The waiter leaned on the counter with the payment machine. Amber tapped her card quickly, then stood, slinging her laptop case over her shoulder.

  “You’re fucking these two older women… Like, old enough to be your moms. How old are you?”

  “I’m twenty seven.”

  She nodded slowly. “Okay. I thought you were more like my age.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty four. Twenty five next month.”

  I shrugged. “We’re pretty much the same age.”

  She nodded, eyes wide. “Exactly! And Caroline and Sofia are like my mom’s age.”

  I shrugged again, grinning. “Who cares?”

  She stared at me, clearly irritated that she wasn’t getting under my skin. She clutched her laptop tighter, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

  Her phone buzzed. “I have to make a call.”

  She turned to leave but then spun back suddenly.

  “You know what? We’ve been planning this development for two years. The council’s behind it. We’ve got investors and developers lined up. It’s happening even if some people are just dead-set against change.

  “So if you and your… your girlfriends aren’t on board… you’d better just get out of the way.”

  “Or else we’ll be flattened by the steamroller, right?”

  She was already striding to the door, all hot and flustered. She tossed her head and glanced back at me before stepping through the door onto the street.

  Chapter thirty-two

  Afew moments later, I got a text from Jim..

  Hey Ryan!

  Great to hear from you. Glad you’re loving Riverdale. Your proposal is interesting.

  Thanks for putting it all down in writing. Let’s talk.

  I’m in meetings for the next few hours but I can call around 5pm. That work for you?

  I replied rapidly. Absolutely. 5pm is perfect.

  I knew Jim pretty well, and I could already tell he was interested. He was going to have lots of questions about details, but it was a good sign.

  Walking back towards Caroline’s, I was looking forward to our conversation. Hopefully it would leave me with some good news to share with Sofia.

  Coming through Caroline’s front door, I found her on the living room couch reading. “Hey, you. How was the cafe?”

  I groaned, slipping off my shoes. “Very trendy.”

  “And I take it that’s a bad thing?”

  “Very bad.”

  Walking over, I admired how she looked in the summer dress—the skirt riding up her thighs, her bare feet on the hardwood floor.

  I plopped onto the couch beside her and settled my head on her thigh. Her fingers stroked my hair. “Was it really that bad?”

  “Yes,” I moped, caressing her leg. “Essence. You know that place?”

  Caroline shook with a laugh. “I could have warned you not to go there, honey.”

  “I missed your food so much.” I planted a noisy kiss on her thigh. Then I kissed it again.

  “Poor baby. But it serves you right for wanting to eat in a cafe instead of having my food.”

  “Good point.”

  I kissed her leg a few more times, then rolled around so that I was looking up at her.

  “Amber was there,” I said. “Of course, it’s exactly the kind of place she’d go.”

  “And did she give you her usual spiel about selling the house?”

  “Kind of. But she got into her broader philosophy. She was like, ‘you guys better get outta the way because the development’s happening.’”

  “The little brat.”

  I suddenly remembered the way the young blonde had reacted so clearly to my relationship with Caroline and Sofia. My head lifted off Caroline’s thigh. “Hey! You know what I realized? I think she’s jealous! Jealous of us.”

  Caroline’s hand fell on my chest, calming me. I lay my head back down.

  She laughed. “I know. You just realized that now? Didn’t you see the way she looked at you on the driveway?”

  I frowned, thinking. “Yeah… I guess.”

  “I bet she’d stop her yammering if you gave her the same thing you gave me and Sofia.” Her hand moved down my stomach.

  “My cock?”

  “That’s what she wants.”

  “Well, that’s never gonna happen.”

  “Never say never.” Caroline hummed, still stroking my hair with her other hand.

  I scoffed. “Please. Amber’s way too different from us. Not to mention she’s immature and annoying.”

  “That’s why she needs a spanking.”

  I widened my eyes at her. She cracked up, her hair falling over me as she giggled. “Your face!”

  “You’re the one who needs a spanking.”

