Harem House - Chapter 32 Part 3

Master: So, Beth and I are having dinner. She wants to do something more explicit, but I agreed to not sleep with anyone without one of you. Would anyone be available to meet us tonight? Or should I schedule something further out?


Queenie: Just fuck her. Mindy and I are at her place with her mom. Can’t make it to meet you, but I wish we could.


Master: ???


Queenie: It’s okay. We’ll fill you in later. 


Slut: Theater Club drama. I’m sorry, Master, but it doesn’t look like the Odd Couple is happening. Yvonne is being a major bitch. But at least you’re not kicked out!


Master: ???


Slut: I’ll fill you in later. 


Wifey: Nothing dramatic on my end, but working. I’m sorry, Mister. I’m okay with you hooking up with her, though, especially since you have already been with Mindy there. 


Slut: That’s a good point! 


Master: @Brat - What about you? 


Brat: I can be there… but I want some actual attention this time. Not just watching. 


Master: I can do that. 


Brat: Where are you guys?


Arthur: Franky’s. 


Brat: Ok. I’ll be there soon. I’m at a bookstore near there, picking up a pre-order. 


Arthur: <3


Brat: [Stuck-out-tongue-emoji] 


~~~


Arthur continued texting for a few minutes, and Beth watched with eager anticipation every time he reached for his phone. Finally, he nodded and gave her a thumbs up. 


“Mindy’s on her way?” Beth asked. 


“No, actually.” Arthur shook his head. “She’s hanging out with her mom tonight.” 


“Oh.” Beth said, realizing that her opportunity for relief was fleeing. She couldn’t keep her disappointment from showing. She didn’t try. 


“But Kat isn’t far from here. She was in the city already picking up some book she ordered.” Arthur explained. “She’ll be here soon.” 


Hope reignited. “Which one is Kat again?” Beth asked, sorting through the girls she’d seen with Arthur. 


“The short one.” Arthur said, holding his hand up to indicate Kat’s height. “Curly blonde hair?” He moved his hand up to his chin, scrunching ringlets that weren’t there. 


Beth laughed at the mental image of Arthur with a Shirley Temple wig. “Okay.” She said, recalling Kat. She wasn’t as intimidating as the others. The redhead was beautiful as fuck. Like, supermodel hot. Beth would have called the whole thing off if she was showing up. But the short, more or less average girl? She didn’t seem as threatening. If anything, she reminded Beth of her body when she was that age. 


“I remember her, I think.” Beth said. “So she’s coming?” 


“Yeah.” Arthur nodded. “Are you okay with that?” 


“Sure.” Beth said. “But… this has to be the last time we do something like this. Okay? The absolute last time. One last hurrah.” 


“If that’s what you want.” Arthur agreed. “I’ll do my best to make it memorable.” 


Beth took a deep breath. That wasn’t too bad. She could get some relief from the fire burning in her body every time Arthur looked at her, and they could put this all behind them. When they saw each other in the office tomorrow, it would be back to business as usual. She bit her lip and returned her attention to her food. 


Arthur did the same, eating until his phone rang.


“Hey, Kat, everything okay?” Arthur asked. 


“Yeah.” 


Beth could hear the girl’s voice on the other end of the phone. 


“The hostess keeps telling me she can’t tell me if you’re here or not… Some kind of policy. She refuses to let me past. Can you… come get me?” Kat’s sigh was loud enough to come through the phone. 


“I’ll be right there.” Arthur said and ended the call. He laughed, pocketing his phone and shaking his head from side to side. 


Beth nodded through his explanation and watched him leave. His ass looked good in those slacks. She returned her eyes to her plate and wondered what kind of restaurant this was to have a policy like that. Clearly, they’d had problems with cheaters once or twice and come down on the side of drama prevention. Beth didn’t know how she felt about that, but she sympathized with the servers who had to deal with the fallout. 


When Arthur returned, Kat was in tow, dressed surprisingly well. Her cable knit sweater dress was fashionable, with a thick band around the middle of the fit-and-flare skirt accentuating her medium breasts. The dark pink solid color didn’t brighten in the dim light, but the vertical seams on the knee-length skirt gave the illusion of pleats. 


“I love your dress.” Beth said when she realized she’d been staring. 


“Thanks.” Kat said, plunging her hands into the skirt. “It has pockets.” 


Arthur laughed and slid into his side of the booth. Kat slid in beside him. 


“So you’re Beth?” Kat asked. 


“Beth, Kat, and Kat, Beth.” Arthur said, making the introductions. 


“Do I need to be worried about you trying to steal my boyfriend?” Kat asked. 


“No!” Beth said quickly. Kat’s bluntness surprised her, but she recovered. “No.” She shook her head, repeating herself more calmly. “The age gap, the whole work thing… we can’t date. I’m not trying to… to steal him. I’m sorry. This is weird.” 


“Maybe.” Arthur said, shrugging. “Not to the you stealing me, to the weird.” He raised his hands when Kat looked at him. “Beth isn’t looking to join the harem. She’s looking to be a… to have a good time with someone she trusts before she finds a boyfriend and settles down.” 


Beth nodded. 


