EP 101: Give Me More by Sara Cate

Well, hello all you beautiful people. You know what time it is. Ladies and gents, guys and dolls and everyone in between. Gather around. Get you something real nice to sip on and comfy to slip on. Cuz it's time for Smite Club. Here's your hosts, Chelsea and Hannah. [Music] Announcement time. Um, so we have been doing this podcast for several years

now. Um, we launched in 2022 and we've built such a wonderful community over these last several years and are looking for new ways to kind of expand and be able to connect more deeply. So, the first one of those ways that we've been talking about is life coaching. um which is a chance to work one-on-one individually to help make life feel a little less sticky. Um spots will be limited as we launch that. So if you're interested, we will have a link in our

show notes and in our Insta bio. So definitely go and join the wait list so that as soon as we launch, you are first in line to grab a spot. And if life coaching really doesn't feel like a good fit or not quite your jam, but you're still interested in connecting and engaging more with our community, we are also looking into launching a book club. So, if you're interested in that option, follow the same link and uh you can get on the wait list for that as well. And now back to the show. [Music]

Hey everybody and welcome to Smuck Club. I'm Hannah. And I'm Chelsea. And this is the show where we are two licensed professional counselors and life coachers. Life no life coach who offer life who offer therapy and life coaching. Is that what I'm trying to say? Man, I have [ __ ] our elevator pitch today. I I should just try again. I was going to say, do you want to start over? I don't. Life is about embracing our moments where And you know what? The people knew what you meant.

Yes. Spiritually, everyone knew what I meant. Yeah. Welcome to Smut Club. We're Chelsea and Hannah, two licensed therapist and life coaches who enjoy reading romance novels of varying caliber and reviewing them together while we drink alcohol of different types. Still not my best elevator pitch, but again, the people knew what you meant, you know. And if you didn't like that elevator pitch, then maybe maybe we're not a match. Yeah. And that's okay, right? But I I think it was a good pitch.

It was I think it shows who we are. It does. Yeah. It shows our zest. Zesty. Yeah. Off to a strong start today. Le Let's just jump in. What book are we reviewing? We are reviewing Give Me More by Sarah Kate, which is Kate with a C. Kate with a C, not with a K. Correct. Yes. And um this is the third standalone in the Salacious Players Club series. Okay. I haven't made it that far in the series. Yes. So, by that I think I made it through one and a half.

So, I think it's like actually coming back to me now as I'm talking about it. The first one is praise which we have talked about. The second one I think is Eyes on Me. I think that feels correct. And then this one is Give Me More. And this is the one we're talking about today. So you don't really need to know anything about the previous books except that we open the prologue 7 years ago. Everybody's prologue starts seven years

ago. So, they were all at a bar drinking, talking about how they all have different kids. Yes. And they are having a really hard time finding compatible partners who are accepting. Exactly. So, how do they handle that to me? So, this is where like at this bar, this group of friends who all work together, they decide they're going to launch a dating service specific for the kink community. And then they expanded past that around year 6 or 7 to an actual physical club. And so that's kind of the

vibe of where we're starting. You know what I like about that? I was expecting it to go from like they started as with a dating service and then went to an app and made it more accessible instead. It's like they started with a dating service and then went to a more exclusive brickandmortar. Yeah, they did. They did. I was going to say what would the app be just field?

Well, kind of. And that's sort of the vibe that it gives, but it also they they try to say that it's more like boutique and individualized for people and stuff and they're they have like safety measures in place and things like that. Um, so we opened 7 years ago. They Hunter is our main guy. Um, and he and uh his wife whose name I should know Isabelle, sorry. Hunter and Isabelle. Yes. So, currently his girlfriends, they are at the bar with their friends

hanging out. Um, his best friend Drake is also there and he is a contractor. They've been best friends their whole lives. Drake the contractor who likes to [ __ ] everyone in the club. I remember him because he was there was some tension with Drake in the first book and praise. Yeah. where he hit on the guy's girlfriend, love interest at the time or whatever. So Drake is there. He is already off like about to get it with a birthday girl who's got like a sash and a tiara tiara on and stuff.

That does seem to be Drake's energy. And um have vagina will travel. Exactly. And Hunter's like, you know, I have literally known him my entire life. Like we came up really hard. Our lives were really hard. we got out of that together. We will always be like together like we will always be best friends and we will always be bonded no matter where life takes us.

