Everyone takes drinks out to the deck

Olivia put up beers for Henry, Donnie, and Ben, poured red wine for Joshua and herself, and mixed a martini for Isaiah. Before long, all six of them had their drinks and were out on the back deck, sitting around the electric fire pit.

Setting the scene, Olivia sat closest to the door leading back to the kitchen, which was behind her. To her left, and going around the fire pit, were Joshua, Ben, Donnie, Henry, and Isaiah, who sat to her right.

Olivia glanced side to side, and felt a little tingly being between Joshua and Isaiah. Of all the men, those were the two who she had the most vivid memories and stories about. No doubt some of her feelings were spurred by the fact that they were beautiful Black giants. Who would be the better lover, she wondered. Joshua would be so sensitive and respectful. Isaiah would tear me to pieces. No, actually he'd be respectful too, even though I'd want him to tear me to pieces.

Olivia shifted in her chair, uncrossing and recrossing her legs. She felt a slight bit of moisture between her legs, and wasn't sure if she was feeling a response to fantasizing about Joshua and Isaiah, or if she was just sweating. No, actually, she knew full well.

The conversations floated around about their jobs and lives. Olivia had made some small talk with each of them as they arrived, but as everyone shared more of their current work, their past several years of where life had taken them, they were all revealing more depth of themselves. They all had grown up a lot since college, as had Olivia. They all had a broader perspective on the world -- even Henry, who, despite being a bit of a drifter, was also writing music and poetry, and said he was on the brink of being published.

"That's awesome, bro," said Ben. "Dare I ask what kind of poetry it is?"

"Aw, that's not important. None of you guys are into poetry, right?" No one volunteered a sudden surprise fascination with it.

Olivia spoke up, "I'm curious. One of my housemates is studying literature. Maybe she'd be interested."

Henry looked at Olivia and took a deep breath. "Well, I guess there's no point in being secret about it. It's erotic poetry."

The group was silent. Then Ben began to laugh a little. Joshua and Olivia shared a smile.

"What are you laughing about?"

"Nothing, dude. Nothing."

"There's a huge market for this stuff. And I'm good at it."

"Hit us with some," said Ben.

"No, it doesn't work like that," replied Henry.

Olivia turned to him. "How does it work?"

Henry paused. "It works like -- I need another drink, that's how it works."

Joshua stood up. "I'll refresh for everyone. Be right back."