Bring Andy in

You slip the ring off, the familiar ache fading as Jason reforms on Isabella’s couch. You’re both still naked, skin warm from everything that’s happened, but the air has shifted to something calmer—anticipation mixed with nerves.

Isabella pulls her hoodie back on, cheeks still pink. “If we’re really doing this… I want to meet Andy again. As Andy. Before any rings come back out.”

You nod. “Fair. I’ll text him.”

You grab your phone from the pile of clothes on the floor.

You: Hey man, you free right now? Need you to come over to Isabella’s place. Important. Bring your ring.

Andy: uh… everything ok?

You: Yeah. Just trust me. Address is [Isabella’s apartment]. Come alone.

Twenty minutes later there’s a knock at the door.

Isabella squeezes your hand once for courage, then goes to open it.

Andy stands in the hallway in a hoodie and jeans, looking confused and a little wary. His eyes flick from Isabella to you (now dressed again) and back.

“Hey…” he says, offering a polite smile.

Isabella smiles at him. “Come in.”

He steps inside, taking in the scattered textbooks, the faint scent of coffee and something else in the air, the way you and Isabella are sitting close on the couch.

“So… what’s up?” he asks, sitting in the armchair Isabella vacated earlier. “You said it’s important.”

You glance at Isabella. She nods—your turn to start.

“Andy,” you say, “Isabella knows. About the rings. Everything.”

His face goes through several stages in seconds: confusion → realization → mild panic.

“Everything everything?” he asks, voice low.

“Yeah,” you confirm. “I showed her the change. Told her what happened that first night. All of it.”

Andy looks at Isabella, eyes wide. “And you’re… not freaking out?”

Isabella gives a small, nervous laugh. “I did freak out. A little. Screamed the first time, actually. But I’m past that now.” She pauses, choosing her words. “I needed to understand what Jason was dealing with. And… I wanted to meet you before anything else happens.”

Andy rubs the back of his neck, clearly trying to figure out how to navigate this.

An awkward beat passes, then Isabella leans forward.

“I have a question for you, Andy. When you’re… her—Amy—how does it feel? In your head, I mean. Jason said the desires change.”

Andy glances at you, gets a small nod of encouragement, then answers honestly.

“It’s still me in there,” he says. “But everything’s heightened. Inhibitions drop. Attraction flips in ways that feel totally natural once the ring’s on. That first night… I wasn’t thinking about how weird it should’ve been. I just wanted Jess. Badly.”

Isabella nods slowly, absorbing it.

“I’m not mad at either of you,” she says. “I needed time to process, but I’m not asking you to stop using the rings. I just… want to be part of it. Or at least be there. See it for myself. With both of you.”

Andy’s eyebrows shoot up. He looks at you. “You cool with that?”

You shrug, smiling. “She’s my girlfriend. I want her comfortable. And yeah… I think it could be good.”

Andy exhales, tension easing from his shoulders.

“Okay,” he says. “So what now?”

Isabella answers before you can.

“Now… I think I’d like to meet Amy. And see Jess again. Here, where it’s private. If you’re both okay with that.”

She looks between you and Andy—curious, nervous, but resolute.

Andy pulls the silver ring from his pocket, turning it over in his fingers.

“You sure?” he asks her.

Isabella nods.

“Then let’s do it.”

You reach for your own ring.

The three of you share a look, equal parts excitement and uncertainty.