Kat appraised her, openly checking her over before looking at Arthur and shrugging. “Historically, you’re not great casual. We were supposed to be casual, remember? Now we’re boyfriend/girlfriend.” 


“True.” Arthur said. “But only because you like me so much you agreed to be boyfriend/girlfriend. That kind of thing has to be a mutual decision. And with our polyamorous harem, a mutual decision between more than two people.” Arthur reminded her. “Beth isn’t looking to date me. She wants me to help her find someone better suited to her, though.” 


“And after tonight, we won’t be doing this anymore.” Beth added. “No more casual sex. After tonight.” 


Kat seemed satisfied, but her eyes lingered on Arthur. He kissed her forehead and put his arm around her, and she melted so quickly Beth wondered if she’d been playacting her bordering-on-angry stonewallishness the entire time. 


“So what do you want me to do here?” Kat asked. “Stand by and watch again? Help her set up her dating profile?” 


“Well, Beth and I are almost finished with dinner.” Arthur said. “I thought you might take her place for dessert.” 


“Take her place?” Kat asked, confused. 


Arthur held up his phone and texted. Kat checked her messages. She smiled. “Okay, I can do that.” 


“Whenever you’re ready.” Arthur said, lifting his gaze to Beth. “I want you to slide under the table and enjoy yourself.” 


Beth wiped her face with the napkin and glanced at Kat. 


Kat nodded, and Beth put her napkin down. 


She took a moment to fortify her nerves, which were buzzing so loud she could hear them ringing in her ears. She swept the dining area they were sitting in with her eyes. No one would see her once she was under the table unless they approached it and looked under the tablecloth. Or if she put a limb out of it. She would have to be careful and keep herself as close to the wall as possible. Arthur might have to slide in to make it more manageable, but there was a good chance they would get away with this. 


Beth looked at Kat again, who looked back at her expectantly. “You heard him.” Kat said. 


Beth swallowed and slid under the table, disappearing into the shadows beneath it. She watched from below as Kat slid out from beside Arthur and into Beth’s seat, spreading her legs beneath the tablecloth. Beth could see the gray thong she wore, covering her lower lips and little else. She turned her attention to Arthur’s crotch and felt along his thigh until she touched something firm. 


Beth lowered his zipper, her eyes never leaving the unfolding metal as she uncovered him from the base of his cock, to the end of his zipper. His length, hardening in the hand she used to steady herself, had to be fished out. She pulled it free and held it, licking her lips and unsure whether she could fit this into her mouth. 


She hadn’t told Arthur this, but outside of what she’d done with him and Mindy, she hadn’t experimented like this before. Her virginity went beyond sex. She’d never had a boyfriend or a partner to experiment with. Growing up, Krissy received all the male attention. Beth was the one boys approached to ask about Krissy, never to flirt with her. Yet here she was, and where was Krissy? Hopefully, bemoaning the small-dicked man she was marrying soon. 


Tentatively, her grip tight on his cock, she opened her mouth and pushed her tongue forward, past her lips. Curling the tip of her tongue, she flicked the tip, tasting it. He tasted… bland. She tried again, widening her tongue and flattening her tastebuds against the underside of his shaft. She licked him, lifting her chin as she licked him in longer strokes and lowering it to start again. 


“How is she doing?” Kat asked, above the table. 


“She’s saying hello.” Arthur responded. 


Beth stopped mid-lick when the light shifted. She froze, her tongue frozen to his cock, and a black apron blocking the already dim light from the dining area. 


“Oh. Did you… change tables?” Darla’s voice sounded confused. 


“Beth had to run to the bathroom.” Arthur explained. “This is my girlfriend, Kat. She’ll be joining us.” 


“Oh. I see.” Darla’s voice sounded surprisingly icy. “Would you like to order dessert, or do you want to wait for your…?” 


“We can order for her.” Arthur said. “Why don’t you get what you want first?” 


“I’ll take a slice of Black Forest Cake.” Kat answered quickly. “With the chocolate sauce.” 


“Hm…” Arthur pondered. “I wonder what Beth would like?” 


“I can come back.” Darla said, shuffling her pad and pen. 


“No, no, I think we can figure it out.” Arthur said. “Let’s see… the blueberry cheesecake?” 


Beth didn’t move. 


“Citrus meringue pie?” Kat asked. 


“Dark Chocolate Torte?” Arthur asked. 


Beth licked the underside of his cock again, slapping the tip against her tongue twice. 


“That’s the one.” Arthur said. “The Dark Chocolate Torte. I remember her mentioning it earlier.” 


“Okay.” Darla said. “And for you?” 


“Oh, I’m good. I’ll just have a cup of tea.” Arthur said. 


“You’re sure you don’t want anything for yourself? Those deserts can be awfully tempting when they arrive.” Darla warned him. 


“I’m sure.” Arthur said. “I have to watch my figure.” He joked, and Beth slid her hand down his cock, then pulled toward herself, pumping him in slow and steady movements from her wrist at the base. She wasn’t confident about what she was doing, so she started simple. Arthur’s dick seemed to enjoy it by the way it flexed in her hand. 


“Suit yourself.” Darla said. 


