"Um...so...that happened," Trent said.

They were done with their shower. Bea had already dried off and pulled her clothes back on. She was sitting on the toilet with the lid closed, staring at the wall.

"Yeah," she murmured.

"Are you okay? That wasn't-should I not have?" he asked cautiously.

"No, no," she said, looking over at him, "it's fine. You did fine. Honestly that felt really, really good, and I really enjoyed myself. I can see what Selma means about how good the sex is. It's not-I'm not upset at you."

"But you are upset?" he asked.

"No...yeah...kinda? It's complicated. I'm-that really caught me off guard, is all. Ever since you and Mae came into the store, I have to admit I got all hot and bothered at the thought of you feeling me up and me maybe being able to talk you into making out. I didn't think it'd go that far. I didn't think it'd be full-on unprotected sex in the shower."

"I'm clean," he replied.

"I figured, it's just...how do I explain this?" She sighed and ran a hand over her face. "For the past few years, my life has been hard. It's been a lot of hard work, a lot of denying myself shit, a lot of putting everything on hold so that I can keep what's left of my family from completely falling apart. I had to put my life on hold. And I guess, when you showed up and were so obviously into me and Mae floated the idea that we could do stuff together, it made me realize that I'd put even more of my life on hold than I'd even understood. I haven't been on a date in over a year, and I've only ever gotten laid like one time before this, and it was not that good. What I'm saying is, I'm used to being in control. Of myself. And I think this is the first time I lost control. I just-I wanted it so bad. More than anything. It was fucking scary how much I wanted you to just bend me over and fuck me. I didn't even care about anything else in the moment."

"Well...I'm glad you enjoyed yourself at least?" he replied, feeling at a bit of a loss.

"I mean, me too. Don't get me wrong, again, to be clear: that was awesome. That was technically the best sex of my life, but the bar is pretty low. And it was really hot. God I surprised the hell out of myself when I asked you to fucking bust a nut on my face. I...could you not tell Mae about that? Please? Could you not tell anyone about that?"

"I won't tell anyone," he replied.

"Thank you, I appreciate it. I didn't...I've thought about it, but it always seemed really gross or stupid, but part of me wanted to try it and I just got caught up in the moment...wow you are fun to have sex with. I can really see what Mae and Selma see in you now. Like wow that was kinetic, man. That was hot, that was like porno hot."

"Well you were involved, so…" He shrugged awkwardly, finishing drying.

"You really think I'm that hot?" she asked.

"Yeah, I really do. You're so fucking hot...what was with the roleplay?" he asked.

She blushed and looked away. "I, just, um...look a lot of stuff sort of just slipped out. Like I said, I've been under a ton of stress for so long, you really shouldn't read into that…"

"Uh-huh," Trent replied, unconvinced.

She sighed. "Fine. You're her boyfriend, so I guess you'll find out anyway. There's been a lot of tension between Mae and I. We were best friends growing up, then we grew apart, and when she came back, I was...so mad at her. I kind of hated her."

"Really?! Why?"

"I wanted...want...to go to college. Like really badly. But my mom died and my dad lost his shit and I was forced to run the family business. My dream of going to college and escaping this miserable town got flushed down the toilet. Mae got handed college, and she basically threw it away because she just didn't fucking feel like going." She sighed and shook her head, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. "Or that was my perception of it when she came back, anyway. I thought she'd just tossed it away for no good reason. This thing I'd kill for, she just threw it over her shoulder and said 'eh, fuck it'. Only that's not what happened. She...she has problems. I'm not sure what, but like serious mental issues that require professional help and probably medication. Like really heavy stuff...has she told you any of this?"

"Some of it," he replied. "I know something bad happened to her a few weeks ago. She said you were there…"

Bea shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah. I was. It was, um...it was pretty bad. It was really heavy, and...she deserves the right to tell you herself when she's ready. I was involved, but it's not my story to tell. But having her back, and going through all that, it made me realize that she is my best friend, and I love her. She's my Mayday. I just want what's best for her, but I also know I can only do so much. If you're for real, dude, if you're really here to be a supportive boyfriend who will take care of her...then more fucking power to you, dude, and thank you. But I want you to know, that if you hurt her...she has several friends who will take it very personally."

"Don't worry," he replied, holding up his hands, "I'm not gonna hurt her. God, everyone thinks I'm gonna fucking hurt people, for Christ's sake. She's told me that about you and Ann and Angus and Gregg and probably someone else, too. If I'm mean she'll punch me in the balls or something. Like I'm going around looking to hurt people-do I look like an asshole or something?" he asked.

