John’s eyes opened to the soft blue glow of his alarm clock: 4:03 a.m. He sighed, already sensing sleep was done for the night. His thoughts buzzed with too much energy to ignore—the evening ahead with Cathy was all he could think about. No matter how many times he turned over, trying to calm his mind, it kept drifting back to the thrill of seeing her again, the spark in their conversation, and the mystery of her plan.

Finally, he gave up, tossed the blankets aside, and swung his legs out of bed. There was no point fighting it—if he was awake, he might as well make the most of it. By 5 a.m., he was at the pool, ready for an early swim to settle his nerves. The water was cool and quiet, and as he dove in, the tension he hadn’t even realized he was carrying began to melt away.

With each stroke, his mind sharpened, thoughts settling into a steady rhythm. Cathy drifted in and out—the way she’d teased him, the playful lilt in her voice, the way she’d assured him she hadn’t forgotten a single detail of his conditions. Tonight, he sensed, would be different from anything he’d experienced since Bev. And yet, instead of comparing, he felt something new—a thrill in the mystery, in the trust he was placing in her to lead the way.

For so long, he’d believed he couldn’t move forward without first letting go of the past. But in the quiet of the water, with the sun still hidden beyond the pool windows, he realized—maybe he was ready. Cathy was different. She didn’t need him to be anyone but himself. That truth felt both exhilarating and grounding. He could simply let things unfold. He didn’t have to control every moment to feel steady.

By the time he finished his swim, his pulse was calm, his mind clear, and his nerves had given way to an electric sense of anticipation. Whatever the night held, he knew he’d be ready.

Later that morning, his energy was contagious. More than one colleague remarked on how upbeat he seemed for a Friday, and he just chuckled, deflecting with a vague comment about getting an early start. As the hours passed, he moved through tasks with ease, savoring the calm confidence that had settled over him.

Finally, the workday ended, and John headed home. He took his time—showered, dressed in his best, and pulled on the black dress pants Cathy had mentioned. Before leaving, he checked his reflection one last time, a faint smile playing at his lips, the same thrill from that morning returning as he made his way to her place.

*****

By the time he reached Cathy’s door, he was calm, composed, and quietly excited—ready for whatever the evening might bring.

John took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as he waited—unsure of what Cathy had planned, but ready for whatever the evening might hold. He suspected something a bit risqué—after all, this was about previously established stakes—but he trusted her to keep it fun and lighthearted.

The door opened, and he nearly forgot to breathe. Cathy stood in a form-fitting evening dress that highlighted every curve with understated elegance, paired with heels that accentuated her toned, sculpted legs. She was radiant—an absolute vision—and all he could manage was a quiet, “Wow.”

She smiled, her eyes warm as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Come in,” she said softly, stepping back to welcome him inside.

He handed her the bouquet of flowers he’d brought, along with a bottle of red wine. She beamed, holding them close for a moment before leading him into the kitchen. The dining table was beautifully set—each detail thoughtful—with delicate glassware and a flickering candle casting a soft glow. A rich, comforting aroma filled the air: a casserole that had clearly been slow-cooking for hours. It was the perfect meal for a cool November night.

“It smells amazing in here,” he said, breathing in the savory warmth.

Cathy gave him a warm, almost shy smile. “I wanted it to feel special,” she said, glancing down at the wine bottle in her hand. A soft blush colored her cheeks—a quiet echo of their game night lingering between them. “Do you mind if we set this aside for a bit? Maybe open it… later?”

“Of course,” John replied, watching as she set the bottle on the counter, her blush deepening. It was endearing—a rare glimpse of her softer, more bashful side.

Cathy turned to him, eyes sparkling with excitement. “It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for tonight,” she said with a soft laugh, then added teasingly, “and I have big plans for you—but that’s for later. Right now, let’s just sit down and enjoy ourselves. A little nourishment first.”

He laughed, the warmth of her words washing over him. “Big plans, huh? Should I be concerned?”

She smirked, one eyebrow lifting playfully. “Only if you’ve got something to hide.”

John held up his hands in mock surrender. “Nothing to hide here,” he said, meeting her eyes as they shared a smile. His anticipation settled—the unknown ahead, now something to look forward to, not something to fear.