Exactly. And um as they're having this conversation around the table about kinks and stuff, his girlfriend, who had been a virgin when they met, all of a sudden reveals that her fantasy is to have a threesome. And um he's like absolutely flabbergasted, floored, like

oh my god. Like like Isabelle like like excited or like horrified more confused because he was like really like and like that really hadn't been on my bingo card for what you for like anything I thought you were going to say that like was your fantasy that was not on on my list of of guesses. Okay. So, like not like he's like disgusted by the idea. He just didn't anticipate it. And one of the other guys is like, "Oh, okay. So, like boy or girl?" And she's like, "I don't know. I guess either kind

of." And he was like, "Damn, okay." Like, interesting. Boy for me, right? And I think for Vance it would be a girl, which is likely why that that likely is not written in our stars. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I'm reading a book right now where there is uh three dudes and one woman and two of the men are together and the third one is the um axle diesel energy of the group. He's truly insane. And so he like approaches the two guys one day and he's like, "Listen, I get

it. We're all together. So I think that means like I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure I could [ __ ] you guys." And they were like, "What?" And so they like call his bluff and they're like, "No time like the present, babe. Come on over." And like immediately when they start touching him, he's like, "Nope, nope. Straight. I'm straight. Never mind. I'm so I can't do it." And they're like, "Dude, we know we weren't going to I feel like that almost reads like a my ego says I could do this."

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. like my ego says that you would want to and so I should be also into it. But it's also like the truest thing ever, right? Where I'm like, "Yeah, yeah." You know, I think I am the first person to compliment a stranger's ass at the grocery store 100%. And I also don't personally look at women and think like I want to make out with them. Like I'm not sexually attracted, but I can appreciate the aesthetic. The aesthetic, their beauty, and the

same with men, right? And want to compliment everyone all the time. Yeah. But I do think that like it might be a similar thing for me where I'm like, "Yeah, I not that you and I are going to start making out by any what?" That's on our Patreon. Just kidding. If you're wondering what our exclusive content looks like, it's actually going to be nothing like that. Nothing like that. That's when Smut Club ends up on Only Fans and we all have more questions than answers at this point.

Yeah, 100%. But but all that said, so that's kind of the the vibe is they're all talking about their different kinks. So, one guy is like, "I like to watch." One is like, "You know, I like to dominate." Like all these different things that they're into, which is fine. And um they launch it. They decide like the company they all work for goes under literally like the next day. They all

get laid off. And so the guy from Praise, the main guy from Praise, is kind of the the driver behind most of the stuff in their friend group anyway. And so he calls everybody and is like, "We're doing it." Like sign from the universe. This is it. So we are now 7 years in the future and we get Drake's perspective. So Drake, the best friends, Hunter, Isabelle, and Drake. Drake, correct? So Drake, these are his words. He is a man [ __ ] He's like, I prefer a scoundrel.

That's a little dated. I am a [ __ ] He's like, "That's just the truth." Like whatever. It feels different when you're using it as your own self-proclaimed title versus someone else using Cuz if someone else calls you a [ __ ] it's never meant as a compliment. It's always meant to be degrading at some level. Yeah. Except for my one friend Gary, he calls me a [ __ ] a lot, and it's usually from a place of love. I I feel like we all have one friend who

doesn't. It's It's the same friend who's going to be like, "You know me, I'm a [ __ ] for a sandwich." Literally. Yes. Yes. He got another friend of ours a cake that said, "Boo you [ __ ] when she quit her job where we all worked and was going somewhere else." Like brought it to work. Boo you [ __ ] Um Okay. What's the Is it Carll? Is that the ice cream? Yes. Yeah. Okay. Um, I had a friend who worked at a carell growing up and like with all of the fudgy the whale ice cream cakes.

Ironically, he like worked there through college and is a dentist now. Um, sometimes I like got to just hanging out with him. I'd help like fill the soft serve machine and like learned a little bit about ice cream along the way. But my favorite was just watching this dude who you would have no idea he could pipe lettering so beautifully with frosting. And one day, one day I was there and like the a girl was quitting like the local Hooters or something like that.

