“Can I help you carry any of that to your car?” I offer to help an elderly lady who just purchased one of Kelly’s intricate vases.

“Oh, no. That’s okay, dear. My grandson here will help me. Won’t you, Tyler?” She turns her wrinkled face to the gangly teenage boy.

“I guess.” He shrugs.

“Thank you, dear.” She pats him on the hand and he pulls away, quickly looking around him to make sure no one saw the affection.

Ahhh, those awkward teen years. I remember the acne and hormones well. And I don’t miss any of it. I watch as Tyler clumsily lifts the vase and follows his grandmother out of the store. There’s a decent chance that vase will never make it to the car. I hope I’m wrong.

I gaze around at the thinning crowd that remains in Kelly’s new shop. It took some work, but she finally had her grand opening today. I’d say it was a success. It’s not like there was a line of customers waiting at the door just clamoring to get inside this morning, but it has been a steady stream of people checking out the new place all day.

“You must be pretty proud of yourself.” I brush my fingers down Kelly’s arm and she smiles up at me.

When she looks at me like that, under the heavy fringe of her dark eyelashes and blinks her wide eyes at me, I want to tell everyone browsing her pottery to take a hike and lock down the store. Even though Zach and I just shared her this morning, my body is already throbbing with a need that only she can fill.

“I am.” She blushes. “I never expected so many sales on my first day. It’s actually kind of amazing.” Her tone is hushed, like she’s in awe of her success.

“I’m sure it will only get better too. It’s funny how when you’re following the path you’re meant to be on, things just click into place. I’m proud of you, babe.”

Her rosy hue deepens and she looks down bashfully. “Thanks, Desi. That means a lot to me.”

“We’re going to have to get some wine and celebrate when you close up.”

“Already one step ahead of you, man,” Zach interrupts. “I went and got some champagne at lunch. Once we’ve cleared out the last customers, I’ll pop the cork and get the bubbly flowing.” He grins.

“Well, it looks like we can get into that anytime now. Look.” Kelly points to the last couple of people clearing out of her place. “Quick, let’s lock the door and flip the sign. I’m more than ready to call it a day.” She nods at me.

I cross the floor and get the place locked up. Turning back toward the shop, I can’t help but let my eyes wander over all the pottery pieces again. I helped Kelly set up these shelves and tables and gave her a hand unpacking each of these works of art and I still can’t stop staring at them. It’s incredible how much talent she has. I lift up a mug she just made, one that has an engraving of a mother holding a newborn child. The serene bliss on the mother’s face is beautifully carved in. It’s a true artist who can capture emotions so authentically like that.

“Let’s get this party started,” Zach interrupts my thoughts.

I glance over and watch him sweep Kelly off her feet like a beautiful bride. He marches her out the door that connects her shop to her house and I flick off the lights as I follow them out.

Zach bypasses the kitchen and tries to head straight down the hall to the bedroom.

“Hey, what about the champagne?” Kelly laughs.

“Right, right.” He stops and wheels around. Back into the kitchen he carries her, managing to keep her in his arms while he opens the fridge door and grabs the bottle.

“Desi, would you be a doll and grab the glasses?” He uses a fake, high-pitched voice that cracks Kelly up.

“Sure thing, my pet.” I play along and open the cupboard, grabbing three for us.

Within seconds, the champagne is popped open and we’re all lounging on the bed, sipping at it.

Kelly takes a small sip and then giggles. “It tickles my nose.”

“That’s how you know it’s the good stuff.” Zach gulps his glass down like he’s slurping from his water bottle at the gym.

“Too bad it’s wasted on a Neanderthal like you,” I mock him. I hunch over, acting like a caveman and scratch the top of my head. “Mmm, Grok like champagne.” I pretend to pick some lice free from my hair, examine it, and then eat it.

“Oh, right, I forgot I was drinking with Mr. Wine Expert. You think booze is just for sniffing and sipping. What can I say? We don’t all drink with our pinkies in the air.” Zach sniffs.

“That doesn’t even make sense. People raise their pinkies when they drink tea, not champagne.” I shake my head.

“You’d know,” he says it like an insult.

“Yeah and you wouldn’t,” I shoot back. “I forgot that there’s no etiquette classes for human raccoons.”

“Guys, guys, relax.” Kelly laughs and gently bumps her shoulders into each of us. “I love that you’re such a great cook and you know all about the finer things.” She smiles up at me. I puff up with pride, happy she’s taking my side. “And I love that you’re so chill and just enjoy things for how they are.” She smiles at Zach, evening the score.

“Well, it’s not about us anyway.” I look down at my glass and take another sip as Zach rolls his eyes at me. “It’s about you. Congratulations on your grand opening. I’m so proud of you. You had a dream and you went for it.” I hold up my glass and Kelly clinks hers against the side.

“Wait, let me pour some more.” Zach reaches over for his empty champagne flute and fills it to the top. “Let me get in on this.” He holds his glass out to ours and we all tap them lightly together.

Each of us takes a long drink in silence. I drain what’s left of my drink and set down the empty glass on the bedside table. “You know, you really are the whole package.” I let my eyes rest on Kelly. “Smart, beautiful, fucking sexy as all hell and a talented artist to boot. You’re just incredible.” I reach around her head, threading my fingers through her long, dark hair, and pull her into a soft, slow kiss.

Our mouths slowly drift open and our tongues collide in an explosion of passion. Our kiss deepens and I barely notice when Zach plucks the glass from her hand and places it down with his on the table. The mattress shifts under his weight when he slides back onto the bed and he starts kissing her shoulder.

“Mmm, now this is my favorite way to celebrate.” She smiles against my lips.

“Well, doesn’t that work out well? I’m pretty sure it’s our favorite way to celebrate too.” I give her a quick peck. “Now let’s get all these clothes out of the way. It’s been over eight hours since I’ve had a chance to fuck your tight, warm pussy. And I can’t wait another second.”