The sun had set, and the warm glow of tiki torches lit up the private beach as we gathered around for the BBQ. The private chefs were busy at work, grilling up an assortment of seafood and meats, their expert movements making everything seem effortless. The smell of fresh lobster, steak, and chicken filled the air, blending with the salty ocean breeze.
I was sitting on one of the oversized lounge chairs, sipping on a cold beer, while Vanessa chatted with Alessa about something to do with work. Leila was over by the grill, talking to the chefs about their process, clearly interested in learning how they perfected the seafood. Bella, as usual, was flitting around, full of energy.
She came over to me, her green eyes twinkling with mischief. I could tell from the way she was smirking that she had something up her sleeve. Bella had a way of making things fun but also chaotic, and I had no idea what she was about to say, but I knew it wasn't going to be ordinary.
"Hey, Tristan," she said, her voice low as she plopped down next to me on the lounge chair, leaning in close. "Can I ask you something?"
I looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Uh, sure. What's up?"
She leaned even closer, her breath warm against my ear as she whispered, "What do you think about a threesome... with me and Leila?"
I nearly choked on my beer, feeling my face flush instantly. My heart started racing, and I tried to play it cool, but I could already feel the heat creeping up my neck.
"I—I, uh..." I stammered, trying to find words, but my brain wasn't cooperating. This was not the kind of conversation I was expecting to have tonight, especially not during a peaceful BBQ on a private island.
Bella giggled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "What? Come on, don't tell me you've never thought about it."
I swallowed hard, trying to think of something to say that wouldn't make me sound like a complete idiot. "I mean... I... I don't know, Bella. That's, uh... pretty forward."
She laughed again, nudging me playfully. "Oh, come on. Don't be shy. It's all in good fun. And trust me, Leila's totally into it. We've done this before."
My face was probably bright red at this point, and I could barely think straight. Bella was relentless, but in her usual teasing, playful way. She didn't seem to care that I was flustered. In fact, she was enjoying it.
Before I could come up with a response, Bella leaned in even closer and whispered, "We could even invite Alessa if you're feeling adventurous. I know she looks all uptight, but she's a freak in the sheets. Super demanding in bed. That's why her last boyfriend only lasted, like, a week."
I blinked, my brain short-circuiting at the thought of Alessa—serious, composed, no-nonsense Alessa—being anything close to what Bella was describing. I shook my head, trying to snap myself out of it.
"Wait, Alessa?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper, not wanting the others to hear.
Bella nodded, her grin growing wider. "Oh yeah. She acts all serious, but once you get her alone... let's just say she knows exactly what she wants, and she doesn't hold back. Poor guy couldn't keep up with her. But, on second thought..." Bella tilted her head, biting her lip as if considering something. "Maybe we shouldn't invite Alessa. I don't want her scaring you off."
I could barely keep up with the conversation. My mind was spinning, and the idea of Bella, Leila, and now Alessa was making me feel like I had just walked into a situation way over my head.
"I... I don't think..." I started, still stumbling over my words, trying to find a way out of this without making it more awkward.
Before Bella could push further, Vanessa's voice cut through the air, calm but firm. "Bella, no funny ideas."
I looked up, relieved, to see Vanessa standing a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest, giving her younger sister a pointed look. She wasn't angry, exactly, but there was a clear warning in her eyes.
Bella immediately backed off, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm just teasing. No need to get all serious."
Vanessa walked over, placing a hand on my shoulder as she smiled down at me, her touch reassuring. "Don't let her get to you. She's had too much to drink."
Bella pouted, but the teasing glint in her eye never faded. "You're no fun, Vanessa. I was just joking. Mostly."
Vanessa shot her a look, and Bella quickly turned her attention back to the food being grilled, clearly knowing when to back down.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, grateful that Vanessa had stepped in before things got even more awkward. I glanced up at her, smiling sheepishly. "Thanks for the save."
She chuckled softly, sitting down next to me on the lounge chair. "Don't worry about Bella. She's always like that when she drinks too much. I'll keep her in check."
I nodded, still feeling the heat in my face but slowly starting to relax. "Yeah, I wasn't expecting that."
Vanessa smiled, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?"
I laughed nervously, shaking my head. "Well, I wasn't exactly prepared for a conversation about... that."
Vanessa smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't worry. I won't let her corrupt you."
We sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the ocean and the soft crackle of the BBQ filling the air. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but with Vanessa by my side, I felt more at ease. Bella might have been wild, but Vanessa always knew how to keep things grounded.
A few minutes later, Bella returned with plates of grilled food, acting like nothing had happened. She gave me a playful wink as she handed me a plate, but this time, she didn't say anything else.
Vanessa shot her a look, and Bella rolled her eyes dramatically before turning her attention back to the food.
As the night went on, the mood lightened, and we all relaxed into the evening, enjoying the food and the company. Despite the awkward moment, it was hard not to appreciate the warmth of the fire, the taste of the perfectly cooked seafood, and the way the stars lit up the night sky above us.
Q: Do you like BBQ?