And so I'm watching him pipe onto the cake. Boo you [ __ ] We'll miss you. Love all the [ __ ] That's lovely. And he did it so well. He fit it all on the cake. The spacing was great. I love that Gary put you [ __ ] on the cake himself because he didn't think the Engles in Cleveland, Georgia would be willing to do it for him. Don't dox yourself, Hannah. Well, that's not where I live. But you're right. That's not where you live. But where But the Engles in North Georgia

Yeah. They weren't going to be willing to do that. And so he did it himself. And it was not professional, but that made it better. Yeah. Yeah, I feel like that adds to the aesthetic. It does. It does when it's your own. How if you ever need a polished one, you need to go back to Carll in like 09 in Palm Harbor, Florida. Ali will hook you straight up. Shout out to Ollie. Um Oh, I miss him. I should find out where he is and call him. Shoot him a little message. How you

doing, Ollie? Did I tell you I did that recently with someone where I had like an old friend been had been thinking of them constantly and like hadn't probably hadn't talked in almost 20 years text them and was like, "Hey, is this still your this is like this is Chelsea. I was just thinking about you. I thought about you like five times in the last couple weeks." So like I felt like the universe was telling me to check in just like I hope you're well wherever you are.

Like 10 minutes later, I get a text back that just says, "They're no longer at this number, but this is lovely." A that's nice. I was like, "Oh, well, I wish all those good things for you as well. Have a great day." They're like, "Thank you. You, too." These sentiments were not limited to this one person. This is my hope for humanity. And then I deleted the contact since it was clearly no longer correct. Won't be making that mistake again. Nope. Okay. Sorry. I'm deeply directed.

No, we're good. We're good. We're good. So, Drake is on a cross-country road trip with his two best friends, Hunter and Isabelle. Does she go by Isabelle? She does. Okay. Yeah. I feel like a lot of books we end up with Izzy. So, every now and then one of them will call her Izzy, but primarily or is even, but primarily they refer to her as Isabelle. So, um they are touring different sex

clubs around the country. um just trying to get fresh ideas and kind of see how they stack up um how the club they have opened stacks up. I've done that with psychiatric psychiatric facilities. I get it. Like, oh yeah, we got to go around. We're opening a new one. Got to see what what safety features other companies are using. Yeah. Yes. Um and I like that that also happens with sex clubs.

Yes. And it is really interesting like Oh, I bet they go to several different ones throughout this which is part of the fun I think of it is like all the different sort of vibes and energy. Um so are they just like on a sex club road trip on this whole book? Yes. Yeah. Ooh. Yeah. And all of these sex clubs like know they are coming. These are business trips. They are going to meet with the owners like all that stuff, right? So yeah, they're going during daylight

hours. No, they're going while they're open. But welfare, I meant to get a general tour of the facility. Like there can be business meetings that are happening, right? Like with this sort of business trip is really more more how that was meant. Yes, it is all very structured like the plans for the trip. So Drake can hear Hunter and Isabelle [ __ ] like in the next room. Um and he is currently with two women whose names

he cannot recall. and um he is just kind of bored with it and he is like let's see how loud I can get him to be right if I have have to listen to Isabelle and Hunter [ __ ] then they're going to have to listen to me and the the Double Mint twins or whatever. Um he does not refer to them that way. He does not refer to them that way. Um he's actually fairly respectful. Um, but he is also kind of processing he's never been in a relationship with

anybody before. Um, he's always been uh the third wheel in Hunter and Isabelle's marriage. Like when they go on vacation, he is there. When they have dinner, he's there like three or four nights a week. Like that's just kind of the dynamic that they have. Um, and he does construction for the club. So, I was thinking like, isn't that a

sort of one-time deal? But in the other books, they talk about different events they're putting on, and he will create structures like for all the different like events and stuff that they do. Yeah. I knew someone who had that exact job at a church. Each sermon series needed a whole different different background. Yeah. So, literally the same, but a little different. just like there's a code word to get into this one. The work is the same, the vibes very different.