Bea laughed. "No, I'm sorry, man. Don't take it personally. It's just that we're all very protective of each other, and Mae is very protective of her friends. She's a weirdo and has anger issues, among other things, but her heart is in the right place and she's a good friend...now, uh, why don't you show me what you want to sell off so I can get the ball rolling. And…" She stood up as he stepped out of the shower, hanging up the towel. "I trust my negotiating tactics were...satisfactory?"

"Oh yeah, extremely," he replied. "I can't believe I fucked you. You can have twenty five percent and a piece of furniture for yourself."

"Thank you," she said, grinning and giving him a kiss. "Also, just so we're clear, this stays between us, yeah?"

"Definitely," he agreed.

"Cool. And if Mae is actually as cool as she says she is about you and me fucking then...I'd really like to make that happen again. Preferably in a bed this time, because my thighs hurt."

"Deal," he replied. He paused. "She'll want to watch."

Bea considered that, then shrugged. "I'd be down."

She left the bathroom. Trent followed after her, going into the bedroom. He expected to see Mae awake, preparing to complain that he'd fucked Bea and she hadn't been there to see, but she was still out cold.

"Oh my God, I can't believe she slept through that," Bea muttered from the door. "Like wow."

"She sleeps hard, apparently," Trent replied as he pulled a fresh set of clothing on.

After Trent got dressed, he and Bea looked over the furniture.

Ann had found Johnny the Homicidal Maniac while they were in the shower and had clearly become engrossed in it. They looked over everything he had to offer, with Bea taking a few pictures, (though she pointed out that she wanted to get a stand-alone pic of each item in good lighting), and right around the time the Taco Buck showed up, they wrapped up looking over most of the stock, and Bea found a pretty solid desk in the basement she wanted.

"So you're really cool with it? That's a nice desk, dude," Bea said as they began setting out all the Taco Buck.

"Yeah, I'm sure. You, uh, made a very persuasive argument during the...negotiations," he replied.

"I heard you two fucking," Ann said with a small grin.

Bea opened her mouth, then sighed and shook her head. "I feel so out of my depth here. I did not expect to run into you here after you hooked up with Mae's boyfriend, or for Mae to have a boyfriend, or for me to hook up with Mae's boyfriend, and you were here...is it going to be weird now?" she asked.

"No, it doesn't have to be weird," Ann replied. "I'm just teasing. It was really hot actually. You're really pretty, Bea."

"Oh...um...thanks, so are you," Bea replied, blushing immediately. She cleared her throat, then glanced over as they all heard the stairs creak. "Well, look who finally got up-oh my God, Mae!" she cried.

"What?" Mae murmured, rubbing one eye sleepily.

"You are naked!"

"I'm not naked," she said, coming to stand at the bottom of the stairs. "I've got panties on."

"Mae!"

"Is it really gonna be a problem? I smell tacos and I just want to eat tacos for breakfast, dude," she said, then yawned.

"Oh whatever, fine," Bea replied.

"Thanks." She walked over and sat down between Trent and Ann.

"God you have huge fucking tits," Bea muttered.

"Do I? I guess so. I'd rather have your body though," Mae murmured as she unwrapped a taco and picked up a sauce packet. She stared at it frowning for several seconds. "Um...how do I make it go? I can't remember."

"Jesus, what was in that weed?" Ann muttered.

"Here," Trent said, opening it up and pouring it onto the taco for her.

"I love you," she said. "Please marry me."

"Mae, oh my God, you are such a handful," Bea said. "And as for our bodies...thick seems to be in these days."

"That's apparently not how Trent feels about it if your little shower time indicates anything," Ann replied with a smirk.

"Shower time?" Mae said. She came more awake. "Wait, did you two fuck?!"

"...yes...are you mad?" Bea asked, wincing.

"Ahgrhg! I wanted to watch!" she cried. Then she took a bite of her taco, then another, and another. She finished it off, then took a deep drink from her soda. "I'm not mad," she said, "I'll just watch next time...was it hot? Like, was it good sex?"

"Oh my God, Mae, it was amazing!" Bea replied.

"Do you feel weird, being talked about like this?" Ann asked, nudging Trent.

"Kinda? But mostly it's just good."

"We're talking about how awesome your dick feels in our vaginas, what's not to love?" Mae said, and began unwrapping a second taco with more dexterity.

"Your fingers are amazing, too," Bea said.

"His tongue is killer. You've got amazing oral game," Ann said.

"So do you," Trent replied.

"Okay, okay, this is a fun conversation, but...I do have places to be today. Um, if you're serious about letting me have that desk, then hold onto it for me," Bea said.

"Will do."

"Thanks."

"Can you drop me off at home?" Ann asked. "If not, no big deal."

"Yeah, sure," Bea replied.

"Thank you."

"We gotta see Angus and Gregg today. It's been too long since I've last seen them," Mae said. She took another bite, then sighed, looking down. "Dammit, I've got cheese and lettuce on my tits now…" she muttered.

