“Because, there is something there, but there is a catch.”

“What’s the catch, baby?”

“I don’t know what he looks like nor does he know about me.” I confess, but as I stare into her confused face, I add more. “The party required us to wear masks.”

“Oh, this is interesting indeed.” She gushes. Imagine, my dark chocolate, beautiful aunt, flaming, red hot because I just told her I had sex with a guy in a mask. Imagine how she will feel when I tell her I had sex with two of them.

“Trust me, that’s not the most interesting part. It’s what happened between me, him, and his friend that’s way more intriguing and downright sinful.”

“I’m listening.” She grins at me.

“We all had sex. Separately at first, and then they had their way with me.” I sigh, reliving the experience in my mind. “It’s the most fun I’veeverhad in my whole life, and I find myself wanting to do it again.” I throw my head in my hands, because I am a horrible person.

“Okay, so you had sex with two guys that weren't your fiancé, big deal.”

“Big deal, big deal! Auntie, I’m engaged to be married.” I just about scream.

“Yeah, but you aren’t married right now, so no harm no foul. It’s a form of cheating, but since you aren’t married just yet… It’s not as bad.” She makes a valid point, but I still feel horrible about the whole thing.

“I mean Bash did say that if he slept with someone while we were engaged, it would be okay. Just as long as I didn’t do it.”

“What?” She shrieks. “He actually said it was okay for him to do it, but not you?”

“Yes, it’s crazy, but I thought, why not. I’m sure he’s had a fling or two, I mean who goes out of town as often as he does?” I shrug my shoulders.

“Athens, baby, you’re not stupid, but if that man told you it was okay for him to do it but not you, chances are he’s done it… Multiple times.” She scoffs. “I don’t see why you’re even considering marrying him. He’s too old for you.”

“Aunt J, I know, but neither one of us looks our age. To say Bash is fifty-four years old, he has the body of a thirty year old.”

“But that can’t be the only reason you’re in love with him.”

“I love him, but I don’t know if I’m in love with him… Any more.” I whisper. “Ugh, what am I gonna do?”

“If you don’t love Bash, who do you love, dear?” She asks, and all of a sudden, I don’t know what to say.

“I- I think I fell in love with the one that told me to call him Ace.” I cry.

“There, there, baby, it will be okay. You have time to figure it all out before your fate is sealed to the wrong man.” She says, pulling me back in for another reassuring hug.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.” I agree. “I’m gonna go to my room and think for a while.” I say, before something else comes to mind. “Auntie, I’ve had a couple of weird dreams about a little girl and her father.” All of a sudden, I hear a plate crash to the floor into tiny pieces.

“Oh, dear, I’m so clumsy.” She mumbles, looking like she saw a ghost.

“Do you know anything about them?”

“Who, dear?”“The little girl and her father?”

“Now, why would I know anything about that?” She asks. The way she’s chewing her lip, bouncing from one foot to the other, I’d say she knows more than she lets on.

“What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing, girl, nothing at all. Now, I thought you were going to lie down?” She asks, ushering me out of her way.

“Yeah, I will. If anyone comes for me, please tell them I don’t feel like being bothered.”

“You know that doesn’t apply to Gaia, right?”“Right, everyone except G. We wouldn’t hear the end of that mouth.” I giggle.

“There’s that smile I know and love to see. Go rest now, dear, when you finally decide to come up for air, dinner will be ready.”