Zed stood by the SUV. He fiddled with his phone, ordering a few days' worth of groceries, remembering Betty’s promise of a big breakfast for Alice.
Upstairs, Betty bounced excitedly as she zipped up her overnight bag. Her cheeks were flushed with residual arousal and happiness.
-Isn't this wonderful, Alice? Zed inviting us back to his place, extending our special night...
Alice scoffed. She double-checked her backpack, making sure she had her essentials.
-Oh please, don't go getting stars in your eyes, sis, Alice said. It's not like he asked us because he thinks we're 'special.' Face it, he just wants a couple of easy lays to satisfy his insatiable appetite.
She hefted her bag onto her shoulder.
-Not that I blame him.
Betty giggled softly.
-Easy lay, huh? Maybe for you, Miss 'I'm too cool for commitment'. But Zed sees the real me. The loving, devoted partner I strive to be!
Her eyes shone with optimism.
-This weekend proved that. The way he held me, worshipped me... That's not just sex, Alice. That's the beginning of forever!
Eventually, Alice and Betty emerged from the apartment building. Bags slung over their shoulders.
Zed looked up. He smiled and waved.
Alice strolled out with feigned nonchalance, fighting the flutter of excitement in her stomach. She rolled her eyes dramatically at her sister's starstruck expression.
-Don't be ridiculous, Bets, Alice muttered. There's no such thing as 'the beginning of forever' after one roll in the hay. Or rather, several rolls. Let's just enjoy the ride without expecting roses and chocolates afterwards, okay?
Betty blushed rosily. She squeezed Alice's arm.
-Shhh, stop trying to burst my bubble, sis! Zed's different, I just know it. The way he looks at me, touches me... it's electric .
Zed opened the back door of the SUV for them.
Alice brusquely pushed past him. She climbed in, throwing her bag in first before settling into the farthest corner of the backseat. She crossed her arms defensively over her chest .
Zed climbed in after Betty. He scooted up next to the blonde and gently squeezed her thigh as he adjusted himself.
Betty melted under the touch. She leaned into his side with a soft sigh of contentment, nuzzling affectionately into his neck.
-Mmm, I could get used to rides home ending like this... she hummed. Don't you just love how thoughtful Zed is, sis?
Alice huffed impatiently. She looked pointedly away, trying to ignore the pang of envy stirring in her chest.
-Thoughtful? Please. He's probably just worried about his reputation, wanting to make sure we don't go blabbing about our little tryst to the whole neighborhood .
She turned her piercing gaze back to Zed. Eyebrows arched skeptically.
-Am I wrong, Casanova? Or are you just trying to keep us sweet and silent with promises of more 'quality time'?
Zed smiled coyly.
-I don't mind the word getting out.
Betty gasped softly. Her eyes went wide.
-Zed! Don't encourage her cynicism, Betty chided gently. I think it's sweet that you want us to spend more time together. Get to know each other better .
She squeezed his hand, gazing up at him with warm, hopeful eyes.
-Doesn't that sound nice, Alice?
Alice scoffed loudly. She rolled her eyes heavenward as if beseeching divine patience.
-Sweet? Honey, the only thing sweet about this situation is the taste of victory on your boyfriend's tongue after he's thoroughly conquered us both .
-Boyfriend? Zed asked. He raised an eyebrow.
In the driver's seat, Ednin coughed loudly, choking a little on the coffee with cream she was sipping.
Betty blushed deeply. She ducked her head shyly, though a pleased smile tugged at her lips.
-Well, I mean... I wouldn't object to the title, if offered, Betty murmured. We do seem to have a special connection. Would you maybe consider... being our boyfriend, Zed?
She looked at him in wonder.
-Officially, I mean, she continued. I know it might seem sudden, but after this weekend, I can't imagine going back to pretending there's nothing special between us.
-You girls okay sharing me? Zed asked.
Alice released a sharp bark of laughter. She shook her head incredulously.
-Share you? Please, spare me the noble act. You couldn't handle having just one woman worshipping at your altar, let alone two. No, this arrangement suits you perfectly, twice the fun, none of the commitment.
Zed leaned forward. He opened the partition slightly and rubbed the driver's neck.
-I was thinking of inviting Ednin here over for dinner, Zed said casually.
Alice reared back. Her brows furrowed as she processed the sudden addition to the roster.
-Dinner? With the driver? Alice sputtered. Another guest. How delightfully predictable. Can't just focus on satisfying us, oh no, gotta make sure there’s more.
She crossed her arms tighter, sinking back into her seat with a petulant huff.
-What kind of harem story would this be otherwise? Zed chuckled as the SUV pulled into his driveway.
Alice's eyebrows shot up to her hairline at the brazen statement. A mix of indignation and reluctant admiration flashed across her face.
-A harem story? Wow, you really are a regular Casanova, aren'tcha?
She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she pinned Zed with a challenging stare.
-Alright then, Mr. Mastermind. If you're so intent on writing this little tale, why don't you tell us what happens next, hmm?