"You are the only person I know who would eat tacos naked with her friends," Bea said.

"I'm not naked!" Mae complained.

"Your huge-ass tits are out for everyone to see, you're naked," Bea replied, rolling her eyes.

"Are you complaining?"

"I mean...no, not really. It's just-it's kind of weird. But whatever, I guess I should be used to your weirdness by now."

"You should be," Mae replied with a grin.

Bea sighed heavily and finished off her meal, then stood up. "Okay, well, I gotta go. Trent, it would be super helpful if you could clear a space down there, get some lamps, and get isolated pictures of everything you want to sell down there. Up here, too. Send them to me as you get them. I'll start hammering out details."

"Okay, I'll start working on it," he replied.

"After we visit Angus and Gregg," Mae said firmly.

"Yeah, after that apparently," he said.

"Gregg's a handful like Mae, you'll see why they're besties immediately. Angus is super chill and nice. You'll get along fine with them," Bea said. "Selma...Ann...uh, you ready?"

"Selma is fine," Ann replied. She finished off the last of her meal and picked up her drink. "And yeah. Also...can I borrow this?" she asked, pointing at the comic.

"Wait is that-oh my fucking God, is that Johnny the Homicidal fucking Maniac!?" Bea cried, rushing over and picking it up. "Dude! Holy shit! It is!"

"Bea, I don't think I've ever seen you this excited about anything," Mae said with a solemn gravity.

"I was so into this, do you remember!? And then my mom took them away...ah! I almost had forgotten! I kept promising myself I'd get them but there was never any money...fuck!"

"It's Trent's," Mae said, "but I think you two should be able to only read it in this house."

"Why?" Ann asked, though she had a little grin on her face.

"Because it will mean that you gotta come hang out here and friends hanging out is great."

"Mae, oh my God, this is not your house," Bea said.

"I was just suggesting!" she cried.

"I'm okay with this rule, I really like this place," Ann said with a shrug.

Bea heaved another sigh. "Yeah, fine, whatever. I'll come back over later...we need to exchange numbers."

"Will you send us nudes?" Mae asked.

"Mae!" Bea cried as she pulled her phone out, almost dropping it.

"I mean that's on the table now, right? I'll do it if you want."

"Wow, Mae, you really are a handful," Trent muttered.

"Told you," both Mae and Bea said at the same time.

"Let's exchange numbers," Trent said, standing and pulling his phone out. He could tell Bea was getting agitated. They exchanged numbers and texted, and then Bea and Ann gathered their stuff to go.

"Can I get a kiss?" Ann asked.

"Yeah, definitely...wait, from me or Mae?" Trent asked.

"Both," Ann replied.

"All right! Girl kisses rock!" Mae said, jumping up.

She came over and he and Bea watched her and Ann share a long kiss. Ann reached up and fondled one of her bare breasts. "You do have really big boobs," she murmured.

"Yours are pretty big, too," Mae replied.

"Yeah but yours look bigger because you're shorter. Okay, Trent, your turn," she said.

He kissed her, and felt a thrill of excitement when she flicked her tongue into his mouth. She smiled as she came away from the kiss. "Thank you for the meal, and last night."

"You're welcome, and thank you too. Last night was really good."

"Yes it was," Mae said with a grin.

"Do you want a kiss?" Trent asked, looking at Bea. He didn't want to make it weird but he didn't want her feeling left out either.

"Yeah! Kiss! I wanna see it, I didn't get to see anything!" Mae complained.

Bea sighed, blushing. "I would like a kiss, yeah, actually."

"Me too," he said.

They stepped up to each other and shared a kiss.

"You taste like tacos," Bea murmured, sounding a little dazed.

"So do you," Trent replied.

She giggled suddenly. "That makes sense."

"Oh my God, Bea, I've never seen you like this. Do you have a crush on my boyfriend?" Mae asked with a broad grin.

"Maybe!" Bea replied, blushing worse than before.

"Well you just fucked him," Ann said, "if that's not a crush I'm not sure what is."

"Can we go?" Bea asked.

Ann laughed. "Later you two. I'll be in touch. And...Mae...I'd really appreciate it if this stayed between us, remember?"

"I know, Selmers," Mae replied. "I won't tell anyone. I promise. Same for you, Bea. I know people can be stupid. I know I'm super dumb about a lot of stuff, but I'll shut up about this."

"Cool," Bea said.

"Thank you," Ann said.

They grabbed their hoodies and headed out. Trent walked to the front door and looked out as they got into Bea's car. It was a clear day out.

"Come on!" Mae said, walking back upstairs. "Today you meet Gregg and Angus!"

"I already met Angus," he replied, following her.

"Then today you meet Gregg and you meet Angus again! Now come on!"