Page 44 of Salute, To Bravery
He chuckles at me. “I’m down.”
Chapter Three.
Darren
Ihung up with War after we discussed how we were going to approach Jess tonight. The advantage of being identical twins growing up was switching on our girlfriends. Sure, it was a douche move, but we were teenage boys.
It wasn’t until we were in our twenties that we realized sharing them was way more fun. It’s the reason that I opened Yearn, Philadelphia’s premier swinger’s club.
We cater to all sexual appetites, and the educational classes we provide are so sought after that we’re booked out until next year. I converted an old church into a den of debauchery that even Hollywood has used for research and filming.
I wipe my brow with my towel and decide to call it quits on my workout. The whole reason I came in today was to work out my disappointment over flying solo at the club tonight.
I’ve closed to the public and its members only for our annual birthday party. It’s the one night of the year when my staff handles everything so I can truly enjoy myself.
I clean off the equipment I was using, hit the locker rooms for a shower and change, and then leave the gym, hopping onto my Harley Softtail. I rev the engine and pull into the mid-morningtraffic. I weave my way back to my house before my phone rings again.
“Hey, boss man,” Angie’s voice rings in my ears like bells.
“Are we all set for tonight?”
I know she’s checking in. The whole reason I’m banned from working today has nothing to do with my birthday and everything to do with me being a massive control freak.
“Did you work today? No, so shut up. I’m calling to ask what flavor cake you want.”
I roll my eyes at my best friend and manager. “Same as every other year you’ve known my ass.”
She yawns overly loudly at me to prove my choice is boring.
“Fine, plain chocolate with chocolate icing.”
I can hear the eye roll.
“The rest of my life is spicy enough. I want my cake simple,” she mimics the words I say every year to her.
“Speaking of spicy. War is coming and is bringing a guest.”
That shuts her up quickly.
“Bitch! Next time, lead with that, who?”
I chuckle as I unlock my door and toss my keys in the bowl on my end table. “Her name is Jessenia Blake. Can you add her to tonight’s guest list?”
I can hear her typing as I grab water out of the fridge.
“Done, details, dammit. Don’t make me fuck you up on your birthday.”
I shake my head at my empty house. “How did I end up with such a violent best friend?”
She snorts. “I’m the only thing walking that doesn’t want your dick. Besides, I kicked that one kid’s ass in first grade. You know, the one who kept giving you wedgies?”
I laugh. “Jesus, have I been putting up with you that long?”
A knock on my door has me cutting her off when she tries to answer. “Hang on. Someone’s at the door.”
I look out the window and see a delivery driver holding a huge bouquet of flowers.
“What the fuck?” I open the door and take the gift.