So, um he is also thinking about like he was there the first day that Hunter first saw Isabelle um and has been there pretty much every day since. And um how old are they? So, they are like 30sish and Isabelle I want to say is like 28. The guys are like 3 or four years older than her, but not by a lot. I want to say it's three. Yeah. So, um, he and Hunter were actually like drug dealers and really not doing very

well kind of in life in general. Um, but Hunter literally as soon as he saw Isabelle like from a distance, he was like, "Well, I got to clean it up cuz that woman is going to be my wife and she's not going to be into all this." Um, and so literally, I've never been that sure of anything in my life. Never once. No. No. But he starts going, they're outside the library trying to sell drugs and they see this girl with her arms full of books and he's like,

"That's the one." And so they start going to the library every day so that she can see him and then he like slowly starts to like talk to her and stuff, her. Yeah. And so basically Hunter was like, "Well, if I'm clean up cleaning up my act, Drake, you have to clean up your act. So what do you want to do? Construction?" He's like, like, "You will rise with me."

So Drake works construction because Hunter saw Isabelle from a distance and was like, "Yeah, so we're going to get our [ __ ] together for her." Yeah. And Drake's like, "We're doing what?" Drake's like, "We who tanto the fuck?" But also he's like really grateful because he's like yeah I would be in jail or dead by now like if it weren't for the two of them. And so he also he's just kind of like you know what I am happy with my life. Like I love these two people. They are my family and I

also love banging randoms. So like it is all coming up golden. Like but is it Drake? Is it It feels like like Drake is trying to convince himself of that. Yeah. The Lady Doth protest too much. Yeah. In that way of like, you know, no, like I guess I have a beautiful life and like if this is what it is, I'm I'm Yeah. I'm happy with it. Yeah. And you're like, are are you right when they say it as a question? I'm really happy with it. Are are you I'm happy. Right.

No, really. Really? Really? Yeah. Yeah. No, I definitely I I am I am. Yeah, for sure. So, we switch perspectives here. We get all three perspectives throughout this book. Oh, that's nice. So, we switch perspectives here um to Isabelle. So, this is a few hours earlier in the night. She and Hunter are at an anniversary dinner um for the two of them and she feels weird that Drake isn't there because he has literally been there for everything.

Yeah, that's definitely a sign cuz I'll say my anniversary was last week and no part of me was like someone else should be I had that thought too. I was like who? Nope. There are people who have been with us from the moment like we met and everything, but still I don't I don't know that I would invite them to my anniversary dinner. You know, it's different vibes. I guess it's it's a it's an increased level of intimacy for sure. Yeah, 100%. Um, so Isabelle is also reminiscing about when

she and Hunter first met. Um, and how he's like dark and covered in tattoos. Um, you know, dark hair, dark eyes, kind of the whole bad boy vibes. Um, but he was always gentle and kind and patient with her. And she was like, that was like, if there was a version of kryptonite for me, it would be the bad boy aesthetic with like this gentleness, you know? And so, um, she was really grateful for him. And, oh, here's where we get for sure. So, she was a virgin and not quite 18 and he

was 22. So, he refused to touch her really at all. Hunter Hunter refused to touch her. Yes. Until Isabelle was about was 18. Thank you for removing the about from that. But even then, he waited like 6 months after she turned 18 for them to actually have sex. It's like he never touched her at all before that, but then was really intentional with everything they did physically. Oh man, I remember listening to the radio when Billy Isish was about like her like 18th birthday was on the horizon.

And the way in which people were talking about her. It's so gross. Especially because like as with like the the six month of like hey before this like really escalated. I'm like yeah. You know we don't go from like one day they're a child to the next day they're a human. So the way we view them is now okay or different or like we suddenly feel justified. It's okay to objectify them now or

something like it's very icky. But this felt much more like like wanting to do right by her and also not being sure what that even means because he didn't have that experience in life. Well, this and I'm obviously looking through the best case and I haven't haven't read this book, but just less of the um the grooming lens if you like less of like the oh I found her when I was 22 and she was 17 and we were just like preparing the way for this versus like hey like we're in

each other's orbit. We're interested in each other, but there's there's clearly several things at play, and we're very mindful and conscientious of those dynamics as we navigate them. Yes. Which and she was only like 3 or 4 months shy of 18 when they met. Um, but still he was very intentional with like making sure that she was always on board for everything and comfortable with everything to the point where at one point in the book she says like it was honestly kind of annoying. I'm like,

dude, like come on. like, okay, it's been slow enough. Like, let's go. Um, but so, but I do think we all appreciate that. Yes, I would rather him be overly cautious. Um, every time. But when they get back to the rental, so they're basically doing like Airbnbs for the most part. Couple of hotels, but for the most part, they're doing like apartments or small houses, and they're all staying in them together. So, they get back to the rental and they can hear

