Page 44 of Reverse Perspective

“You didn’t have to stay here all day,” I say.

“Who would have woken you up?”

“I’ve been awake for a few minutes, I just didn’t want to get up,” I shrug.

“One, Lance asked that I stay with you,” he says. “Two, it’s not a good time for you to be by yourself.”

“Why? We have an alarm system,” I say dismissively as I get up.

“You know the same red car has passed this house sixteen times today?” he asks.

“Maybe they live close.” I shrug and fix my bed before we walk out of my room. I slowly walk into the living room, trying to not shock myself with light.

“Or maybe it’s some psycho that knows where you live and that video made them obsessed with you,” Stacy says from the couch. “Hi!”

“Hi. No one is obsessed with me,” I say as I walk to the kitchen.

“The guys are,” she says as she jumps up and follows Todd and me.

“Did you guys watch the video?” I ask as I get out what I need to make chicken and dumplings.

“Sure did,” Stacy says. “That was hot. Are they always that intense?” I look over at Stacy and see that Todd is glaring at her.

“It’s fine. I’m not offended that you guys saw it,” I say. “And nothing was surprising if that’s what you are asking. Todd…”

“Yes?” he asks, breaking his glare from Stacy.

“She’s fine,” I say. “I knew if anyone would have to see it, it would be you. Legally I’m sure that could have easily been a nightmare.”

“Yeah. I was worried the guys would say something stupid and get themselves sued for slander or something,” Todd says.

“I’m glad that the guys are as supportive as they are,” I say. “I didn’t expect Mason to react the way he did today.”

“They know just as well as we do that you guys have nothing to be ashamed of,” Todd says as I prep dinner.

“I feel like I should, but I don’t regret it. I wouldn’t change any of it. I just wish it hadn’t been recorded.”

“The world is changing, but it still has some catching up to do,” Stacy says.

“Exactly,” Todd continues. “Your relationship dynamic is only confusing to those who have never been exposed to a not strictly monogamous relationship. It’s becoming more normalized, though. In this instance, it’s just plain sexism that people are guilty of. Women are still seen by some as people who shouldn’t enjoy sex and if you do, you’re a whore. Everyone around you is supporting you because we understand that you are all consenting adults who make each other happy. That’s all that matters to me. The moment someone is unhappy or upset, then I think I get to voice my opinion. Otherwise, it’s none of my business.”

“What is your opinion?” I ask. “You just admitted to having one but not feeling like you had a right to voice it.”

“It’s simple, really. I think y’all were always meant to be together. It was frustrating to see you guys so damn close but deny it over and over that you guys had something going,” he says. “Otherwise, I think you’re a little crazy for letting them all come after you at once.”

“Oh?” I ask with a smirk as I wait for the pot to boil so I can put in my dumplings. “Why’s that?”

“Because you have just doomed yourself to a life of always being sore,” he says and I laugh.

When the pot starts to rapidly boil, I drop the dumplings in, one at a time. When I am done I lean against the counter.

“Hey,” Dean says as he comes into the kitchen.

“Hi,” I smile. “I didn’t hear you guys come in.”

“How are you feeling?” he asks before kissing me softly.

“Better,” I say as Mason kisses my cheek, immediately followed by Lance doing the same. “I like this greeting better than the old greeting.”

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