  “Well, anyway, tonight we have other plans.”

  “We do?”

  “Uh huh. Sofia’s cooking dinner for us. I think she might be ready.”

  I peered up at her eyes. “You think so?”

  “I mean, the way she was looking at us this morning at the dock… And she was texting me all morning.”

  “What was she saying?”

  “I can’t tell you. Wouldn’t be fair.” She leaned down, her hair falling around my face as she kissed me. “But she wants us both.”

  She gazed at me for a moment, then tapped her hand on my stomach. “You want me to make some sandwiches?”

  “Yes, please.”

  After eating Caroline’s sandwiches, we sat out on the back porch, reading. Henry was now busy seizing land and redistributing it to his supporters. I was liking the guy less and less.

  At 4:57, I closed the book and put my phone on the armrest, waiting. The call came two minutes after five.

  “Hey Jim.”

  Caroline watched me over her book as I went inside. Jim got straight to the point.

  “Look, I like the case you’re making, and I’m prepared to go in as an equity partner, pending all the usual stuff, of course.”

  “Really? That’s great!”

  “Hey, first of all, you know how excited I am about the potential in this community. I really believe in it. And second, I trust your judgement. If you tell me you see a solid opportunity here, I stop and listen.”

  “Thanks, Jim. I appreciate—”

  “Even if you are fucking the owner. I take it that’s what you meant when you wrote that you’re ‘sort of dating’ her?”

  “Uh, yeah. I just wanted to be totally upfront. But I can assure you, even if I didn’t have a thing going with her—.”

  “Don’t worry,” Jim interrupted with a chuckle. “There’s a third reason I feel good about this idea. I happen to know Como en Casa quite well.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, great place. My wife discovered it. We go there every time we’re in Riverdale. We’re both big fans.”

  “That’s amazing! You guys have good taste, I must say.”

  “Oh, yes. We like hearty food. But yeah, I actually spoke to Sofia once. She probably doesn’t remember me, though. It was really busy.”

  “But you’ve met her already! This is great!”

  I was elated. This seemed to be going as well as I could have hoped. Jim explained how he’d want a 20% equity stake, which I thought very fair. Benson didn’t seem to worry him in the slightest.

  “I know how to deal with him. If Sofia would be willing to let me do the negotiating, I’m sure I’ll be able to get the price down.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she’d be happy to. But what if Benson says no?”

  “I don’t think he will.”

  “Why not?”

  Jim’s voice was completely self-assured. “He doesn’t see the bigger picture. Once he realizes who he’s dealing with… He’ll clue in.”

  “Huh. I don’t get it.”

  Jim laughed. “Let’s just say I know people he’d like to work with. And I know people he definitely wouldn’t want working against him. Small-town developers need friends in high places if they want to play with the big boys.”

  “Ahhh, so he’s gonna start kissing ass once he realizes who Sofia’s partnering with.”

  “Ugh, I hope not. But probably, yeah.”

  After hanging up, I sat on the couch, thinking. Sofia could have her dream location, if she wanted it.

  She’d just have to accept Jim as a partner. I wasn’t sure how she’d react to that idea. But she seemed pretty business-savvy, judging by all those books on her shelf.

  Caroline walked inside, shutting the door. “Whew! It’s getting windy out there. Well? Is it good news or bad?”

  I grinned. “I might have found a solution for Sofia’s restaurant problem.”

  “Really? That’s amazing! How did you manage that?”

  “I’ll tell you over dinner, when I explain it to Sofia.”

  “I can’t wait to see her reaction.” She glanced at her phone. “She wants us there around seven. Plenty of time for a shower.” She made the come-hither gesture.

  “That would be nice, but I should conserve my energy for tonight— just in case.”

  We showered separately, but that didn’t stop the excitement from building.

  At seven, Caroline stood over the oven wearing a satin slip dress that ended above her knees. One hand was buried in an oven mitt.

  “This’ll be the first time I eat both of your cooking at once,” I said. “Exciting.”