Drake with two women in the room. Um, and uh they go to bed themselves, Hunter and Isabelle do. And he starts like taking her from behind and she starts thinking about what Drake is doing in the other room with those other women. And she's like kind of turned on by that and like wondering what he's doing. And then she's like, "Oh, shouldn't be thinking about my husband's best friend while he's inside me." Like awkward, you know? Um, so she doesn't feel great about that, but she also kind

of lets it go. Like on some level, it is normal for your imagination to do stuff while you're listening to it on the other side. Yeah, that that was the thought that I just had was like, oh, if you're listening to him bone these other two women in real time. That feels really different than like, yeah, so Hunter and I are on this like cross-country road trip and Drake is back home and I'm daydreaming about him in that,

right? Um it it is different, but there's a lot of um very open communication in this book, which I really appreciate, which we'll get to in a minute. But we now switch to Hunter. So Hunter can't sleep and he finds Drake in the kitchen. Um and Hunter is like noticing that he's admiring Drake's physique of like he's so lucky that he does construction and barely has to go to the gym. Like he looks awesome. that kind of like framing where it's like dude bro admiring

your how cut you are or whatever. I saw a Tik Tok earlier this week where this woman was saying her teenage son had come home and he was like no I'm straight but like I'm a homiesexual like stop it right now. I'm just like a little gay for my friends. That's so good. Oh my god that's really good. And that's what it feels like in this moment. Very much. Like Hunter's like, "No, like I'm not into dudes. I'm just like a homie sexual." Like Drake works hard at his

construction job. Like good for him, man. I see it. I respect it. That's literally in my notes. It says strictly platonic because he's like very much couching it in his own head. Nobody's talking to you about it, dude. Nobody's questioning your sexuality. He's like totally straight though. Like nobody panic. So, see, and that's where when I I've complimented women's asses to their faces at daycare drop off that I don't know, and I'm like, I see we both dropped off our children.

I also see your ass. We're all fighting mom butt at this point. Mom, but got to keep doing my squats to stay on top of it, right? But I'm like, hey, not to be weird since we don't know each other, but our kids are in the same class. Your ass looks great. Yeah. Have nobody told you today like 100%. Yeah, I feel it. And when I've done that, I haven't had to be like purely platonically that like I'm not actually looking for a third. Hey, hey, that was just to be a mood

booster for you. That was not to boost anything for me personally. Right. Right. This is about you. Stay in your lane. Right. Don't make it weird. Yeah. No, I'm not into you that way. Men are such weird creatures. So, at this point, Isabelle then gets up because she can like hear them talking in the kitchen. Are the two women still asleep? They're gone. Okay, they're gone. They're gone. Um, and Hunter notices that Isabelle, she's in like her tank top and shorts and is scantily clad in her PJs or

whatever, super casual. Um, and but Drake's eyes never leave her face. He's like, "She is like serving cleavage right now." And he is not. That is a best [ __ ] friend, dude. Incredible work. Like, and Drake's just like, "Keep your eyes on her face. Keep your eyes on her face. Keep your eyes on her face. Do not blink. It might be construed as looking down." Exactly. Meanwhile, he's like, Isabelle is definitely giving him elevator eyes like up and down. And he's like, but also I get it

platonically. So platonically he's like, you know, cuz they're having like banter, making each other laugh and being kind of goofy. And he's like, I am so grateful that the two people that are the most important to me in the world like make each other laugh and like each other. Like this is really incredible that I've struck the lottery this way.

Um, and he does notice that Drake kind of deflates a little bit when he starts to take Isabelle when Hunter starts to take Isabelle back to bed and he's like, I'm going to check on him. Like, maybe things aren't as good as he's trying to make them out to be. Um, so the next night they are touring a sex club in Phoenix and they Where are they out of? Remind me. California, I think. like the LA area. Oh, wow. I would have lost that bet. It It's been a while since I've read this series.

