I was surprised when the days passed and our relationship didn’t automatically change. Apparently, sleeping with someone in high school was a much bigger deal for my life outlook—though to be fair, that may have been because I got pregnant. We fell back into a similar routine as the days flew by, with us all gathering at least once a week as a group to watch the football games. Each of them texted and called daily now, and I would have been lying to myself if those weren’t the bright spots in my day.

However, after three weeks since our first round in bed, we had yet to sleep with each other again. Part of me felt guilty about that, though I realized it was more the expectation of needing to return pleasure. Despite that fact, I definitely wanted my hands on their bodies again. I just hoped they’d be all right with continuing to have sex in the dark.

They took every opportunity to touch me. Troy would play with my hair or pull me onto his lap to wrap his arms around me. For a guy who was so standoffish, I was surprised at how cuddly he was. Alex was more traditional and sweet, frequently holding my hand, kissing my fingers, or rubbing my thigh. Max, of course, leaned towards playful touch, though he always let me know there was heat behind it. Whether he snaked an arm around my shoulders and swept a teasing touch across my breast, wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed me against him so I could feel his attraction, or he tugged my hair and bared my throat for a kiss.

Some days were surreal, and I wondered how long this type of relationship could last. No one spoke words of jealousy or asked to leave our group, though I did catch the occasional glance or glare. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to initiate actual dates, or if we were going to continue the group route. All of this was so confusing, though I wasn’t sure if it was because I was dating in a group or simply because I hadn’t dated in so many years.

“You’re sure pensive over there.” Jenna threw popcorn at me and I glared at her as I brushed it from my clothes. I really had to remember to vacuum, I hadn’t done it in a few weeks. “The kids are doing well, Em.” She reassured me. “You can tell they miss you, and it’s almost the holiday. We can have a crazy blowout and send them pictures. This summer’s already going by so fast, you’ll have them back with you soon.” I tried to smile at that, though I wasn’t sure it was effective.

I missed my children like crazy, and in a way, another month without them sounded like an eternity. Yet, with everything going on with Max, Troy, and Alex, it had been easier to accept that the kids were safe, happy, and having fun; which meant I was allowed to have fun.

Even with the distractions that my phone now provided, I was still able to get more work done than usual since I wasn’t wrangling three kids and a slave to whatever schedules their teachers, coaches, tutors, and friends thought up. A small part, a part that I couldn’t help but resent, wasn’t looking forward to the end of our time together though. None of us had talked about it, yet we all knew what August would bring. This summer romance we had blooming, this relationship that was as much a work in progress as my current novel, would have to end. I would need to choose one or none of them and figure out the ramifications. It’s not like I could continue seeing all of them in this utopian world we’d created once I had impressionable kids in my living room.

My phone whistled and I grinned, reaching to grab it before sending a look at Jenna who simply grinned at me. “A whistle, huh?”

I shrugged. I had customized each of the guy’s ringtones and text tones, partially for fun and partially so I wouldn’t confuse conversations when I hadn’t had caffeine yet in the morning. “Just Troy.”

Thinking of you, Emmie.

I smiled at the sweet message before tapping my reply. All good thoughts, I hope. I paused for a minute before adding, I miss you. I swore after sending it, tossing my phone down and rubbing at my temples. “Jenna, I need advice.” I hated asking for it since it usually came with an ‘I told you so’ attached, but I was in a bind and I needed another perspective. I had lost most of my friendships over the years between the fallout with Ian and my own lack of time, not to mention moving across country. Plus, I couldn’t imagine any of the women I used to gossip with in Georgia would do anything more than say ‘bless your heart’ if I tried to explain this situation to them.

“The doctor is in. Spill.” Jenna curled her legs up on the couch, tossing another handful of popcorn into her mouth. I stared at her for a moment, a shallow part of me nearly hating her for the amount she was eating even though she never gained weight. I closed my eyes and shook it off, focusing on the problem at hand.

“We had that amazing night together in Sandusky. We drove home right after the waterpark, so it’s not like we did a repeat of it. We’ve hung out and watched some ball games since, but I’m in limbo here. I thought we were supposed to be dating, but I’m not sure if this is an individual thing or a group thing. I mean, I just texted Troy and told him that I missed him. Am I supposed to do that?”

My phone whistled again, interrupting my rant. I miss you, too, beautiful. How about we remedy that? Would you like to go out with me tonight, maybe have dinner?

“Oh, god. What do I say?” I tossed Jenna the phone without thinking and she glared at me as it landed in her popcorn bowl, showering her and the couch with butter and chocolate coated kernels.

“Breathe, Em,” she ordered, fishing my phone from the bowl. “See, he’s asking you out.” She offered as she read the message. “That saves you from having to do it and looking like you’re picking favorites. Dinner, though. Didn’t peg him for classic.”

“You think I should say yes?” I asked, cautiously retrieving my phone from her.

“You still like him? Want to get to know him?” I nodded my reply. “Then I don’t see a reason why not. One of them had to ask you first. Have dinner, see where it takes you.” She glanced pointedly at the bedroom and I rolled my eyes, turning my attention to my phone.

