Page 37 of The Final Straw

The idea is both enticing and intimidating. On one hand, the thought of being loved and cherished by multiple partners is undeniably appealing. However, I can’t help but think about the difficulties and obstacles navigating such a relationship would bring.

Perhaps polyamory isn’t merely a fictional concept in some of my beloved novels. Maybe it’s a legitimate and satisfying way to experience love and relationships.

Before I can dive deeper into that thought, a message from Bre pops up, reminding me that tonight is the premiere of our favorite show. RuPaul’s Drag Race new season starts and I can’t wait to dive in after my meeting.

I finish my coffee and head out the door, ready to get home, change into my sweats, and lose myself in queens and fashion.

Chapter 20

Bre

It’s Friday, which means tonight is the night we meet with Barbi and attempt to get her confession. I planned to tell Olivia what we were doing when I hung out with her a few nights ago to watch Drag Race, but I didn’t have the heart. She was so torn about what to do with Kipp and Grady and seeing Van. It didn’t feel right to add to her troubles.

I arrive at Van's place and make my way inside, greeted by the familiar scent of his apartment. Settling onto the couch, I pop open a can of Cherry Pepsi I brought and take a long sip, feeling the sweet fizz dance on my tongue. Van, on the other hand, seems restless, pacing back and forth across the living room.

"What is taking her so long?" he frets, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure this is going to work?"

"Relax, Van," I reassure him, lounging back against the cushions. "This is going to work. And if it doesn't, we'll just come up with a new plan. We're going to nail this bitch, one way or another. She's as jealous as they come, so I have a good feeling about tonight."

I take another sip of my soda. "Calm down. She's not going to believe we're fucking if you look like you have a stick up your ass."

Just then, Van's phone chimes with a new message. “It's from Barbi. She just texted; she's on her way to the bar," he announces, glancing up at me. "You ready to go?"

"Ready to put on the show of my life," I reply, a smirk playing on my lips.

We leave the apartment and make our way down to my car. The only sound during the drive to the bar is the rhythmic tapping of Van’s fingers on the passenger door.

I park in a spot on the street, and we step out onto the sidewalk, the cool night air washing over us. Together, we head inside, the dimly lit interior casting a warm glow over the patrons. It's not too busy tonight, which works in our favor. We quickly find a high table toward the back and take our seats.

"We'll have a round of waters, please," I ask the server, leaning in. "But can you bring them in drink glasses? And make sure if we get more, it’s water, but say two Titos." I hand her a hundred-dollar bill. “That’s for helping with the show. I’ll add more when we leave and pay our tab.”

“Yes, ma'am.” The server smiles. “Two Titos coming right up.”

We're setting the stage for our little performance, and every detail counts. As we wait for our ‘drinks’, energy courses through my veins, anticipating our unwitting co-star’s arrival.

Barbi's entrance is nothing short of dramatic, her presence commanding attention as she strides into the bar with an air of arrogance. Her attire leaves little to the imagination. Her shorts look as if they were painted on, while her crop top barely covers her rubber nipples.

When her gaze lands on Van, her smile widens, and I can see the unmistakable spark of desire in her eyes. It's as if the world narrows down to just the two of them, oblivious to everything else around them. But then her gaze flickers to me, and the warmth in her expression turns to ice.

"Van, baby, sorry I'm late," she says, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Bre, how funny to run into you here. Small world, right?"

She sidles up to Van, her hand slipping into his back pocket, and I feel a surge of anger coursing through me. Without a second thought, I grab her hand, wrenching it away from him with more force than necessary.

"What are you touching my man for?" I snap.

Barbi's smile falters for just a moment, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features before she quickly masks it.

“Excuse muah? You two are together? Since when?”

I bite my lip and flutter my lashes at Van, and he smiles. “It’s still new, but we ran into each other earlier this week and had coffee and things just escalated. He asked me out again tonight. He didn’t tell you I’d be here?”

I look at Van and give him what I hope is a sexy, but scolding, look. “Baby! You didn’t tell her I was coming? I thought tonight was about you telling her, since she’s your closest friend.” Friends is a total lie. She’s more like a piece of gum on his shoe he can’t get rid of, but I know ‘friends’ will piss her off.

“Friend,” Barbi chokes out.

“This is date two for us, so that’s like the standard of a relationship in your world, yeah?” I ignore her dramatic antics.

The server shows up and hands me and Van new drinks. “Two Titos. And for you, miss, can I get you anything?”

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