“Thank you, Darla.” Arthur said, and Darla walked away. 


“You’ll just flirt with anyone, won’t you?” Kat said after a moment. She didn’t sound angry, but Beth still stopped below the table, holding Arthur’s dick in her hand, pumping his cock into her open and waiting mouth, her tongue beneath his mushroom-head tip. 


“What are you talking about?” Arthur asked. He sounded amused. 


“The waitress.” Kat said. “You were flirting with the waitress.” 


Arthur laughed, and Beth started pumping him again, holding her tongue against him and stroking him to lick him rather than taking him into her mouth or moving her head. 


“I was not flirting with the waitress.” Arthur said. “I was being nice and polite. I always treat the staff at places like this with respect. They handle our food. It doesn’t hurt to be nice.” 


Beth thought Arthur had a point, but she switched hands. Her wrist was tiring. 


“Do you want some of my leftovers?” Arthur asked. 


“Not really. I ate already.” Kat said. 


“But you ordered dessert?” Arthur asked. 


“You’re asking me why I jumped at the chance to eat chocolate and cherry cake and not roasted carrots?” Kat asked. “Do you even know me at all?” 


Arthur laughed. “Okay, fair point.” He said. “How was sleeping in this morning?” 


“Amazing.” Kat sighed. “How was waking up with Rani and Selene?” 


Beth’s body flushed at the images that brought to mind. She slowly shifted her skirt aside, sliding one hand between her legs. 


“It was good. Selene woke me up the usual way. Took me entirely into her mouth and pushed down until I was in her throat.” Arthur said as if giving instructions. 


Beth got the hint, but she didn’t take it. There was no way she was pushing this monster into her throat. Her mouth, however, she might try. She opened her mouth, stretching her jaw a few times before attempting it. She made it part of the way down so that her lips closed just behind the tip. This was it, the first cock she’d ever had in her mouth. She sucked. 


“And Rani?” Kat asked. 


“Rani slept in.” Arthur said. “It was kind of hot, though, having Selene go to town with Rani sleeping right next to us.” 


“I’ll bet.” Kat said. “Did you make it to the gym this morning?” 


“Of course.” Arthur said. “We were a little late, but we got there.” 


“We?” Kat asked. 


“Selene, Mindy, and I.” Arthur said. “They joined me, Kelly, and Brad. I guess Kelly is setting up workout programs for them.” 


“Is that gonna be a regular thing with Selene now? Is she joining you for workouts?” Kat asked. 


“Maybe?” Arthur asked. “She and Mindy joined Kelly. Brad and I did our thing. We’ll see how she feels tomorrow and Wednesday.”


Beth released his dick, and a moment later, her purse disappeared from beside Kat. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text. 


Beth: Am I doing something wrong? You’re not… you know. Acting very turned on right now. 


Arthur: You’re doing a good job. But you should try moving your head more and your hand less. What your tongue is doing is amazing, though. 


Beth recognized the compliment sandwich from a training she’d taken but didn’t comment on it. Instead, she rallied, opened her mouth, and plunged forward, taking him in a stroke that made him shift in his seat. Good, Beth thought, let him squirm. 


“How’s she doing?” Kat asked. “Does she need to tap out?” 


“You want to switch places?” Arthur asked. “What about your cake?” 


“Oh, I’m going to eat my cake.” Kat said. “But I wouldn’t mind something salty first.” 


Beth: I’m okay to keep going. Unless you want me to tap out. 


“She said she’s good.” Arthur said. 


“How good is she?” Kat asked. It sounded like a challenge. 


“You’re the one who told me not to compare.” Arthur said. “I’m just here to enjoy the experience of having a beautiful woman sit across from me while another is… enjoying herself.” 


Beth picked up speed. 


“Anything I can do to help?” Kat asked. 


“Sure.” Arthur said. His body shifted as he turned his head, looking around the dining area and checking lines of sight. “Pull your arm out of that sleeve and into your dress, and masturbate for me.” 


Kat didn’t say anything. 


Beth went still from below, stopping. 


“Keep going.” Arthur said. 


Beth resumed her efforts. Stopping only to turn her head and look behind her, where she could make out Kat’s arm snaking over her thigh and her fingers pressing and rubbing herself at the top of her thong’s triangle of fabric. 


“Good girls.” Arthur said. 


Beth returned to his cock, the taste and smell coming to her as though she were drawing it out of him. She imagined Arthur naked, in his shower, washing and stroking himself. Meanwhile, she held the same vantage point she did now, sitting on the floor, opening her mouth, and taking maybe a quarter of his cock past her lips. It was all she could fit. 


Darla approached, and Kat withdrew her hand, sticking it back through her sleeve, but Beth continued her job. She sucked Arthur’s cock even as Darla asked about her whereabouts. 


“Still in the bathroom.” Kat answered. “I’ll go check on her in a minute. We’ll probably swap places, but I want to taste this cake first.” 


“Oh, you’ll love it.” Darla assured her. “It’s my favorite.” 


“Thank you, Darla.” Arthur said, and Beth heard the clatter of a saucer and teacup above her head. 


“You sure you don’t want any desert?” Darla asked. “It’s good, and you don’t look like some cake would hurt.” 


