Tia doesn’t respond to my message, even though the little read receipt shows beneath it on my screen.

Irritation simmers under my skin while Lenny goes on and on at me about keeping my dick on a leash. My fists clench, and I level her with my pissed-off glare. “Enough, Len. You don’t know anything about me and Tia, so drop it.”

Her eyes narrow in suspicion. “Are you telling me there is a you and Tia outside of the arrangement we’ve made?”

I shrug. “There might be, but it’s none of your business. We’ve both agreed to this insane plan of yours, so back off already.”

“Back off? You want me to back off? How about you start acting like the grown-ass man you are and get your life together, then I’ll back off. Until then, you’ve made it more than clear you need supervision,” she says, drumming her nails against the kitchen counter she’s perched at.

“That’s what I’m trying to do,” I growl.

Len quirks a disbelieving brow. “If you start crossing lines with Tia, things are going to start getting blurry for both of you. You haven’t been in a long-term relationship since”—she pauses, her face scrunching as she thinks—“well, ever. So what makes you think you can start shagging Tia and still be happy doing so a year from now?”

“Maybe because I can have an actual conversation with her. Or that she doesn’t give a shit about my money or status. It could even be the fact that she knows more about me than anyone else and has never made me feel less than my for decisions, whether they make sense to her or not,” I shoot back, sick of this discussion.

My sister stares at me in stunned silence, her jaw unhinged as she blinks at me. Eventually, she pulls herself together enough to say, “Okay.”

It’s my turn to gape at her now. “That’s it? Okay? You’re done with your lecture just like that?”

She smiles at me then, genuine happiness shining in her gaze. “Yep.”

I scratch my head. I do not understand women.

Music pulses around me as I make my way across the room to the table Addy reserves for us when we hang out at Trixie’s. She’s already seated, sipping on a drink, when I step up behind her and wrap my arms around her shoulders in a hug.

“Hey,” she says, resting a hand over my forearm. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too.” I move around to slide into the bench seat on the other side of the table. “What are we drinking tonight?”

“Appletinis.” She lifts her hand, signaling to a passing waitress, then points at her drink and holds up two fingers. “You are drinking tonight, right?”

“I’ll have one or two.” I’m not a big drinker. The few times I have had a few too many, I’ve been with Addy. According to her, I’m the cutest drunk she’s ever seen. I get excessively affectionate when I overindulge, whether I know the person or not. And I’m really not okay with that.

Janessa appears at our table, two fresh appletinis in hand. “Giiirl, where have you been? I see you got yourself a man and didn’t even tell us.” She pouts.

I get up to hug the six-foot-three drag queen that towers above me even more than she regularly would because she’s also wearing skyscraper heels. “Hey, Nessa, it’s good to see you. You’re looking amazing, as per usual.”

She winks, her excessive glittery eyeshadow sparkling with the action. “Don’t I know it. Now tell me about this delectable man of yours.”

Adley cuts in. “Back to work, slacker, or I’ll tell management.”

Janessa rolls her eyes at said manager. “Killjoy,” she mutters then turns back to me. “I’ll talk to you later, honeybunch.” She gives me a little finger wave then spins on her heels and struts back to the bar, her sequined mini-dress twinkling as she goes.

Returning to my seat, I pick up my drink, take a sip, then lick my lips, ensuring I don’t miss a drop. Addy’s watching me closely, so I poke my tongue at her. “What?”

“You look stressed,” she finally says.

I give her my best duh look. “Of course I’m stressed. Everything with Bates is… It’s a lot.”

“And?” she urges.

“And nothing. That’s it.” I take another, larger sip of my drink. This thing is delicious.

My bestie nods, but she doesn’t look completely convinced. Her long, electric-blue nails strum against the side of her glass as her gaze sweeps over me. “So, let me help with the wedding stuff. You know I live for parties. I have connections everywhere. You want an erotic centaur ice sculpture, I’m your girl. You want—”

“Whoa,” I say, holding up a hand. “An erotic centaur ice sculpture? That’s oddly specific. I have questions.”

She laughs. “There was a bachelor party here last weekend, and that was what one of the grooms requested. It was quite tasteful, actually.”

My brows furl as I try to envision a tasteful erotic centaur ice sculpture. I’m not seeing it. “Yeah, I’m going to pass, but thanks?”

Addy sees some weird stuff, running this place. I envy her and kinda feel sorry for her at the same time.

“Figured you might. But seriously, let me help take some of the stress off your shoulders,” she says, placing her hand on my arm which is resting on the table. “I feel like there’s this distance between us, and I don’t know what I did to put it there, but I want to fix it.”

Tears prickle my eyes. I hate that she feels like she did something wrong when I’m the one lying to her. “You didn’t do anything, I swear. It’s just that this thing with Bates is complicated, and there are things I can’t really talk about. Trust me, if I could, you’d be the first person I’d confide in.”

Addy’s forehead creases as she frowns. “Okaaay. But you know I’m always here for you, right?”