They took their seats, and she served them generous helpings of the casserole. Each bite was as warm and comforting as the setting, the rich, savory flavors mingling with the soft crackle of candlelight between them. Conversation flowed easily—light banter, lingering glances, and a quiet intimacy that felt both familiar and exciting.

“So, what’s new since game night?” Cathy asked, her eyes bright with interest. “Any exciting clients to impress—or hobbies keeping you busy?”

“Actually,” he said, leaning back with a relaxed smile, “I’ve managed to sneak in a few good workouts. I was at the pool when you texted—and then I went back for another swim this morning. Couldn’t sleep with all this anticipation.”

She raised an eyebrow, the playful spark returning to her eyes. “Hopefully good anticipation—not too much fear.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Good anticipation,” he said, unable to hide his grin. “Just wondering what you might have up your sleeve.”

“Well, good,” she said with a soft laugh, her expression warming. “I don’t think you have too much to worry about.” She took a sip of her drink before adding, “It’s funny, though—I didn’t expect game night to end up… well, here.” She looked at him, a hint of shyness in her smile. “At first, I was a little apprehensive, but now I’m really glad things have gone this way. I can’t say I’ve ever done anything like this before.”

Her honesty stirred a warmth in him. “I can relate,” he admitted. “This isn’t my usual scene either. But I’m excited to see where it all leads. It’s been a while since I felt this way.”

She smiled, and he could feel the quiet relief and shared excitement between them. “Well, I guess we’re in new territory together,” she said lightly, her voice warm with a touch of vulnerability. “Who knows where we’ll end up?”

They slipped back into easy conversation, trading updates. Cathy’s eyes lit up as she told him about finally finding a new assistant for her fitness studio. “She’s fantastic,” she said with enthusiasm. “I think she’ll really help me run things more smoothly—and I might actually get some free time for once.”

“That sounds like a dream,” John said with a grin. “A chance to relax—or maybe take on a few new projects?”

“Exactly,” she said with a nod. “You have no idea how long I’ve been searching for someone like her. I actually feel lighter just knowing I’ll have some real help.”

Their conversation drifted easily, filled with small updates and shared laughter.

For a moment, he forgot the anticipation—forgot the nerves. Sitting there with Cathy, he felt completely at ease, simply enjoying her company and the closeness that had grown between them. Whatever she had planned for the rest of the night, one thing was certain—this was a moment he’d remember for a long time.

As they finished the last bites of dinner, Cathy gathered the plates. John pushed back his chair, rising to help, but she stopped him with a light touch on his wrist.

“Oh no, you don’t,” she said, her voice playfully stern. A sly smile tugged at her lips. “I have something more important for you to be doing right now.” She slipped the plates from his hands and added, “You still have a debt to pay—remember?”

He raised his eyebrows in mock shock. “You mean you actually kept track?”

“Did you really think I’d forget?” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “It’s time for you to get ready, John. Follow me.”

His heartbeat quickened as she led him down the hallway. He followed, pretending to hesitate. “Do I have a choice?” he asked, trying to sound wary—though his grin gave him away.

“Nope.” She glanced back, her gaze full of playful authority. “Consider this non-negotiable.”

He gave a mock gulp. “I’ll try not to be too terrified.”

When they reached the bedroom, Cathy pushed open the door, revealing a space softly lit by warm lamplight. On the bed, she’d laid out a pair of silky briefs, a tuxedo-style collar with a formal bow tie, and matching cuffs with cufflinks.

He let out an exaggerated gasp, eyes wide. “Is that... for me?”

“Of course,” she said, crossing her arms with a smirk. “The game was all about the stakes, remember? I expect you to look... the part.”

He picked up the collar, eyeing it with mock horror. “You don’t think this might be a little much?”

Her lips curved into a slow, approving smile. “Not at all. I think it’s exactly what you need. And don’t worry about shoes or a shirt—we can skip those tonight. You can wear your black dress pants if you like.”

He chuckled, pretending to look scandalized. “So—no shoes, no shirt... no service?”