  “Could be many more times, if you’d extend your stay more than just a week,” she said casually, her hand resting on the oven handle.

  “Good point,” I said carefully. “Just didn’t want to outstay my welcome.”

  “Oh, you’re very welcome.”

  The timer went off, and she pulled out her casserole. We headed across Sofia’s lawn in the dim evening light.

  The sky was grey, occasional raindrops plopping onto the grass.

  I could feel the anticipation buzzing between us—both for sharing my big news and for whatever was about to happen between the three of us.

  Chapter thirty-three

  Sofia had set her dining room table with a cloth and candles. Her dishes were laid out—beef, chicken, red-bean soup, and potatoes. She wore high-waisted dress pants and a low-cut top, her hair tied with a white ribbon.

  We ate mostly in silence as the rain picked up, sweeping across the backyard in gusts.

  The tension hung thick in the air.

  Caroline put down her cutlery and gave Sofia a knowing look across the table. “Remember this morning at the dock? Ryan sitting in between you and me?”

  “Of course I remember,” Sofia said softly.

  “Why did you run away so fast?”

  Sofia spread her hands. “Because you are crazy! Bill and Martha already see us.” She giggled.

  Caroline grinned. “I bet you went straight to your bedroom and rubbed one off.”

  “No. I did it on the couch.” She pointed to the den.

  “Well, close enough.”

  If she was trying to get my blood flowing, it was working. I shifted in my seat, trying to make more room in my jeans.

  But I focused on my dinner, happy to let them talk.

  Caroline caught my eye, probably wondering when I was going to tell Sofia my news. But I was waiting for the right moment.

  Sofia stood, gathering plates. “Would anyone like dessert? I have strawberries and ice cream.”

  “Let me help,” I said, gathering my dishes. Caroline followed us into the kitchen, carrying an empty pan.

  “We can use the dishwasher,” Sofia said, putting the dishes in. I did likewise.

  She took the ice cream and a bowl of strawberries and set them on the counter, moving with quick, nervous energy.

  “Would you like some?” She turned to face me.

  I raked my eyes over her, backing against the counter. “Yes.”

  She gave me a playful look. “Are you talking about strawberries and ice cream?” Her voice was soft, breathy.

  I moved closer, deliberately trapping her between my arms. “No.”

  Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Caroline leaned against a counter watching us. “Ice cream might be nice,” Caroline hummed.

  Sofia’s hands found my chest, her fists bunching in my shirt as I bent to kiss her neck. “Ryan…”

  I looked at her. “Yes?”

  But Caroline was right there with us holding a cold strawberry. She traced it over Sofia’s cheek.

  A phone buzzed.

  Sofia glanced at her purse, hanging from a chair at the kitchen table.

  “Ignore it,” Caroline commanded softly, lifting Sofia’s chin and pressing the shining red berry against her mouth.

  Sofia’s lips parted for the strawberry. Caroline drew it slowly across her bottom lip before letting her take a bite.

  I watched a drop of juice trail down Sofia’s chin. Before it could fall, Caroline caught it with her finger and brought it to my lips.

  “Taste,” she whispered.

  I sucked the sweetness off of Caroline’s finger as Sofia’s hands slid under my shirt, stroking my stomach. I pulled the shirt over my head and tossed it to the floor.

  Another buzz from the phone. We barely noticed it.

  Sofia was panting, running her hands over my chest while Caroline caressed my arm. She put the remainder of the strawberry to my lips. I took a bite.

  “Now give it to me,” Caroline said, pulling me towards her. I pressed my lips to hers, passing the fruit on my tongue.

  Caroline turned to Sofia. Understanding glimmered in the Latina’s eyes. She moved closer to Caroline. The two women’s lips briefly touched as Sofia took the fruit, chewing it.

  She swallowed, and I kissed her, twirling my tongue around hers. My fingers dug into her hips, pulling her against me as we kissed.

  Caroline stroked the back of my neck, watching us.