Arthur laughed. “Thank you, but no, I’m good.” 


“Well, just let me know if you change your mind.” And Darla walked away. 


“Oh, she’s flirting back now.” Kat said, her voice teasing. “I swear to Christ, if Selene were here, she’d have Darla on her knees already.” 


“Weirdly, the harem itself came from Selene, but all the extra partners have come from others. You’ve brought Katelyn into things, and Beth joined by way of Mindy. Rani and Selene haven’t done anything with the others.” 


“Well, give them Nicki’s number, and you’ll see how quick they work.” Kat said. “Selene’s already been talking about it.” 


“We’ll see.” Arthur said. “How’s your dessert?” 


“Delicious.” Kat said. “How’s yours?” 


“So far, good.” Arthur said. He sipped his tea loudly. 


“Mind if I tap in?” Kat asked. “I”m uh… I’m getting pretty worked up.”


Beth looked behind her to see Kat rubbing away, her thong pulled to the side now, and Kat’s knees spread, giving her a view of the slick pink pussy lips as Kat’s fingers slid along in slow, curling strokes from the base, into her hole, out again, and to her budding clit where it circled and descended to begin the journey again. 


Beth licked her lips and stroked Arthur’s rigid cock beneath the table. 


“Go ahead.” Arthur said. “Let Beth have some of her chocolate.” 


Beth released Arthur’s cock, and slid into her seat beside Kat. Kat slid limbo-style to her knees, disappearing beneath the table. Beth watched Arthur’s face, but she couldn’t tell by any change in his expression when Kat stretched her mouth open and took him to the hilt, her nose pressing into his pubes. She could only tell because she heard the noise of Kat’s gulp to swallow him. 


Beth shakily picked up her fork and tried the chocolate tort she’d ordered. It was richer than she expected and dry, crumbling in her mouth. Her saliva whisked the taste away as she swallowed. She licked her lips. “It’s good.” 


“Good.” Arthur said, his voice shaking a little. 


“Is she…” Beth hesitated, blushing. “She’s better than me, I know, but I tried.”


“She has more practice.” Arthur said, not denying that Kat was doing a better job. “This isn’t her first time doing this, though I’m surprised she volunteered for it in a place like this. Usually, I have to bully her into things like I do you.” 


“At least we have more than you in common.” Beth said, almost smiling. “I really do like her dress.” 


Beth heard a two-hum vocalization from below the table that might have been ‘thank you’ spoken with Arthur’s cock lodged in her throat. 


“Maybe she can teach you.” Arthur suggested. “She works at the tutoring center. I’m sure she’d be a good cocksucking tutor.” He made a face. “I think she hates that idea, but she’ll do it. She hates sharing, but at the end of the day, she’s a good girl.” 


Beth took another forkful of her tort and glanced at Kat’s cake. The half-eaten chocolate and cherry cake looked too glazed with cherries for Beth’s taste. She swallowed and looked at her plate as Arthur sipped his tea. His other hand clenched the napkin.


Beth’s entire body sat ablaze with lust in her eyes as she watched Arthur receive his hidden blowjob from beneath the table. She couldn’t see what Kat was doing, but she could imagine it based on how Arthur tensed and shifted, which was hotter. Beth lowered her gaze to her plate in an attempt to cool off. 


“Look at me.” Arthur told Beth. 


She lifted her gaze to his and saw the fire in his eyes that scorched her body and soul. 


“Put your hand in your lap.” 


Beth let her left hand slide over her bare thigh through the slit in her dress, letting her skirt fall to the right, baring herself beneath the tablecloth. 


“If Selene or Mindy were here, would you let them do this to you?” Arthur asked. 


Beth’s nostrils flared. The suggestion was depraved and disgusting. She wasn’t into women that way. She liked the idea of Arthur going down on her, but Mindy? That cute, annoying big-titty whore? The only appealing aspect of that scenario was the utter silence Mindy would provide tongue-deep in Beth’s dripping cunt. 


“You would.” Arthur scoffed. “If I told you I wanted to watch.” 


Beth’s blush crept from her face into her pale tits, warming her chest as she sipped the last sip from her cocktail. The combination of the drink with the rich chocolate delighted her tongue, and she bit the inside of her cheek. Her left fingers worked her pussy without instruction, doing what she’d seen Kat do, stroking her fingers through her pussy lips, playing with her hole and clit in alternating strokes. 


“Switch places.” Arthur said, his tone brokering no disagreement. 


Beth swallowed and slid to her knees as Kat crawled out from under the table. Beth took her place between Arthur’s legs, one hand pumping his cock at a maddening speed as she sucked on the tip. Her other hand pistoned between her legs, fucking herself with her fingers without shame or mercy. 


Kat did the same, even as she ate her cake. 


“I’m not your perverted little tutor.” Kat said. “I’m not going to teach her anything. If you want her to learn how to suck, you should just make her watch that video.” 


“Oh, that’s a good idea. Maybe we can do a viewing.” Arthur said, ignoring Beth’s adamant assurance that this was their last hurrah. “I like the idea of lining everyone up and making you follow along with either my dick or some of the dildos.” 