“Oh, you’ll be providing plenty of service tonight,” she said smoothly, her fingers trailing along the edge of his sleeve before she gave him a light nudge toward the bed. “Put it on. I’ll be back when you’re ready.”

John hesitated, giving her one last look. “And how long am I expected to wear this... exactly?”

She tilted her head, her gaze mysterious. “For as long as I decide. At least... for a while.”

He laughed softly, playing along. “Well, I guess I’ll have to rise to the occasion.”

Her eyes gleamed with challenge as she stepped toward the door, pausing just long enough to throw him a lingering look over her shoulder. “I have a few things to set up. Wait here until I come back. I hope you’re up for this—because I know I am.”

With that, she slipped out—leaving him alone with the costume and the thrill of what lay ahead.

Left alone in the bedroom, John took a deep breath, eyeing the costume she’d laid out on the bed. Slipping out of his clothes, he reached for the silky briefs, a flush of excitement rising in him. Cathy had thought through every detail; her confidence in leading the evening made him feel both nervous and exhilarated.

He tugged on the briefs, fastened the bow tie and collar around his neck, then secured the cuffs—smirking at the playful elegance of it all.

He looked in the mirror, adjusting the cuffs—feeling a little ridiculous, yet oddly empowered. He couldn’t help but grin at himself. “You’re really in for it tonight,” he murmured, letting his mind wander, imagining what she might have planned. Whatever it was, he’d be a good sport—maybe even have more fun than he dared admit.

Just as he was reveling in the thrill of the unknown, the doorbell rang. His heart skipped a beat.

Moments later, he heard voices—feminine, bright, and full of laughter. He couldn’t make out the words, but the sound of giggling, paired with Cathy’s voice chiming in, sent his imagination into overdrive. His mind raced—was this part of her plan, or just a spontaneous visit?

Would Cathy really bring in guests for this?

He swallowed hard, his pulse quickening as he tried to steady himself. For a moment, his nerves got the best of him—a surge of uncertainty washing over him. But then he reminded himself of their easy connection, the trust they’d built. Whatever she had in mind, he’d agreed to let her take the lead—and deep down, he knew he wanted to.

He took a steadying breath and refocused, deciding to roll with whatever surprise Cathy had planned.

John reached for his black dress pants, sliding them on over the silky briefs and chuckling at the attempt to make this look more formal. He fastened them, taking in his reflection—a blend of intrigue and elegance, layered with the playful edge she’d clearly intended.

His nerves began to settle, replaced by a growing sense of curiosity. Whatever Cathy had in mind, she’d clearly put thought into it—each detail carefully planned to heighten the experience.

Laughter and light chatter from the front of the house grew louder, spilling into the hallway with an undeniable energy. When the door finally closed, it was clear the guest—or guests—were here to stay. Conversation and bursts of giggling drifted down the hall, underscoring the playful, mysterious atmosphere Cathy had so carefully woven into the evening.

John’s senses sharpened as he listened—the coolness of the silky fabric against his skin, the gentle weight of the bow tie around his neck. Then came the unmistakable, graceful click of Cathy’s heels echoing down the hallway, each step growing closer. His anticipation surged, the mix of excitement and curiosity flooding him with energy.

Then the door opened, and there she stood—still in the same elegant outfit, but now with an even more commanding presence. She paused, her silhouette framed by the soft light behind her. Her gaze swept over him, and he saw the sparkle in her eyes, the quiet confidence that left him both reassured and completely on edge. Her smile faltered as she tried to keep a straight face—only to burst into laughter, her eyes dancing with delight.

“Oh, this is even better than I imagined,” she said between laughs, stepping up to him and planting a warm kiss on his cheek. “You look absolutely stunning.”

He grinned, a rush of satisfaction rising in him at her reaction. As her laughter faded, she wrapped her arms around him, her expression softening into something gentler, more serious.

“John,” she began softly, her voice warm and reassuring, “tonight, I’ll take the lead—and you can just let yourself go with the flow.” She looked into his eyes, her gaze steady. “I hope everything I’ve planned will be enjoyable, but if at any point it feels like too much, or you need a break, just tell me you need a glass of water. If I hear that, I’ll step back and make things more comfortable for you. Is that okay?”