  Sofia panted to catch her breath. I groped her inner thigh. Her hands fell on my arms, scratching with her nails. “I’m so wet… Oh my god…”

  “Shall we go upstairs?” Caroline breathed.

  “Yes, let’s go.” Sofia took us both by the wrists.

  But before she could take a step, a loud pounding came from the front door, making Sofia jump.

  “The fuck is that?” I growled, my muscles tightening.

  Sofia’s eyes went wide as she ran to her purse, taking out her phone.

  “Oh my god,” she whispered, scrolling through messages.

  “What is it?” I stood beside her.

  “Is Mr. Benson. What the fuck, he is going crazy!”

  There were 14 missed calls and a string of furious messages. The ghoul was threatening to destroy Sofia’s business.

  She’d never go anywhere in this town, he said. All doors would be closed. He’d even shut down her restaurant by reporting her for health and safety violations.

  I have pictures of all those rats in your kitchen

  What do you think will happen when I send them to the regulator?

  Sofia clenched her fist. “He’s lying! There are no rat in my kitchen! Never!”

  “I’ve seen your kitchen. It’s spotless.”

  The pounding came again, harder. I could hear the front windows rattling.

  Sofia’s eyes quivered with fear. This was not just melodrama this time. She was terrified.

  “Let me handle this.”

  “Ryan, wait!” She rushed forward and stood in my way, blocking the door out of the kitchen.

  “Please. Don’t make him more angry. I… I don’t know what to do. He has too much power. He can decide if my restaurant lives or dies.”

  “No.” I firmly squeezed her shoulders, steadying her, looking into her eyes.

  “He might be a big fish in this town. But I’m a bigger fish, and I’m friends with some fucking whales.”

  “Ryan, what are you talking about?” Her breathing started to calm down. She searched my eyes.

  I spoke rapidly. “A friend of mine wants to invest in your business— the same guy who helped with my business.”

  Sofia stared at me for a second, then her hands flew over her mouth. “Really?”

  “Yes. I was about to tell you. We can talk about it after, okay?”

  A look of calm and trust came into her big eyes. “Okay, Ryan.”

  “Good.” I squeezed her hand and entered the hallway towards her front room.

  I was glad I’d had to explain the situation to Sofia, because it grounded me.

  A moment before, I’d been seeing red. Harassing Sofia for months on end? Vindictively tormenting this sweet person, plotting to ruin her livelihood, just because she refused your sleazy advances?

  I was ready to smash his jaw.

  But that would have just given Benson a substantial reason to refuse to do business with us—and maybe even press charges against me, considering what a weasel he was.

  I needed to keep my head.

  The pounding came again. As I stepped towards the door, I heard Benson growling, “I know you’re home, Sofia.”

  I yanked open the door. Benson stood there, the rain pouring down behind him. His eyes widened at the sight of me shirtless in Sofia’s house.

  “Where’s Sofia?” he croaked over the sound of the downpour.

  “Sofia’s busy—” I began, but she suddenly pushed past me, jabbing her finger towards him.

  “You wanna talk to me? I’m here! How dare you come to my house and—”

  “Sofia.” I pulled her back as Caroline took her in her arms.

  “Shhh, let Ryan handle this,” Caroline murmured, leading Sofia away.

  Benson’s mouth was hanging wide now, making his second chin pop out. His beady eyes were bloodshot with envy.

  “This was a private business matter between me and Sofia.”

  “Not anymore. Sofia is partnering with Jim Muller. You can speak to him now.”

  He smiled, almost whimsically. “You mean the Jim Muller? The venture capitalist?”

  “Of course. Who else would I mean.”

  “Fuck off. You don’t know Jim Muller.”

  I only looked him steadily in the eyes, saying nothing.

  He shifted on his feet, letting out a raspy laugh. “You’re… You’re telling me… you know Jim Muller?” He laughed again, though his mouth was stiff.

  “He’d like to discuss a more reasonable price for your property.”