“Pervert.” Kat said. 


“Bratty little girl.” Arthur returned. 


Whatever those insults or names meant to each other, they didn’t sound harsh. They sounded like terms of endearment spoken between two lovers, and Kat suddenly stopped fingering herself. 


“Everything okay?” Arthur asked. Beth could hear the concern in his voice. 


“I…” Kat hesitated. “I have to stop, or I’ll make a scene.” 


Arthur laughed. “Switch places.” 


Beth grimaced. She hadn’t had a proper turn, she felt, but with Kat sliding under the table already, she had no choice but to release Arthur’s cock and retake her place at the table. There wasn’t enough room for both of them below. 


“I’m close.” Arthur said, his voice was dark. 


Beth swallowed the last of her tort and noticed that Kat’s cake was finished, too. Arthur’s tea was gone, and he stretched his neck, his grip on his napkin turning his knuckles white as Darla approached. 


“Hey, you’re back.” Darla said cheerily. “How was the tort?” 


“Excellent.” Beth said, her voice more breathless than she expected. 


“Right?” Darla asked. “Will there be anything else? More tea? Coffee?” 


“No, thank you. We’re nearly finished here. Just the check, I think.” Arthur said, grimacing as if in pain. 


“Are you okay, sir?” Darla asked. “Do you need anything?” 


“No. Thank you, Darla. Just the check.” Arthur said through his clenched jaw. 


“Coming right up.” Darla said. She took their dessert dishes and walked away. 


Arthur slumped against the booth wall behind him and visibly relaxed with a loud sigh, closing his eyes. 


Kat slid onto the bench, wiping the corner of her mouth with her thumb. “I could taste the tort on him.” She said to Beth, just as breathless. “I should have ordered that.” 


“Next time.” Arthur said, chuckling. 


“I’m not a huge fan of cherries.” Beth said. “But yours looked good.” 


“Maybe next time we can share.” Kat said. 


“There really shouldn’t be a next time.” Beth said, glancing at Arthur as his hands dipped beneath the table to fix himself. She heard the zipper close. 


“I’m sharing a boyfriend with my sister and a bunch of other women.” Kat said, laughing slightly. “I don’t think ‘should’ has anything to do with it.” She licked her lips and drank some water. 


Beth had no answer and remained silent, blushing in frustration as Darla returned. The source of frustration was her situation, or that she hadn’t found her release yet, and she didn’t investigate. She was frustrated; that was all there was to it. 


Darla returned, placing the black booklet of the check in the center of the table. Arthur had his card ready and handed the booklet back to her before she left. She took his card and returned a moment later. Arthur signed the check, returned his card to his wallet, and looked expectantly between Beth and Kat. 


“Okay. Time to either head home or hit the club.” Arthur said. “Do you want to ride together or take separate cars?” 


“Uh…” Beth glanced between the two of them. “Were you… serious about that?” 


“Absolutely.” Arthur said. “If you want to. I can introduce you to the scene, more or less. Though, it’s a Monday night, so… not a lot of people there.” 


“Which club?” Kat asked. 


“A BDSM club in the city.” Arthur said. “It’s members only, but I think Lori’s and my membership is still active until December. We paid an annual subscription.” 


Kat and Beth didn’t look at each other. 


“Let’s drive separately.” Beth said. “But um… I don’t think I’m ready for the club. Can we…” She bit her lip. “I can’t be seen coming or going from your place. Is there somewhere we can go?” 


“There’s a motel, I think, but…” Arthur shook his head. 


“What about the house?” Kat asked. “If your mom and dad aren’t there, we could use it for the night?” 


Arthur considered her suggestion and pulled out his phone. 


Arty: Hey, I know Rani asked you about using the house tomorrow night. Is it empty tonight? Or are you and Dad using it? 


Mom: We’re at the apartment, so the house is free. Moving things in, or looking for some peace and quiet from all those girlfriends of yours? 


Arty: Both? 


Mom: lol. Okay. There’s a key in the lockbox on the side of the house. The code is your birthday. Same as the alarm code.


Arty: Thanks. I should probably get the keys from you at some point. 


Mom: I’ve got the copies made. They’re in the office, in the top drawer of the desk. 


Arty: Thanks. 


Mom: Enjoy :-) 


Arthur looked up to the others. “The house it is.” He said. 


“We’ll drive separately. I’ve got the address.” Kat said. 


“That works for me. Though, if Lynn’s there, we’ll have to go to my apartment.” Arthur said, sliding out of his booth. Beth didn’t know who that was, but she didn’t protest. 


He offered Kat his hand, and she took his assistance as she stood. Then she moved aside, still holding his hand with their fingers interlaced. Arthur offered Beth his other hand, and she took his assistance to stand, and he kept her hand in his as they made for the door. 


Beth didn’t look up. Her blush consumed her, and she was sure anyone who looked their way would see Arthur walking tall and proud, Kat flushed and pink, and Beth’s tomato-red skin flushed with shame that only made the heat between her legs blossom from a furnace into a sun. They were both clearly with him, even if some might think she was his mother, given their age difference. She knew it wasn’t that significant, but still. 