He nodded, her sincerity grounding him. “Okay. I trust you.”

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, then stepped back, her eyes gleaming again with that familiar spark. “Good. There are people I want you to meet.”

John swallowed hard, a cocktail of nerves and intrigue bubbling inside him. He followed her out of the room, barefoot and shirtless, the soft hallway light catching the shimmer of his cuffs and collar as he stepped into the unknown.

*****

As Cathy led John toward the sound of laughter and music, he caught a faint, intoxicating blend of fragrances—jasmine and vanilla lingering in the warm air. The lighting was soft, casting a golden glow across the walls, shadows flickering like whispers inviting him further in. As they passed the dining area, his eyes landed on the table, now covered with a sleek poker mat and neatly stacked chips. It looked ready for a game, but not just any game—another clue in Cathy’s carefully crafted evening.

As they rounded the corner into the living room, two stunning women came into view. Their laughter faded as they looked up, smiles blooming with warm welcome. The glow from the fireplace highlighted their evening dresses, each shimmer catching the light with graceful movement, subtly accentuating their forms. The taller woman, Joanne, radiated elegance with a quiet, mysterious allure—her dark, intense eyes meeting his with a gaze that felt both inviting and unreadable. Beside her, Val stood slightly shorter, vibrant and full of life, her sculpted figure and bright eyes exuding joyful energy.

Val’s gaze shifted from Cathy to John, brimming with open curiosity and amusement. “Wow, Cathy,” she said, her grin playful. “You said he’d be here to ensure a good time, but I didn’t realize we’d be this… well entertained.” Her voice was friendly, laced with just enough flirt to make John’s cheeks warm.

Then, adopting a mock-serious expression, she added, “I have to say, I admire a man who can pull off formalwear with such flair.” She gave a playful wink. “Not everyone can rock a bow tie, cuffs, and, uh… strategically chosen accessories quite so well.”

Joanne smirked and chimed in, “Bold, I’ll give him that. A trendsetter, no doubt.”

John chuckled, straightening as he managed a grin, doing his best to appear composed beneath their amused and appreciative attention.

Cathy’s hand on his arm offered a grounding, reassuring touch as she introduced her friends. “John, this is Joanne”—she nodded toward the tall, striking woman—“and Val,” she added, gesturing to the bubbly one, sculpted and full of life.

Joanne’s voice, low and silky, slipped through the air with effortless charm. “So, you’re the famous John we’ve heard so much about. Cathy’s been hyping you up—now we’re all a little curious to see if you’ll live up to her glowing reviews.”

Val leaned in slightly, catching his eye with a teasing look. “Yes, John, I hope you’re ready. Cathy promised us you’d keep us entertained tonight.” Her gaze flicked toward the poker table, full of playful mischief. “And if you’re up for a game or two, we’d be more than happy to deal you in.”

Joanne let out a soft, genuine laugh as she chimed in. “Don’t worry, John,” she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement, “we don’t bite… unless you lose a big hand.” She gave him a wink, her tone laced with just enough intrigue to make him wonder.

John chuckled, his pulse quickening as he tried to match their playful energy. “I think I can handle that,” he said with a grin, glancing toward the poker table and wondering what stakes Cathy had in mind for him tonight. One thing was certain—this night wouldn’t be easily forgotten.

As the laughter settled, Cathy turned to John with a warm smile. “John, honey, would you mind going to the kitchen and pouring us all some wine?” Her voice was soft, laced with affectionate ease. Then she turned to her friends and gestured toward the couch. “Ladies, make yourselves comfortable.”

Joanne and Val exchanged a grin, giggling quietly as they moved toward the couch and sank into the plush cushions, their conversation flowing as effortlessly as before. Cathy took a nearby chair, crossed her legs, and gave John an encouraging nod.

John made his way to the kitchen, where four wine glasses stood neatly lined beside the bottle of red he’d brought earlier, along with a corkscrew and a serving tray. The setup felt almost ceremonial. As he reached for the corkscrew, he chuckled to himself. I guess they want me to play the role of their servant tonight. The idea amused him more than he expected—it was fun being part of Cathy’s little plan.

