,” Marin says with pride. “Which is why I need a man who’s either good with feelings or a barely functioning Greek tragedy who calls me ‘baby’ while making bad decisions in my honor. Hayden would file a restraining order.”
Olivia’s face gentles now that she knows where Marin was coming from. “There aren’t any more Black brothers, but you’ll find your soulmate.”
“He’s out there somewhere, probably managing his feelings with sports and denial, just waiting for someone like you to walk in and ruin his emotional avoidance,” Kristen says.
“I’m manifesting hot, reckless, and morally confused in a way that makes me want to ruin my life a little,” Marin says breezily like she’s reading off a brunch order and not casually describing the traits of a man who might set her emotional life on fire.
Olivia and Kristen blink at her while Maddie grins.
I simply say, “Careful what you ask for. The universe may just deliver it.”