I'm pretty sure. Girl, I was going to say Milwaukee. Like, are there a lot of sex clubs in Milwaukee? Like, no judgment, but like that's why I assumed they were so successful. They have very limited options. I can't wait for us to get a slew of DMs that are like, "You know nothing about the sex club scene. Milwaukee is popping." I was going to say like I know enough to know I don't know about the sex club energy in Milwaukee. No, outside of that I I don't have a lot to

give you. I don't know much about Milwaukee. Full stop. It's not that I don't know about just the sex clubs in Milwaukee. It's just in general I don't know very much about it. My knowledge about Milwaukee is not limited just because of the sex clubs. Right. It's just because I live in Georgia and I've never needed to know about Milwaukee. I have not needed that. No, it's never come up.

All I know is I once accidentally left my wallet at the airport there and they mailed it back to me on like and they were so kind Midwestern [ __ ] That was my exact experience. Yep. I was like, "This feels like the Midwest. Got to love them." Yeah. And I'm like, "That's all I can tell you." They were so kind when I when I left my wallet in their state. So, they're in Phoenix. They are not in Milwaukee. They're in Phoenix. Um, and they do not like the vibes of this club when they get there.

Oh, the vibes are off. It's like super uptight. So, like there's no space to mingle. Like, they show up and the host person is like, "Oh, yeah. Like, the owner is aware that you're coming tonight. Um, she set aside a room for you guys. Feel free to use it. Hang out in it. she'll be with you in about an hour. And Hunter is pissed. He's like, "Uh, no, we didn't come here for that. We came here for a meeting." Like, this is weird.

Um, and there was other stuff in the way the guy was saying it that sort of justified his response a little bit more. Um, and Isabelle is like super nervous because the only sex club she's ever been to is theirs and she knows she is always going to be safe there. And like what are their jobs? So Hunter's job was in developing the compatibility like tests and stuff for the dating

service app or whatever. And so he his whole job was to learn as much as he could about different kinks and how to keep people safe and like all of that kind of stuff. And he put that sort of thing into place. And now basically he's sort of like in charge of membership like recruiting new members and stuff. Mhm. Um Isabelle doesn't really work there. She's a yoga instructor. Um

but she's there all the time. her husband owns it and all of their friends like this is a friend group that started this business very much so. So, um they go to the private room uh and basically the guy is like as they are being dropped off in the room or maybe it was the owner, I don't really remember but it doesn't matter. Somebody was like, "Hey, it's really weird that like you're just shuttling people into this room and there's no

space to mingle. It feels very like uptight or whatever, like awkward." Well, and mind you, as someone who hasn't spent a lot of time in sex clubs, so like take everything I say with a grain of salt. I do just like always imagine every sex club has like a hub room like with a bar even if that's like non-alcoholic options, right? Like there's a a communal space for people and you aren't just automatically like siphoned off into because at that point it might as well

be a hotel room basically. And so, um, the owner is like, "Have you ever The owner is a woman." And she's like, "I understand that, you know, that's how you have your club set up." And that's great. Um, but for safety reasons and for the comfort of some of our members, we keep it as anonymous as possible. And Hunter is like, "We don't think people should have to hide if they don't want to." And so we want people to be proud and like, you know, secure in who they are and to feel safe.

We want it to be a safe space, not a space where people like come and then still feel like they have to cower. Yeah. He was like, that's that is our goal for the women who come into our club that they feel safe and comfortable every single time, 100% of the time. Cuz it almost feels like a club who forces you to be as anonymous as possible. Yeah. Like there's almost like a a shame element kind of unintentionally built into their structure. Exactly. And so they're basically having

a conversation around that. And the owner fascinating conversation. Super interesting. And the owner is like, I really admire that that is the stance you are taking. And I wonder if you have spoken to your wife or any of your female members about how safe they feel when others are able to see them and know who they are. And it was very like oh like we're talking about real [ __ ] right now. Oh

yeah. Um, but there's like this awkward tension between all of them and Hunter is basically like, you know, Isabelle and Drake don't really need to be around for the rest of the tour and conversation. There's a Shabari workshop going on. Why don't you guys go to the Shabari workshop, right? You know where this is going. Yes. As we all casually go to our Shabari workshop,

right? And um Isabelle at that point is a little bit irritated because the guys do this like macho eye contact headnod where it's like you got her cool and she's like I really don't need to be handed off. I'm not like you know the nuclear codes or something where we need to have like a firm hand-tohand

transfer. very few times where that like head nod transfer you're like yeah oh I feel safer right this feels better right she's like in fairness it is sweet that they're doing this when we're in a new club and we don't know anybody that's sweet but also guys I'm a grown woman hey guys all we do is sex club what's our hobby it is the hobby we've been together for 10 years like can we chill out no answer is no So, but on the flip side, we do also love that they're like, "Hey, it's a new

space and the vibes are off here. We are going to be vigilant." Yes. And so, she and Drake are just hanging out, watching the the demonstration, and it's a lot, you know? I mean, there's a fully nude dude there getting tied up and then blown, I think, if I'm remembering right. And then the instructor is like, "You two, beautiful couple. You would be great for my next demonstration. and what do you think? And um Isabelle is like, "Yeah, that sounds great." And Drake is like, "The