Just then, Cathy’s voice called from the living room. “Oh, and John,” she added with a touch of affection, “don’t forget to pour yourself a glass too!”

Her words caught him slightly off guard, and he paused, smiling as he glanced down at the glasses. The evening was unfolding in ways he couldn’t quite predict, each moment laced with playful anticipation. He poured the wine carefully, arranged the glasses on the tray, then lifted it and carried it back toward the living room.

When he returned, Joanne and Val both looked up with warm, genuine smiles. “Thank you, John,” Joanne said softly as she accepted her glass with a nod of appreciation.

Val echoed the sentiment, her eyes warm as she took her glass. “Yes, thank you. This is perfect.”

Joanne gestured to one of the remaining chairs. “Please, sit and join us. We’d love a chance to get to know you a little better,” she said—her voice no longer teasing, but full of genuine interest. “Cathy’s told us a lot, but we’d love to hear more about the man who’s made her so, well, excited.”

John felt a flush of warmth at her words, pleasantly surprised by the sincere attention from these two captivating women. He took his seat and sipped his wine, the drink’s warmth paired with their welcoming smiles easing him further into comfort.

Val leaned forward, her expression curious. “So, John, what’s something we should know about you? Cathy seems pretty taken with you—and I can see why. But tell us more—what makes you tick?”

Joanne nodded and added softly, “No pressure, of course. Just whatever you feel like sharing.” She smiled, her gaze holding nothing but kindness.

In that moment, the three of them seemed entirely focused on him, creating a sense of comfortable intimacy, grounding, yet surprisingly natural. It was clear they wanted him to feel welcome, and as he settled into the conversation, he found himself relaxing, genuinely intrigued by where the evening might lead.

John felt a warmth in his chest as the three women looked at him with genuine interest, their smiles soft and encouraging. He was momentarily caught off guard by their attention, and when he tried to think of something interesting to say, his mind went blank. Words hovered just out of reach, and for a moment, he felt like a man on stage without a script.

Noticing his hesitation, Val leaned forward with an easy smile, offering a gentle rescue. “You know, John,” she said, her eyes sparkling with friendly mischief, “I can tell just by looking at you—you’re no stranger to the gym.” She gestured toward his broad shoulders and the lean strength visible even in his relaxed posture. “Have sports been a big part of your life?”

Relieved by her question, John relaxed, his smile growing more natural. “Yeah, actually, they have,” he said with a nod. “I’ve been into sports since I was a kid, and I was a competitive swimmer in college.”

Joanne’s eyes lit up with genuine interest. “A swimmer? That’s impressive! Swimming takes a lot of dedication—and strength.” She leaned back, her voice rich with admiration, as if picturing the discipline that kind of commitment demands.

Val nodded, clearly intrigued. “I bet you’ve got some great stories from those days. And swimming—well, it’s one of those sports that’s just as mentally demanding as it is physical, right?”

John nodded, encouraged by their sincere attention. “Yeah, it really is. The training’s intense—but I’ve always loved the discipline. There’s something peaceful about being in the water, just you and your thoughts.”

Cathy chimed in, smiling at him with clear pride. “And he’s still dedicated,” she added, shooting her friends a conspiratorial grin. “Keeps him in shape for all these games of ours.”

Joanne and Val chuckled warmly, and whatever tension remained melted away as they shared a smile with John.

Joanne leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “So, where did you go to college?”

John sipped his wine, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. “I studied management down in Florida… when I wasn’t in the pool, that is.”

Joanne’s eyes widened, her expression genuinely impressed. “Florida, wow! That’s a major swimming school, isn’t it? I imagine it must’ve been tough to make the varsity team.”

John nodded, a flicker of pride mixing with humility. “Yeah, I was very lucky. It was competitive, but I loved the challenge.”

Val’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she jumped in. “Did you ever dream of swimming in the Olympics?”

John chuckled softly and nodded. “That’s every swimmer’s dream, I think.”

Val tilted her head, her expression gently urging him on. “So, did you ever try to go that route?”

“Actually, I did,” he admitted, surprised at how naturally the words came. “I competed in the Canadian Olympic trials for two different Olympics… but I wasn’t quite strong enough to make the final team. Some of my teammates at Florida did, though. It was an incredible experience just to be a part of it.”

