Page 51 of My Three Roommates

“Unbelievable.” I’m getting fired up on Cody’s behalf. “You can definitely fight that.”

“That would take a lot of time, and there’s no guarantee I’d win. I need to focus on finding another job as soon as possible.”

He’s so miserable, I go over and wrap my arms around him. He kisses me absentmindedly. “I never thought something like this would happen again. Here I was, making such a big effort to keep being bi a secret. Turns out acting totally straight didn’t help me keep my job anyway. What the fuck is that about?”

“We’ll figure something out. We can all cover the rent here until you find something.” I’m trying to be hopeful, but it’s not easy. Finding a good job these days is about as likely as stumbling across an affordable apartment in the heart of Manhattan.

Cody shoves his hair out of his eyes. “It’s not just the job, Kenna. I slipped up and said we’re in an open relationship, that we’re all together and there’s no cheating. Not that it helped. I didn’t think about it in the moment, but there’s a chance that might get back to Nadine too.”

I groan. “Yikes. It’s bad enough that Nadine will have already told all of my sorority sisters that I’m cheating on Brad.”

Cody picks up my hands. “I’m sorry, Kenna. I wasn’t thinking.”

His sadness tugs at my heart. “It’s not your fault. I probably would’ve done the same thing.”

“We can try to do some damage control,” he suggests. “I’ve been thinking of how you could spin the whole thing to your friends.”

“And?” I ask with a hint of hope.

“I’ve got nothing so far. I’m sure I’ll figure it out soon enough.”

“There’s no time. Rosalie’s bridal shower’s tomorrow. Everyone will be there, and they’ll know,” I tell him.

I twist my fingers together, filling up with dread at the thought of losing my closest friends. “Even if I do tell them everything, they’ll never understand. It’s way too out there for any of them.”

Cody embraces me, trying to offer some comfort. “If your friends can’t accept you for who you are, are they really such good friends?”

“It’s so much more than that. We’re not just best friends, we’re like sisters. We’ve been through everything together and they’re part of who I am.”

“Maybe they’ll surprise you,” Cody says. “If you’re all so close, it shouldn’t matter who you’re seeing. Once you explain that you’re not cheating on Brad, there’s no reason in the world for them not to be okay with all of us.”

I ponder his words. I’ve been assuming everyone will reject my unusual new relationship, but what if Cody’s right? They’re my best friends. Of course they’ll want the best for me. Nadine was worried about Brad, and why wouldn’t she be? All of my friends care about him too.

“Work’s complicated. You get thrown together with people that you don’t have anything in common with. They don’t have to accept you for who you are,” Cody continues. “Friendships shouldn’t be as difficult. Neither should relationships.”

I burst out laughing, but he’s serious. “You’re joking. How can you say that, when you’ve got two boyfriends and girlfriend? Who are all together with too? That’s like the definition of complicated.”

“When you think about it, it’s not. We’re all into each other and it works. We’re each with three people instead of one. Simple as that. I’ve never had anything that’s worked out better than this. Have you?”

I start to argue but I stop myself. Things with Brad were amazing before, but what all four of us have together is so, so much better. “I guess not. Don’t tell Brad I said that.”

“Don’t tell Brad what?” Brad appears from out of nowhere. I didn’t even hear him come in.

“That Kenna likes Tanner and I better than you,” Cody smirks.

“I didn’t say that,” I protest. “Not at all.”

Brad squeezes onto the sofa between us, playfully pushing Cody away. “Oh yeah? Guess I better pay more attention to her then. Of course that won’t leave as much time for me to be with you guys.”

He pulls me onto his lap. I grind against him as we kiss. Cody slides his hand down my back until we come up for air.

“So suddenly you can’t multi-task?” Cody takes hold of Brad’s hand and sets it onto his crotch.

Brad strokes Cody’s growing bulge. “Maybe I can. If you convince me.”

Cody’s wicked grin sends shivers down my spine. “I’d rather show you.”

CHAPTER 30 TANNER

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