I’d love to have dinner with you.

Perfect. Pick you up at 7? We can grab Italian. The text came back immediately as if he had been waiting for my response. I chuckled at that image, of Troy huddled over his phone, chewing on a finger as he waited to see if I’d say yes.

Sounds great. See you then. I blew out a breath, turning to focus on Jenna. “He said Italian at seven.”

Jenna cocked her head, considering. “Unless he’s taking you down to Pittsburgh or up to Erie, he’s probably taking you over to Sabbatini’s. Not fancy, but nice. Killer calamari.” I nearly gagged. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to eat squid. It was like chewing on deep fried rubber bands. Jenna snorted at my reaction. “Philistine.”

“I guess the dresses you talked me into are going to come in handy after all,” I admitted, putting aside my phone to head towards my bedroom. I had been lucky to have a rental with a master bedroom on the first floor, allowing me some separation from the kids. I hoped to be able to buy something in the next few years that suited us better, but for now, we made it work with Jake and Cal sharing a bedroom, Brooke having her own, and the smallest bedroom—honestly it was more of a walk-in closet—outfitted as my office. I tugged open my closet doors to consider my options, although I knew there weren’t many.

Jenna stepped around me, grabbing one off the rack and handing it to me. “This one.” She seemed completely sure of her choice so I studied it. The black cotton dress was off the shoulder, lending it an element of sexiness. The high-low hem flaunted my legs without showing too much, and the three-quarters sleeves offered coverage against the air conditioning. I hesitated though.

“You sure?” I glanced back at the closet, pondering its contents.

Jenna glared at me. “I’m positive. You look awesome in fit and flare. The dress is cotton so it won’t look too dressy for the environment, but the cut and style add class. Pair it with a cute necklace and twist your hair up so that more of your neck is exposed. Some mascara, a pretty gloss, those sexy red heels I forced you into, and you’re ready to go.”

I gawked at her, awed by the way that just rolled off of her tongue. “You need to work as a personal shopper or something. You barely look at everything and you have the whole outfit planned.”

Jenna waved a hand in dismissal. “I like my inn. I meet so many weird and awesome people. There’s always psychos, but that’s fun too. With school being out I’m seeing more tourists rather than just nervous parents of the college freshman.” She rolled her eyes at that and I couldn’t help but chuckle. I knew she got exasperated in the fall when parents would flood her inn, fretting about their children fitting in at college and depriving her, in her mind, of the unique people she liked to meet. A tapping noise sounded, pulling my attention to my phone. “What was that?” She asked, glancing towards the front door.

“Alex,” I explained.

I hear Troy claimed you for a date tonight. Lucky man. I’ve been wrapped up in a trial, but it looks like we’re finishing things off. Will you do me the honor of being my date on Thursday? I’d take you out on date night, but I like the tradition we have going of watching games together.

I knew I was blushing and Jenna’s watchful eyes caught it immediately. “Please tell me he’s sending you racy text messages. What the hell was that noise, anyway?” I didn’t dare hand her my phone. All of the guys had sent me racy text messages at different points, praising my body or my taste. It definitely didn’t hurt my self-esteem to see those pop up on the screen, although I still couldn’t quite believe them.

“It’s a gavel,” I explained.

“Oh, Jesus, Em.” Jenna shook her head. “You downloaded specific tones for each of them?” I only shrugged, focusing on my phone. “What is Max, then, a whoopie cushion?” I barked out a laugh at that. He’d probably actually get a major kick out of that.

“He’s a kazoo, actually,” I admitted.

I’d love to go on a date with you. I texted back, unsure if I should plan something or let him. When my phone didn’t immediately chime, I assumed he was either planning himself or had been called back into the courtroom.

“Enough about me, what about you? How about that girl you were seeing?” I tried to get Jenna to focus off of my life for a minute.

“Jess?” She shook her head, playing with the strands of her hair as she thought. “We didn’t click, really. I don’t know, I guess I’m just looking for something a bit more serious now.” I knew my jaw dropped as I stared at my fun-loving sister. She had always preached that she didn’t want to be tied to anyone in particular, that she liked her freedom and having partners as she chose. She said there was always something more to learn, something more to experience. She grimaced as she noted my shock. “I know. I’m hoping it’s just a faze and realizing I’m almost forty.” She gave an exaggerated shudder. “I think I’m just going to take a dating hiatus for a while. Maybe it will help me clear my head, help me figure out what I really want.” She looked so pensive, almost lost for a moment there, that I crossed to her and squeezed her hand.

“You deserve to be happy, Jen. If that means you have threesomes til you’re eighty, then I’ll tell you to rock it every step of the way. If you want to try out the marriage and a mortgage lifestyle, I’ll start calling you Sadie and help you to pick out china patterns.” I grinned at her look of abject horror. “Whatever your choice, I’m here for you.”

“Right back at you little sis.” She squeezed me into a tight hug. “Now, let’s get you ready for tonight. He hasn’t seen you dressed up yet, and I want you to knock him dead.”