The women exchanged impressed glances, Joanne resting her chin lightly on her hand. “That’s amazing, John. Just reaching that level takes dedication most people can only imagine.”

Val nodded emphatically, her warm smile unwavering. “It sounds like it’s shaped a lot of who you are.” Her eyes softened with sincerity, putting him completely at ease.

As he spoke about his swimming days—something so deeply ingrained in his life—any lingering self-consciousness slipped away. The three women seemed genuinely captivated by his story, sharing in the pride and nostalgia he felt. For a moment, he even forgot about his unusual attire and the mysterious circumstances that had brought him here tonight, simply enjoying their company.

John felt a growing fascination with both women. There was something magnetic about the way they listened—warm, genuine, and full of curiosity. He couldn’t help but wonder how they fit into this intriguing evening, especially given how down-to-earth and welcoming they seemed. Still, he felt at ease, drawn into their easy company.

He took another sip of wine, leaned back slightly, and ventured, “So, tell me a bit about yourselves. How do you both know Cathy?”

Joanne’s expression softened with a nostalgic smile. “Oh, Cathy and I go way back—all the way to middle school. We’ve kept up with each other’s adventures ever since. Even when we weren’t in the same city, we did our best to stay close.”

Cathy nodded, her smile mirroring Joanne’s—clearly cherishing the history they shared.

Val chimed in, her voice full of affection. “I met Cathy a couple of years ago through Joanne. And let me tell you, it didn’t take long to see what an amazing person she is. She’s very special to both of us.”

The warmth between the three women was unmistakable, and John felt both touched and curious, realizing how deeply Cathy was valued in their lives. These two women were clearly more than just casual friends—they were part of her inner circle. And under the evening’s playful circumstances, he felt oddly honored to be included in it.

As the conversation flowed, John felt completely at ease, sinking deeper into the comfortable rhythm of their company. The evening felt unexpectedly meaningful—more than just a game—and he found himself drawn into the unique bond the three women shared.

John leaned in, his curiosity piqued. “So, Joanne, tell me about the times when you and Cathy were in different cities.”

Joanne smiled, a nostalgic look crossing her face. “Well, in my younger years, I did a lot of modeling, and I was lucky enough to travel the world because of it. I got to see some amazing places.”

“I’ve heard that’s an interesting lifestyle,” John said, raising his eyebrows with interest.

“Oh, it is,” Joanne agreed, giving him a knowing smile. “It exposed me to opportunities most girls only fantasize about.” Cathy and Val exchanged amused looks, then burst into soft giggles.

Joanne joined their laughter, giving them a playful look. “What? It’s true!” She turned back to John with a more grounded smile. “I don’t do as much modeling now; I’ve started my own agency and feel more settled these days.”

John looked impressed. “Have you done anything I might recognize?”

Joanne shrugged, her smile turning modest. “These days, most of my shoots are for skincare products—you know, the kind you’d see in women’s magazines. Which I’m sure you don’t read.” Her tone was teasing, and Cathy and Val exchanged knowing glances before giggling.

John looked at them curiously, sensing there was more to the story. Cathy leaned in with a mischievous grin. “Come on, Joanne. Don’t be modest. Tell him.”

Joanne rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but she couldn’t hide her smile. “Alright, alright.” She turned to John with a playful smirk. “Well… I did a shoot for Playboy magazine back in 2018, when it was still in print. You might have seen that one.”

John’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered and gave her an appreciative nod. “Wow. Not many people can say they’ve done that.”

Joanne laughed, her eyes twinkling. “True! In this industry, you’ve got to go for the best… exposure you can get.” She shot him a wink as Val dissolved into laughter, while Cathy shook her head, clearly amused.

John chuckled, feeling completely at ease with the group’s playful energy. “Well, I’d say you nailed that particular goal.”

Joanne grinned, raising her glass to him. “Thank you, John. Always nice to be appreciated.” The four of them clinked glasses, laughter and warmth filling the room as they sank deeper into the comfortable, lighthearted atmosphere.

John turned to Val with a warm smile, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “So, Val… what special interests excite you?”

