The Alcove

(Emily’s POV)

“Yes,” I whispered through tears as he looked up at me, still on one knee, eyes shining with everything we’d built together. I felt the ring slide onto my finger; perfect fit, cool metal warming instantly against my skin. Two dolphins, tail to tail, cradling a sparkling diamond. He knew I loved dolphins. I’d known he was the one from our first date. I’d had to fight every rule I had about not sleeping with someone that soon… but I’d made it to our second date before we tore each other’s clothes off in a frenzy of need and laughter.

He lifted me into his arms, strong and steady, whispering my favorite nickname against my ear: “I love you so much, Emmy.” His voice wavered just enough to make my heart clench. Joe was never afraid to show his emotions; he’d cried at Saving Private Ryan (his favorite movie), shed a few during Ghost (mine), but he also knew when to be the anchor. He’d held Iris up when she needed it most, so I could wipe her tears. He would’ve done both for her if I hadn’t been there. And now Iris was embracing me, her arms tight, both of us wiping tears from each other’s faces. I kissed her cheek; soft, lingering; and she smiled through her own tears.

I knew she’d had a hand in this. Joe wouldn’t have wanted to do it without her. Our Irie.

As the others hugged us and congratulated us, the image flooded my mind again: Iris in our bed, moaning beneath Joe, long legs wrapped around his powerful waist as he thrust into her over and over, deep and relentless. Her bronze skin glowing with sweat, small breasts bouncing, her fingers tangled in his hair while I watched, touching myself, aching to join them.

I noticed her slip away toward the small outdoor alcove in our private dining area. Joe was still fielding hugs from the other women; Kate, Hanna, Daisy, all of them beautiful and beaming. I made my way to thank Iris alone.

(Iris’s POV)

As the happy couple received their well-wishes, I slipped away toward the outdoor alcove outside our private dining area. I was full-on crying now; angry at myself for letting jealousy twist inside me despite this beautiful moment my best friends so rightly deserved. Thankfully Kate’s makeup team had anticipated tears tonight; my mascara held, but my heart didn’t.

I looked out into the Miami evening streets. The paparazzi had mostly dispersed, leaving only the hum of the city and the soft glow of streetlights. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

“Get yourself together, Iris,” I whispered under my breath. Let them have their night. Help him with this campaign, then find someone who could be the assistant Joe deserved. He was about to be inundated with requests after that red-carpet kiss and Kate’s endorsement. The Agency was flipping out with calls from former clients and new ones.

A warm hand touched my shoulder and-

(Emily’s POV)

-as Iris turned, I saw the tears. Different tears. These weren’t just happy ones. She was torn.

“Irie, what’s wrong?” I asked, genuinely concerned.

She shook her head, fighting whatever battle raged inside her.

“Emmy, I’m so happy for you two, I swear,” she gasped, voice breaking.

I placed my hands under her chin, holding her steady, cupping her face gently. “Irie, talk to me.”

Her lips quivered. She took a shaky breath.

“I have to leave.”

My heart stumbled. “Leave?”

Iris placed her hands on my shoulders, fingers stroking my neck; soft, trembling. “Listen, I don’t want you to hate me,” she said through sobs. “Irie, I could never hate you,” I tried to interject, but she kept going. “But I have to walk away tonight, because if I don’t do it now, I won’t have the strength to do it later.”

I didn’t understand. Strength to do what?

“And I just… I love you two so much that I swore I’d never come between you. I can’t do that. I won’t… and… and…”

And then it hit me. The realization crashed over me like a wave.

She wanted to leave… because she didn’t just love us. She was in love with us.

She tried to continue, voice cracking. And I knew what I had to do.

(Joe’s POV)

By the time I’d made my way through the hubbub of well-wishers and congratulatory hugs, I noticed they were missing. Emmy and Irie. I looked around as the others shared their pictures and videos of my proposal. I caught a glimpse of silver on the alcove of our private dining area. I walked closer and saw them. As I approached I wondered what sweet things they were saying to each other… but instead, I saw Emily, Iris’s back to me, with a look of genuine concern on her face. Emily was cupping Iris’s face, fingers on the back of her neck while Iris had her hands on Emmy’s shoulders. Iris’s voice hit my ears, “…come between you. I can’t do that. I won’t… and… and…” she stuttered. Then Emily’s face changed, a calm understanding. And suddenly, she kissed her. Not a sweet peck on the cheek like I’d seen them do hundreds of times. But lips wrapping around hers. Hungry, determined, and meaningful. Iris leaned into the kiss, her hands moving up to Emily’s neck, and they continued to kiss, tongues being enveloped.

Huh, I thought, interesting.