~~~


Rani enjoyed the Korean Drama more than she thought she would. The inflections were strange, but the subtitles helped her understand what was being said, and together with the skill of the actors, she began to forget she was watching a foreign-language show. 


“I really need to learn Korean.” Rani said after the episode ended. “But that was really fun! I like the world-building and the characters.” 


Mrs. Tae smiled. “If you’re going to learn a foreign language, I wouldn’t start with Korean. It’s one of the more difficult languages to learn. Just ask Judy.” 


Judy nodded. “I’m still trying.” 


Mindy smiled and shook her head. 


“It wouldn’t be my first second language.” Rani said. “It’d actually be my… fifth?” She frowned. “Unless you count the year of Spanish I took in High School, which you shouldn’t because I remember none of it.” 


“You speak four languages?” Mrs. Tae asked, surprised. 


Even Mindy looked surprised, and Judy looked absolutely flabbergasted. 


“I’m not an expert in them at all.” Rani said, raising her hands defensively. “English and Hindi are my strongest. My Gujarati is okay. My Tamil is passable, but outside of my mom’s side of the family, I don’t get to speak it that often.” 


Mrs. Tae looked impressed. 


“My older sister is a professional linguist. She puts my language skills to shame.” Rani said, shaking her head. “I bet Mindy’s dad probably speaks more languages than I do, too. He was a linguistics major, right?” 


If anything Rani said surprised Mindy’s mother that evening, that question stole the cake. Her mouth literally hung open. “How did you know that? I wasn’t even sure Mindy knew that!” Mrs. Tae looked at Mindy. 


Mindy smiled, somewhat awkwardly. 


