Page 79 of Inside the Maelstrom: Part Two
She shook each of our hands, her eyes appraising us despite the polite smile on her face. Shrewd. And she hid it behind a pretty face and big boobs. I knew from experience these were the type of women you had to watch, not necessarily in a bad way. They were ambitious and savvy, and they could make either great friends or terrible foes.
“It’s wonderful to meet you all. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Your assistant basically told me there was zero chance, so I guess I’m wondering why?”
“On the record?” I asked, just to test the waters. It didn’t actually matter if she knew, but I wanted to check how flexible she was willing to be.
“Off, if you want it to be. I’m not looking to win a Pulitzer over here. I just want to tell the truth, everyone's truth.”
I could respect that. “It’s because of your connection with a certain polyamorous group. Otto likes bull riding.”
“So it's true? You aren't just a couple or a throuple, it's all three of you and your wife?”
I grinned. “Is this answer off the record too?”
She blew out a breath. “Are you busting my balls, Kenley? Fine. This answer would beonthe record.”
I laughed, and Aviva elbowed me. “Stop being an asshole, Drix. Yes, it’s all of us and one other who wishes to remain anonymous.”
Calypso slid her eyes to Evan, who was standing against the wall near the door like a good bodyguard, but to her credit, she didn’t ask. She assumed correctly, but she didn’t chase confirmation, respecting both Aviva and Evan’s wishes.
I tilted my head toward the couches. “The whole thing is unconventional, but it works for us. Please, have a seat.”
“Even better than it works for Tessa, I imagine. At least you two are also involved.” She pointed between me and Otto. “None of Tessa’s men cross swords, you know, so it must be damn hard work for her. Although two of the four are bull riders, so at least you know they aren't going to get carpal tunnel from jerking it in the shower.”
I snorted a laugh, and the photographer shook his head. “Really, Caly?”
“It’s just the truth.” Calypso rolled her eyes, pulling out her phone. “Can I record this interview?” We all nodded. “Also, before we start, is there anything that we can’t discuss?”
“My father’s ongoing court case. It’s got nothing to do with me, and none of us want to be sued. Also, how Aviva and I met. Some things are just for us.”
I slid a look at my wife. God, I’d never get sick of calling her that.
Calypso nodded happily. “Whatever you’re comfortable with is fine.” She hit record. “Let’s get started... You only have to be in NYC for five minutes to hear the name Hendrick Kenley or Sampson Rubio. Until a few months ago, you were the most eligible bachelors in all of the country. But we don’t get to hear much about the third in your group, Otto. I’d like to start with you, if I could?”
Otto looked a little stunned. “Uh, sure.”
Calypso grinned, and Aviva slid closer to Otto. Jealous little thing. “Let's start with how you met Hendrick and Sampson.”
“Well, I was a scholarship kid, and I met Hendrick when I started attending Winston Academy…”
After several hours and a full platter of sushi we’d had delivered and then devoured with disposable chopsticks, we’d discussed the potted version of our history with Calypso Martinez. Everything from the time I got caught banging a society girl in the back of her Lincoln town car—I was going to have to do some serious groveling to Viva to make up for that little anecdote—to corruption among the upper echelons of society, something Calypso was very passionate about.
She’d finally gotten around to Viva’s story now, and my wife was snuggled in my best friend's lap happily as she answered Calypso’s gentle questions.
Matty the photographer wasn’t a very good one, or maybe he was the best kind, because he’d probably only snapped ten or so pictures the entire time they’d been here. Mostly, he’d joined in the conversation and ate a shitload of sushi. He seemed like a really nice guy though. Not bad on the eyes either. Him and Calypso made a cute couple.
“When it came out you had married Hendrick Kenley in a courthouse shotgun wedding, there were a lot of rumors floating around, the more prolific ones being that you’d managed to trap him with a pregnancy, or the equally scathing gold-digger rumors. Is there any truth to them?”
Aviva made a rude raspberry noise. “No. I hated Drix because he was rich. Eat the rich, and all that. The last thing I wanted was his money.” She turned her face to me. “Besides, if it was about money, I wouldn’t still be here. I don’t need his money. Actually, maybe he’s the gold-digger now?” I gave her the finger, and she laughed hysterically.
“I’m confused? My research says that you’re from a working middle-class background?”
She grinned. “Well, it’s a recent inheritance, I guess. It’s a long story.”
Calypso grabbed a portable phone charger from her handbag, quickly plugging it into her phone. “I’ve got time if you want to tell me.”
“Well, it all started with a book and my hatred for Hendrick Kenley—”
My phone rang, and I saw Tobias’s name flashed across the screen. “Keep going, guys. I have to take this.”
