Page 59 of Spiteful Lies

“Then I’m definitely driving back,” says Pierce, “I can be there in two hours. One hour in my new Lexus.”

“Not fair. I have to take a plane,” grumbles Justin.

For twenty minutes, we bullshit about break and how awful everyone’s parents are except my mom and Wyatt’s. I miss them all so much. I really wish I was with them all. I’ve never really felt the loneliness of missing them before, but I will if we don’t stay together. The crazy plan I have keeps nagging at me to just come out and say it.

“Justin, do you remember what we talked about in your studio?” My voice rises with each word.

“You mean painting you again,” he beams.

I don’t know why, but I cut him off quickly. “You know the princess with the men?” I wait for him to say more than nod, so I speak again. “I’ve been thinking about it, and maybe we should tell the others about it. I want to try it…sharing me.”

The boys are slow to react, and Pierce looks straight-up confused. “What do you mean?” he asks, “We share you like a timeshare? That’s something my roommate’s grandparents used to do.”

Justin rolls his eyes. “No, we have a relationship with Astrid, and Astrid has a relationship with all four of us at the same time.”

Wyatt’s eyes widen, and I would’ve laughed if the topic wasn’t so serious.

“We’re almost there,” I explain quickly, “Sexually, we are there. The emotional part has to catch up. We all have to be willing to be together.”

“Justin mentioned something to me,” Bryce replies as he stares at something off-screen, “But I’m not sure how this will even work. I mean, who really gets you?”

“What do you mean?” I ask patiently. They can’t be expected to understand my scheme immediately.

“I mean, who gets you legally?” He repeats himself, looking directly at the screen. “We all can’t marry you. So who gets you legally?”

“Does anyone have to?” I ask, confused by the meaning. What am I missing? I don’t receive a response as four tense faces stare at me on my phone. What was I thinking to bring this up now? I should have mentioned it to them one by one. Foolishly, I thought they would be eager to do this. They said they’d do anything, but I guess anything has limits legally.

“Well, maybe we can talk about it while you’re here.” The enthusiasm is gone from my voice, and at this point, I’m trying to figure out a way to end the call without seeming like a pouty brat. What was I even thinking? They only get along when they have to.

Pierce picks up on my mood quickly. “Astrid, what Bryce means is that if something should happen and you need to talk to a doctor or lawyer or something, which one of us is going to go with you?”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” I reply, dazed by the revelation.

“Or if I’m in the hospital,” he adds, “or Wyatt is in jail?”

Wyatt narrows his eyes. “Excuse me?”

“Hypothetically, of course,” Bryce picks up the thread, “And if we both need you, who are you going to go to first? What if there’s a fundraiser, and you want a partner on your arm? Who will represent? So, the five of us have this relationship, but what happens when we leave home? How do we bring it out into the real world?”

“I get it,” I say softly, “Money is the issue.”

They protest my honest reply, and I can’t hear what is said as they all speak at once. But I hear it in every question they ask. Money is the issue. Who is going to be the king of Rockingham by my side? Who is going to be the true alpha?

“It’s an issue I have to deal with,” I silence them with my voice. “If I was Astrid Bowen, it wouldn’t matter. She had no money, but Astrid Howland has to make a decision based on her bank.” I sigh. “I thought we were all closer than that, but I guess we’re not.”

“I have to process this,” Pierce looks away from the camera and rubs his chin, “Yeah, I’ve got to think this over.” He looks into the camera. “You mean all of us? Forever?”

“That’s what she said,” Justin replies sharply, “And we’re already doing it.”

“Hey, if he needs to think about it, then that’s okay,” replies Bryce, “I have to think about it too.”

Wyatt has his hand draped over his mouth as he just sits there. Finally, he speaks. “Hey, I have to go, but I’ll think about it on my own. Good night, Astrid. Merry Christmas, guys.”

We answer, but the enthusiasm has dropped to almost nothing as Wyatt’s face disappears off the screen.

“That’s probably a good idea,” says Pierce, “I’ve got to take off too. Merry Christmas, everyone.” In a flash, he’s gone too.

“Merry Christmas, Astrid.” Bryce frowns at the screen. “I’ll call you.”