"I can't even begin to explain the bullshit," I sighed while taking a sip of water, "Tanya, I think Dimitri likes me."
She froze mid-bite, "It would make sense from what you've been saying. It might just be an infatuation. Something new from Callista and Eve. You'd be the third in line."
Third in line. Repeated in my head over and over again, "I'm not third for anyone."
Tanya put her fork down and gently caressed my hand, "No, you're not."
The kindness in her tone and the gentle expression on her face brought warmth to my heart.
"How are my two most gorgeous women?" Eric beamed as he approached our table.
"Your women?" I repeated.
"Yes," he nodded while kissing both of us on the cheek.
"How are things with Callista?" I asked.
"Good," he confirmed, "She's going on another business trip soon and wanted me to go with her."
"We should be able to buy a bar soon with the money I have saved," I added.
"Can we stop talking business and talk about this weekend?" Tanya intervened.
"What's this weekend?" we asked in unison.
"Your birthday?" she reminded.
I rubbed my forehead, I forgot my 25th birthday was this Saturday. The last thing I wanted to do was celebrate it.
"We can celebrate once we move to California after we buy the bar," I sighed.
"No," she shook her head and Eric agreed, "Let's do something different. It doesn't have to be big or festive. Maybe something small. Just the three of us."
That did sound nice. Just the three of us. Like it was before the others came into our world.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
"Hello?" I answered my phone.
"Hi, beautiful," Callista replied, "This weekend I'm going to send a car to your place and bring you over here. I have a surprise for you."
"Umm," I hesitated.
"I haven't seen you in weeks. I'm heading out of town this Sunday for work. Plus, I miss your body."
My cheeks flushed red, "I made plans with Tanya and Eric already."
"Bring them," she giggled.
Unable to find a reasonable excuse I caved, "Okay."
"Great! I'll send the car around five in the afternoon for the three of you."
"Alright," I smiled.
"Goodbye, beautiful."
After I hung up the phone I could see Tanya's and Eric's eyes burning holes into me.
"We're hanging out at Callista's in the afternoon on Saturday," I confessed.
They looked puzzled.
"Is that what you want?" Tanya asked.
"You don't have to if you don't want to," Eric included.
I fidgeted uncomfortably in my seat. I don't know what I want if I was honest with myself. So much had gone on these past ten months that I just wanted to hide in my home and be left alone for a while. Part of me missed bartending. It had given me relief from day-to-day life and made it more exciting.
"I'm sure," I sighed, "It won't be til the afternoon so we can all do something together beforehand."
They both look unconvinced.
With a deep breath, I calmed myself, "Soon we won't be here anymore. We won't have to deal with the three of them anymore and move on from this chapter of our lives."
They both smiled.
"I haven't seen you get so riled up in a long time," Eric commented, "It's sexy."
Tanya shoved Eric playfully, "Hey, now. She's mine."
"Mine too!" he laughed.
They began teasing each other. Throwing comments and remarks in regards to who I belong to more. I cleared my throat and gained their attention.
"Actually," I interjected while wiping my mouth clean from food, "You both belong to me."