“Oh, uh… Deb Clarke, our new landlady mentioned it.” Rani said, chewing on her lip as she looked at Mindy for help. She wasn’t sure what had been discussed with her parents or hidden, and she didn’t want to overstep. On the other hand, lying to anyone wasn’t Rani’s strong suit. 


Mindy’s mom looked as confused as if Rani had given her answer in Tamil. 


“Deb Clarke?” Mindy’s mother repeated the name as if tasting it. “No, I don’t know a Deb Clarke.” 


“She went to college with Chang-Hoon, or uh… Mister Tae.” Rani said. “She had some pictures of him in her old photo album.” 


If Mrs. Tae’s eyebrows continued to rise further, they might permanently leave her face. 


“They were good pictures.” Rani said, trying to explain. “Like, he looked good in them. Uh… way back when.”


Mrs. Tae laughed. “Hm. I’ll have to ask my husband. Would she have a different name if he knew her in college?” 


“Oh, probably.” Rani said. “I think she took her husband’s name. I don’t know her maiden name, but I could probably ask Arthur.” 


“Your boyfriend?” Judy asked. 


“Yeah, she’s his mom.” Rani explained and then realized by Mindy’s wide-eyed expression she shouldn’t have. Rani swallowed. 


“Your future mother-in-law is your new landlady?” Mrs. Tae asked, leaning forward. 


“My what?” Rani asked, louder than she meant to. She frowned and let out a steadying breath. 


“Well, you know what comes after dating, don’t you, dear?” Mrs. Tae asked, smiling as she leaned back in her chair and finished her popcorn. “You get married!” 


“Oh.” Rani said, doing her best not to look at Mindy, who was doing her best to keep her face pointed in the opposite direction of her mother. “I…” 


“If you don’t want to marry him, you should let him down before things go too far.” Mrs. Tae said. “It’s not fair to either of you.” 


Even Judy was quiet, busying herself by cleaning up the dishes. 


“Is this one of those religious things?” Rani asked, looking at Mindy for her answer, who looked like she had moved from fear to annoyance. “No?” 


Mrs. Tae nodded. “What do your parents think of this? Do they know your boyfriend’s parents? Do they approve?” 


Rani started to say something, then stopped herself. She looked away from Mindy and swallowed. After a deep breath, she looked at Mrs. Tae. “My parents want me to be happy.” 


“That’s what every parent wants.” Mrs. Tae agreed. “For their child to be safe and happy.” 


“Is it?” Rani asked. “When I came out to my parents, my papa said he’ll approve of anyone, man, woman, or whatever, who makes me happy. Is that how you feel about Mindy, too?” 


Mrs. Tae raised an eyebrow, her processing of Rani's words hitting a roadblock: “Man, woman, or whatever?” 


“Non-binary.” Rani explained. “My papa tries, but he’s not up to date with his terms. And I think there might be some language difficulties there. He still refers to my sister’s wife as her husband sometimes. It confuses people when this gorgeous woman enters on her arm.” 


Mrs. Tae coughed, glancing at the back of Mindy’s head. Rani didn’t look at Mindy but looked past her to Mrs. Tae, holding her gaze with interest and curiosity. 


“I mean… of course.” Mrs. Tae said. “We love Ji-Min. We want her to be safe and happy.” 


Rani smiled. 


“But–” 


Rani’s smile vanished faster than lightning, startling Mrs. Tae, who held up her hands to defend her argument. 


“But I would be worried if Mindy was a lesbian. It’s not safe. There are people out there who would hate her just for being herself, and life is already difficult for her in a white man’s world.” Mrs. Tae said. 


Rani relaxed, settling back into the sofa. “Well, that’s true.” She said. 


Mindy cleared her throat. “Don’t worry, Umma. I don't like girls. I like boys.” 


Rani stared at Mindy. Her pained expression met Mindy's ferocious one, and water stung her eyes. Rani frowned and looked away, unable to look at Mindy anymore. 


Mrs. Tae laughed. “Oh, I know. You and your girlfriends at church always crushing on a new boy every Sunday.” 


Judy returned to her seat, folding her hands in her lap. “Shall we watch the next episode?” 


Mindy looked at Rani, who refused to meet her gaze. 


“Actually, I think I should probably head back to school.” Rani said. 


“Did I say something wrong?” Mrs. Tae asked, rising to her feet with Rani. 


“No, no.” Rani assured her. “Not at all, Mrs. Tae. You’re great. Thank you for being such a wonderful hostess tonight. I really enjoyed the episode, and it was wonderful to get to meet you.” 


“Rani just has a lot of homework as an engineering major.” Mindy supplied her excuse for her, and Rani nodded in agreement. 


