Kimberly meets Alex's friends, in Serving Her

She snapped the porch light on and Alex got behind her just in time to see his two friends’ jaws drop open. “You’re both here,” Kimberly said.

Alex called hello over her shoulder.

            “Trevor drove, so I could get drunk. I won the coin toss.”

            “Such responsible boys,” Kimberly said. “But no fun! You told me who is who, and I had wanted to guess. Oh well. Come on in.” She stepped back and waved them forward. Trevor and Michael filed in. Alex nodded to them both, rather meekly. Kimberly had already taken control of the greetings, but her tone was so friendly and natural, so upbeat, there didn’t seem anything strange about her command, even though Alex was the one person who knew everyone.

            One time Alex walked up on two undercover policemen busting a group of guys for something, probably drugs. The two controlled the group with sheer hubris, engaging each and moving freely among them. They were simply assertive, and the group wilted to them and remained docile until the parking lot filled with police cars. Of course, they also probably had guns Alex couldn’t see. Kimberly almost seemed to be employing a similar method, except there was nothing disingenuous about the way she addressed Michael and then Trevor. Touching Trevor’s arm and then Michael’s. Moving in front of one then the other. They both watched her in a state of rapture. They barely acknowledged Alex. Trevor presented her with a bottle of red wine. “A house warming present.”

            Kimberly was particular about her wine, and Alex hoped his friends had pleased her with their choice. She seemed impressed, though after scanning the label, she said, “But we’re drinking beer, tonight, right? The fridge is full of it. Trevor, we have plenty of soda, as well.”

            “I can start with beer and switch to soda.”

            The introductions trailed off, but they remained in the hall. It seemed they were all waiting for Kimberly to say when to come farther in. She smiled. She handed the bottle of wine to Alex. “I’m so excited to meet you both.” She moved in and hugged Michael. She slipped in close and brought her arms under his and squeezed his shoulders. Michael’s arms draped lightly around her back. As she drew away and moved in front of Trevor, Alex felt a slight pang of jealousy. Trevor appeared giddily nervous. She pressed close and gave him the same long hug she’d given Michael. Trevor’s arms came around her as tentatively as Michael’s had. The hug was completely innocent and friendly, but Alex wanted to cut in like a suave lover at a ballroom dance.

            Kimberly slipped out of Trevor’s arms. She smiled at Alex and touched his chest as she walked past him, almost teasing him with only a taste of what she’d just given his friends. He had to remind himself he was her boyfriend. He was living with her. Why was he jealous? He clapped his friends on the back as they went around him, following Kimberly like her two new puppies. Alex found his voice. “Are we going to play some cards?”