[ __ ] is it? Is it great?" Um she's like, "What?" Drake's literally about to like opening his mouth to be like, "Oh, no, thank you. We're just here to observe." Yeah. As Isabelle's like, "Sounds fun." "Oh, yeah. Take my shoes off. Put them there. No problem." Yeah. She's like, "Oh, I need to get naked. Cool beans." and she's like standing there in her underwear and she's like, "This is not really something I do regularly, even at our

own club." But again, I trust Drake. The instructor was really like intentional and kind with the way he was like coaching the two of them and, you know, undressed to your comfort level, all that kind of stuff. And so just think of John Melany being like, "So I put on three sweaters and then I felt safe, right?" Um, so, okay. Also, not related to anything at all. Have you seen photos of John Molany more recently? No, not recently.

Damn it, Anna. Okay, we'll have to have an off-pod convo about this. I think he got jaw filler. Oh, yeah. And I think Vance just thinks he might be a man now. And I'm like, "No, I his jaw did not look like that and knew it in town." No. Jaws or size is not going to do that much for anyone. I have questions. I'm going to have to look it up now. Yeah. Like different questions than I have about like Bradley Cooper's face

right now. But I still have questions because John Melan's jaw like it's like Zack Efron's jaw where you're like, "Oh, no, that shifted." Yeah. Yeah. And I don't think it was just like sucking on hard candies gave you that definition. Either way, God bless. As long as you're happy with your face. But well, and all Yeah. thinking I'm like, "Oh, that like any level of sure construction is what I was construction." Yeah. Face construction like Yeah, you're going to feel that.

Yeah. His jaw doesn't look bad by any stretch. Please do not hear me dogging on John Melany. It was just more of like a That's different than it used to be. All I could think is he said, "Thanks, Drake." I was like, well, you know, Isabelle does do a lot of facial yoga by the end of this, so facial yoga. I mean, a lot happens. [Music] Follow-up announcement time. Announcement two, Electric Booaloo.

Friendly reminder that if you have any interest in life coaching or Smut Club book club with your fellow smut [ __ ] follow the link in our Instagram bio or the show notes. [Music] Okay. So, like two weeks ago, I went and tried out a new yoga studio. Oh, that's always like a kind of a harrowing experience. And like, and you know me, right? Like I

taught for years. I feel I feel pretty confident walking into any yoga space for the first time that I'm like, I might not nail everything that's happening here, but like yeah, I can navigate this well. Comfortable enough. I thought she was trying to kill us. Like at the end of class, she was laying the lavender towels on like all of our heads and I literally went I was I'm willing to do unspeakable things for

this towel. Like it was that level. Like an hour and a half later, I had made it home, showered, and was still sweating on my couch. Oh no. Oh no. Yeah. I went to a class like that where I was like, you know, I've been doing a lot of yoga for a long time. I haven't necessarily done a ton of like the ashtanga, like really intense yoga that I've done in the past, but like I've still kept up my practice. I'll go to this flow class. It'll be fine cuz I'

I've been doing flow. And I was like, "Oh, your definition of flow and my definition of flow are different definitions." I'm like, "We're both flowing. We're flowing at different speeds and and rates. Yeah. This class. Yeah. And depths. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Like I was like, "Oh, we don't even have the fans on." Like the way in which we were just like building heat in that room. And as soon as the instructor got on the mat and like she was one of those women,

I loved her. Like she's the ideal iconic. Yeah. lots, tons of tattoos in a small town that you don't see tattoos. She has not a ounce of fat on her body. I'm like, all you do is hot yoga all day, every day. And you raw vegan or something. But yes, as soon as I saw how loose her her like tight leggings were on her figure, I was like, I I've made a horrible mistake. Oh, no. Will I go back? Absolutely. Yeah, for sure. It was the most humbling thing.