Val gave a modest smile, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I really enjoy musical theatre,” she said. “These days, it gives me the chance to travel quite a bit.”

“Really?” John said, clearly intrigued. “Tell me more.”

Val’s face lit up as she continued. “Right now, I’m playing the role of Rosie in Mamma Mia! with a company touring across Canada. We’re home for a month before heading back on the road.” She shrugged with a humble smile. “I’ve been very lucky in my career.”

John looked genuinely impressed. “That’s incredible. I’d say you’ve got more than just luck—you’ve clearly got some serious talent. Musical ability was never one of my gifts.”

Val laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “It’s one of those things—you either love it, or you can’t imagine doing it at all.”

John raised his glass in her direction. “Well, I’m in good company here. First a model, now an actress and singer—you two really don’t mind being in the spotlight!”

Cathy leaned back with a teasing smile. “Oh, trust me, John—they both crave the attention.” She shot them each a playful look. “But tonight, they’ll have to settle for the audience role. This evening is all about putting you in the spotlight.”

Joanne smirked and leaned toward John, amusement dancing in her eyes. “She’s right. We’ve had our time on stage—tonight, it’s all eyes on you.”

Val grinned and lifted her glass in a mock toast. “Here’s to our leading man!”

John chuckled and gave a small bow from his seat. “Alright, alright… though I have to say, I think you two would steal the show even if I tried.”

The women laughed, and as the banter continued, John felt an easy camaraderie settle over the group, as if he’d known them for much longer. The playful, lighthearted atmosphere filled the room with warmth, making the evening feel like an intimate gathering among old friends.

As they chatted, John’s gaze drifted to the elegant rings on Joanne and Val’s fingers, resting in the spots usually reserved for wedding bands. Curiosity got the better of him, and he spoke up, a hint of shyness in his voice. “I couldn’t help but notice that you both wear rings on your wedding fingers. Is there a story behind that?”

Joanne’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she nodded. “There is, actually. Val and I are married to each other.”

John blinked, momentarily taken aback, but quickly recovered, a smile spreading across his face. “Oh! I… I wasn’t expecting that. That’s wonderful.”

Joanne chuckled softly at his reaction. “But it isn’t exactly a traditional marriage,” she added, glancing at Val, who gave an approving nod.

Val took over, her voice warm and open. “You see, we both really enjoy masculine charm—and, well, the physical pleasures only a man can offer,” she said, a playful glint in her eye. “We’re very faithful to each other and would never share this part of our lives with another woman. But we both allow—actually, encourage each other to experience the thrill of a man’s company once in a while.”

Joanne leaned forward, smiling at John’s intrigued expression. “The only catch is that we have to share everything about it with each other afterward. No holding back,” she added with a wink.

Val nodded thoughtfully. “And with me on the road so often, it works for us. We each get what we want, but our commitment remains fully to each other.”

There was a pause as John processed this, and then Val, smiling with gentle curiosity, asked, “Does that seem strange to you, John?”

John thought for a moment, then shook his head, his smile genuine. “I’ve never heard of a relationship quite like that before, but honestly, what matters most is that it works for you both. And I have to say—I’m impressed by your openness and honesty with each other. That kind of understanding… It’s pretty amazing.”

Joanne and Val exchanged a warm look, clearly pleased with his response, and the easy camaraderie between them deepened. They raised their glasses, as if toasting the unique bonds holding them together that evening, each relationship meaningful in its own way.

Cathy watched the lively exchange with a smile, clearly enjoying the connection forming between John and her friends. After a moment, she gave a light clap of her hands to draw their attention. “Alright, as much fun as it is watching you all get to know each other, I think it’s time we moved on to the main event.”

Joanne and Val exchanged a look before laughing, Joanne lifting an eyebrow playfully. “That’s what we’re here for!” she said, her eyes glinting with anticipation.

Cathy laughed, her eyes shining with mischief as she turned to John. “Then let the games begin!”

The mood shifted instantly back to its earlier teasing energy, the women’s laughter filling the room as the evening took on a renewed sense of playful excitement. John felt his pulse quicken. Whatever Cathy had planned, he knew one thing—it was going to be a night to remember.

To be continued...