“It was nice officially meeting you, too.” Rani said to Judy. 


“I’ll drive you.” Mindy said, standing quickly. 


“No.” Rani said so sharply that Mindy stopped mid-step. She shook her head with her hand raised in a ‘stop’ gesture too reminiscent of her mother for Rani’s liking. “I’ll Uber. You stay.” 


“Rani…” Mindy started. 


“I’ll see you tomorrow, Min.” Rani said. “We’ll talk.” 


Mindy frowned, but the tone of Rani’s voice, her stiff shoulders, and her turn away left no room for argument or debate. 


“Do you want to join us next week? We can watch the next episode. Make this a regular girl’s night?” Mrs. Tae asked. She sounded hopeful as she walked with Rani. 


“I…” Rani hesitated, glancing over her shoulder at Mindy, who had fallen to her seat on the sofa. She looked as if she might cry. “I’ll think about it. Go ahead and watch the next episode, though, if you want. I’ll catch up.” 


Mindy’s mom nodded and walked Rani to the door. Rani pulled out her phone and summoned her ride to campus. 


“Are you sure you’re okay?” Mindy’s mom asked when they reached the bottom of the stairs. “I don’t know you very well, but you seem upset. Are you… are you conflicted about whether you like boys?” 


Rani spun so quickly that she nearly lost her footing and stared at Mrs. Tae, who looked concerned. The maternal worry in her expression struck Rani like a spear to the heart. She sighed. “I’ll be honest with you, Mrs. Tae. I’m queer as fuck.” 


Mrs. Tae looked surprised but not at the confession so much as the language. 


“I still like my boyfriend.” Rani said, assuring her. “I don’t know if we’ll get married one day, but whatever happens, I imagine we’ll be together for as long as he can put up with me.” 


Mrs. Tae’s surprise faded to a gentle smile. She was quiet, letting Rani speak and get her words off her chest. 


“Love is weird, and honestly? Kinda new to me. I’m not used to caring so much about the people I’m with. Arthur cares so much about everyone. I don’t know how he does it. Caring about people sucks. It’s like…” She hesitated, trying to think of the right words. “It’s like I’m tethered to them, invested, and if I see them making mistakes, I just want to shake them and force them to make the right choice.” 


Mrs. Tae laughed softly. “You sound like a parent.” 


Rani laughed, a genuine laugh that shook her out of her mood. “Tell Mindy I said I’m sorry for leaving so abruptly. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.” 


Mrs. Tae nodded and moved to close the door. She stopped when the door was cracked open, then stepped through it, closing it behind her. 


“Rani…” Mrs. Tae started. “Do you… like Mindy?” 


Rani nodded. “Of course.” She said. “She’s great.” 


Mrs. Tae nodded. “I mean… Do you like my daughter the way you like your boyfriend?” 


“Oh.” Rani said, glancing behind her as if she could see Mindy behind her. She smiled. “Honestly?” 


Mrs. Tae nodded. 


“I think so.” Rani said. “Or I thought I did.” She admitted. “I’m not sure who she is anymore. She keeps so much of herself hidden.” 


Mrs. Tae frowned. “I see.” She shook her head, looked back to her apartment, and then at Rani. Her gaze wasn’t disapproving, but Rani could see the resolve harden behind her eyes and braced herself. 


“I’m afraid my daughter doesn’t return your feelings.” Mrs. Tae said, her voice kind and considerate. “Perhaps you shouldn’t share a house together if you can’t accept her for who she is.” 


Rani laughed. She hadn’t meant to, and she wasn’t particularly jovial when she did it, but the noise escaped her lips without hesitation, with no filter to catch it in her throat or block its egress. “I like her for who she is, Mrs. Tae. Especially when she’s not pretending or hiding herself out of fears I don’t understand.” Rani said. “Don’t worry. I won’t force myself on Mindy when she moves in, but I do like her for who she is. I hope you do, too.” 


Mindy’s mom nodded, accepting Rani’s answer as her Uber approached the curb. 


Rani waved goodbye, and Mrs. Tae watched her enter the car before returning to the apartment. The driver pulled away, and Rani spared a glance at the apartment windows. She didn’t know if she expected Mindy to be there, watching her leave, but she was almost relieved when she didn’t spot her. 


Rani didn’t know what to do or what to say to Mindy at the moment. Mindy needed to be honest with those she loved and herself, but whatever the honest version of Mindy was, Rani knew she loved her. That knowledge terrified her, but she accepted it. She couldn’t be dishonest about how she felt. She hoped Mindy felt the same.