"He's got issues with marriage."
"He's a fucked-up mess."
"Strong words from you," I say.
He shrugs true. "But it was more than that. It was because she wasn't right for you. And everyone knew that too."
"Everyone knew?"
"Yes. But Ian thought he was blinded by his marriage. He didn't realize he was seeing straight."
"Ah, it's not that you're an arsehole for telling me you hate my fiancée. It's that he was blinded."
He nods. "Sometimes the truth hurts. You're the one who taught me that, Ty."
"Thank god you're repaying the favor."
Cam chuckles. "I'm glad I did. Now you know I'm being honest when I tell you I like her."
That's a fair point. And I do strive for full disclosure. But I also realize it's fucking difficult.
"And I can tell she's good for you. Even if you were photographed with another woman two months ago."
"We already knew each other," I say. "Three years ago—"
"The girl from The Museum of Sex." His eyes fill with epiphany. "The one who fucked up your head. So you couldn't enjoy normal anymore. Of course. All the better."
"You really are an arsehole. You know that?"
He raises his glass again. When I toast, he continues. "Good for you, Ty. Thinking with your cock. Making men everywhere proud."
The girls reappear at the table.
"Hey." Indie bites her lip. "I'm going to take her home."
"I can get myself home," Sienna says. "Or Cam could help."
"Nope." She squeezes my hand. Pulls me into a quick kiss. "Call me in the morning. You can make good on your promise tomorrow."
"Oh my god, we all know that means sex!" Sienna laughs. "Just go do it now. Stop pretending like you're sly." She motions for me to come with her. "Come on, Ty. Ride home with us. Then take Indie back to your place. We all know you want to."
Cam raises a brow. "I'm not seeing a flaw in this plan."
"Tomorrow." I kiss Indie goodbye again.
Sienna pouts, but she still follows her sister out of the restaurant.
Cam shoots me a curious look. "You're cruel, teasing her like that."
"She likes when I'm cruel."
"Fuck. I hope you hold on to her. You're never going to find someone who suits you better."
After I pay, Cam insists on taking me out for another drink.
He wants to go dancing. To meet other women. To tease me about finally being monogamous.
I should say yes. Go somewhere he can't interrogate me. But I don't.
I go to a quiet bar around the corner. Let him buy the first round.
Then a second.
Tell him too much about Indie and how I want her and how fucked up I felt with Rory. How fucked I still feel because of the way she looked at me.
He toasts to it, of course. We're all fucked up, Ty. As long as she's satisfied, what else matters?
I hold on to that thought as we part.
As I head home.
Text Indie.
Ty: Is Sienna okay?
Indigo: Drunk, but okay. She fell asleep during our second episode of 90 Day Fiancée.
Ty: How do you watch that show?
Indigo: It's very dramatic.
Ty: It's ridiculous.
Indigo: So are you.
Ty: I'm not sure that has any relevance.
Indigo: It's fun watching with her. I can't explain it. Making fun of something, but loving it anyway. It feels right.
Ty: I'm glad you have her.
Indigo: Thanks.
Ty: Even if you kill my cousin to protect her.
Indigo: You won't try to stop me?
Ty: I wanted him aware of your lethal power. He knows the risks.
Indigo: Do you think he would?
Ty: Honestly, I don't know. He's like Sienna. Pushes buttons for the fun of it.
Indigo: You do that too. With me.
Ty: And you don't?
Indigo: That's what you're doing now. Teasing me. Or is this a booty call?
Ty: Would you leave your drunk sister alone?
Indigo: Of course not.
Ty: Do you think I don't know you enough to know that?
Indigo: Maybe you're inviting yourself here.
Ty: No. I like making you wait.
Indigo: So you will? Tomorrow?
Ty: I'll do what?
Indigo: Come in my mouth.
Fuck. I'm too pissed to stay in control.
I want to go over there. Order her onto her knees. Tug at her hair as she wraps her lips around my cock.
I want to throw her on the bed. Climb between her legs. Lick her until she's screaming my name.
Ty: Maybe.
Indigo: Okay. Fine. I'll just think about it tonight.
Ty: You'll think about it?
Indigo: When I fuck myself.
My balls tighten.
Ty: Are you thinking of it now?
Indigo: Yes.
Ty: Show me.
Indigo: Show you?
Ty: Send me a picture. Of your face.
Indigo: My face?
Ty: I wouldn't mind if it includes your tits. But I'm not after that.
Indigo: What are you after?
Ty: The need in your expression.
Indigo: I'm not sure if I should be flattered or offended.
Ty: I love your tits.
Indigo: Okay. You saved it.
Ty: You're pissed too?
Indigo: A little.
My phone buzzes with a picture message.
Indigo, lying on her dark purple sheets, hair falling over her blue eyes, lips parting with a sigh.