“Of course I do,” I tell her with a grin. “Now, I need to ask you something.”

Her eyes light with interest, and she shuffles in her seat until she’s sitting up straight, shoulders pulled back, chin raised. “Hit me with it,” she declares.

“Will you be my maid of honor?”

She launches across the table, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. “Duh,” she says with a slight sniffle. “As if I’d ever say no. That means I get to throw you an epic bachelorette party.” She squeals and pulls away from me, righting her dress as she lowers back into her seat.

I cringe. “Umm, about that… We’ve decided to have a joint bachelor and bachelorette weekend in Vegas. You’re invited, of course! Bates is paying for everything, so you don’t need to worry about the money.”

Her eyes narrow. “I both love and hate this plan. I mean, who can say no to a paid trip to Vegas, but I really wanted to do something for you here.”

“Lennon’s already booked everything,” I tell her. “But I’m sure we can catch a drag show while we’re there.” Addy can’t resist a good performance.

“While you’re where? Are you bitches planning on cheating on us?” Janessa quips as she places a fresh appletini in front of me.

“We’re heading to Vegas for this one’s bachelorette. Apparently, her new sister-in-law-to-be has already organized it all,” Adley tells her, a slight sneer in her tone. “But don’t worry, nobody measures up to my queens.”

“Damn right,” Nessa sasses. “Soo, when’s the blessed event?”

“November 26th,” I tell her.

Both Janessa’s and Adley’s eyes widen.

“So soon?” Nessa breathes out, placing a hand over her heart.

Adley frowns again. “No wonder you’re stressed. That’s only a month away. How can you possibly plan a wedding in that time?”

“Umm…well, I’m not, really. Lennon hired a wedding planner for me. And we’re keeping it small. I actually have a meeting with her tomorrow—the wedding planner. Want to come with me? You know I’m terrible at making decisions.”

Janessa scoots onto the bench seat beside me, curling a sculpted arm around my shoulders. “Honey, should you be drinking these?” she asks, pointing at my second appletini.

“Yeah, why?” I ask, confused by her random question and the concern in her gaze.

“Alcohol isn’t good for the baby, sweetheart,” she murmurs softly.

My eyes bug out. “Wh-what? What baby? I’m not having a baby!”

Nessa’s eyes narrow with doubt. “So, this isn’t a shotgun wedding?”

“Oh, my Lord, no!” I squeak. “Why would you think that?”

“Cherub, your engagement was announced on ESPN two weeks ago, and you’re getting married in a month. What else are we supposed to think?”

I. Am. Mortified. And Adley has remained suspiciously silent. Shifting my focus to her, I ask, “Seriously? You think I’m knocked up too?”

She shrugs. “I mean, the thought did cross my mind. I didn’t even know you two were dating until a couple of weeks before your engagement. Then you say the wedding is in a month? What did you expect?”

My mouth falls open, my neck stiffens, and I jerk my head back. “Wow,” I breath out then shake my head. “Okay, well, let me set you both straight right now. Bates and I are not expecting a child. In fact, we haven’t even discussed having children. And I’d like to think you both know me better than to think I would willingly harm a baby by consuming alcohol while pregnant.”

Shock morphs to irritation then frustration. I grit my teeth to stop from saying something hurtful. I understand I’ve surprised everyone with everything happening so quickly, but really? They think I’m pregnant?

Bracing my hands on the table, I say, “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.” I slide off the bench and march to the back of the club, pausing once in the narrow hallway leading to the lady’s room. Leaning against the wall, I massage my temples and take a few calming breaths.

Am I overreacting? Part of me feels as if I am. And they’re assumption isn’t that big of a leap, given the circumstances. But I’m still annoyed by it. Do they think that’s the only way Bates would ever consider marrying me—if I were pregnant?

So much for a night out helping me feel better; I’m more worked up than ever.

Running my hands through my straightened hair, I heave a sigh, pushing off the wall then entering the restroom. I quickly do my business then return to the table. Janessa is gone, and Adley looks sheepish as I take my seat.

“I didn’t actually think you had a bun in the oven, Titi, but I’d be lying if I said the thought didn’t enter my mind. I dismissed it pretty quickly, though. Especially after seeing you two together at your place. It’s pretty clear how smitten he is with you,” she says with a soft smile.

My tense muscles finally ease, and I smile back at my best friend. I know she only wants what’s best for me. “Thank you,” I murmur.

“So, is the offer still open to come with you tomorrow? ‘Cause you’re totally right. You suck at making decisions. Especially when it comes to color-coordinating decorations.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever, Amá loved the surprise birthday party I threw her.”

“Yeah, hot pink, orange, lime green, and sky blue all complemented each other really well in your beige apartment,” she deadpans. “I will not allow your wedding to be marred by any garish color schemes. I’m coming with you whether you like it or not.”

I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Addy and I are back to our old dynamic. Our friendship is going to be just fine.