Christian sighs, lifting his eyes again to mine and answering me honestly, I think. “They’re…women I date. Women who understand who I am, and what their role is in my life. And who are…compensated. In the form of very nice dates, and even nicer gifts.”
“Oh,” I say, honestly kind of impressed. “Wow.” The nicest thing Steven ever got me as gift was…I don’t know, gum?
But even if I understand Christian’s romantic situation better now, I can’t help the jealousy that builds in me. And indeed, I can’t pretend that it’s anything but jealousy that roils in my gut, making me look askance at the slice of cake I cut for myself.
“Don’t overthink it,” Christian murmurs, leaning back and taking a long sip of his coffee. “It’s just…part of this world.” I turn my head to the side, considering him, won
