A quiet evening

Scotty and you return to the living room while Ann goes to the bathroom to shower. You hear the water start running, along with the soft sound of your girlfriend humming.

You sit back down on the couch and grab a beer from a new six-pack. Scotty does the same, cracking open the bottle and taking a long swig.

"So tomorrow then," he says, as if he hadn't just been balls-deep in your girlfriend ten minutes ago. "Sandra is going to make her famous pasta. She hasn't seen you guys in ages."

You nod and take a drink. Still thinking about what happened.

"Sounds good, man. What time?"

"Around seven?"

"Okay."

You pick up your controller and start a new match. The familiar sounds of explosions and gunfire fill the room as you and Scotty fall back into your natural rhythm. Two hours of gaming and conversation pass quickly. You talk about everything and nothing - work, sports, the latest movie releases. Scotty tells you a funny story about his neighbor, and you both laugh.

After a while, Scotty stands up and stretches. "All right, I gotta head out. See you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow," you say, standing to shake his hand. The handshake feels normal and solid. No awkwardness.

Scotty grins and claps you on the shoulder. "Tell Ann it was nice seeing her."

"I will. Bye."

After Scotty leaves, you tidy up the living room, putting the empty beer bottles in the recycling and turning off the console. You head to the bathroom, splash cold water on your face and wash your hands.

When you enter the bedroom, Ann is already asleep under the covers, her wet hair spread across the pillow. She looks peaceful and beautiful, her face relaxed in slumber. The events of the evening seem surreal when you look at her like this - the sweet, caring woman you've been dating for two years.

You still can't quite believe what happened today. Your best friend fucked your girlfriend. And you watched. And then you joined in.

You wonder if it was a mistake to add rules to the book, but then you shake your head. No, actually, you like the world just the way it is now.

You strip down to your boxers and crawl into bed beside Ann. She stirs slightly and snuggles closer to you unconsciously. You wrap your arm around her waist and breathe in the scent of her shampoo.

Despite everything, this feels right. You close your eyes, letting sleep take you as you dream of tomorrow's visit to Scotty's place.