But yeah, it it was Sorry. Once again, I am really That's all right. I'm having fun. We have a book we're we're reviewing today. We are. And they're doing Shabari. So, um, which for the uninitiated, I guess, is, uh, a particular ti type type of Japanese rope bondage, um, that's really focused on the aesthetics of the knots and the different ties and how they look. Um, as well as the emotions that can be pulled up. Um, there's like a lot of beauty in the practice and a ton of intention in it.

It is. It's not just like a we threw we slapped a sailor's knot on this and called it a day, right? There's a lot of safety stuff. There's a lot of focus on the aesthetic. Um, all those different things. And Isabelle is getting more and more turned on like as they're going through these things. Um, and then the instructor asks Drake to um demonstrate thrusting in a particular like hold. And um she at that moment realizes that Drake is also pretty turned on. She's

like, "Whoop! Okie do." Um, which Yeah, of of course he is. Yeah. And then she's like, "Oh, good. Hunter is here. Oh, so Hunter's tour has ended. Hunter reappeared and she's like, "Okay." Um, he doesn't seem mad at all, but she is kind of freaked out. Um, and he Hunter is basically like, "That was really amazing. Like, you guys did a great job. That was really cool." Um, so let's go home. Let's get some rest. Like, no issues at all.

And the ride home is so awkward. And we're in Hunter's point of view and he's like, it is hilarious how uncomfortable they are right now. He's like, it is not that deep. Like, y'all need to chill out. Um, he's like, I know that these two people would not ever go behind my back. Like, the fact that they are being so weird about doing something in front of my face that wasn't even really doing

anything is ridiculous right now. was like a clinical shabari demonstration and they're like, "Oh my gosh, we're so sorry." Betrayal. And so he's like, "Also, uh, that was super hot." He was like, "I mean, I was kind of turned on, so like, oh, who cares?" Like, I think we're all experiencing new emotions from this experience. He's like, "Oh, I'm experiencing different sensations than I had in the past. Look at that." Where do you feel that in your body? in

my downstairs. So, sematic therapy does not work in that moment. That's where you go. You do. Um, if I ever said to a client, where do you feel that in your body? And they said in my downstairs. Oh my god. So, I listened to this podcast that does a lot of like wellness stuff and really interesting things. And they were talking about this medication or food additive or something from the '90s that gave everybody like brutal diarrhea.

And he cannot stand poop talk. That's like one of the things that he discusses regularly. He cannot stand it. And he's like, "Why did I pick this topic?" and he just kept saying like it makes you feel funny in your downstairs. So yeah, shout out to maintenance phase Michael Hobbs. There you go. Although if anyone tells me something is going to make me feel funny in my downstairs, it sounds like we have different definitions of downstairs.

Yeah. Um Yeah. So I'll have more questions if if he's like, "You'll feel it in your downstairs. Don't worry about it." Oh, I'm worrying. We have different downstairs. Yeah, we do. We do. So, they get back to the rental. Isabelle goes um to take a bath, which is kind of her ritual that she does, like a lavender Epsom salt bath kind of a few times a week or whatever. I don't know if I poured too much Epsom salt in a bath, but one time I my legs broke out. I remember you telling me about that.

Like it. Do you remember like salt burns where you like do like that? You pour put the salt and the ice. Like that's what the backs of my thighs looked like after this salt. Yeah, I think you But there wasn't a there wasn't a lot in there. So maybe the water wasn't hot enough. Maybe it didn't like dissolve. I don't know. I don't know either.

I'm gonna have to do some more research because Epsom salt baths sound so lovely in theory, but I'm like I can't have my legs looking like I've had an allergic reaction whenever I've done one. They're just like really the backs of my thighs that are touching the bottom of the tub where there's extra salt, right? Itchy. Yeah. Yeah. Like fully red. Like can't do that in summer. Not if you're wearing shorts. Nope. make everyone feel a little weird. Fair enough.

Okay, so she's taking her bath where she does not have an allergic reaction to the salt. Um, and Hunter and Drake are kind of having a drink in the kitchen. And finally Drake like loses his [ __ ] and starts having a meltdown. Um, and he's like, "Go ahead and hit me. Like just hit me. Just punch me in the face. I get it. I deserve it. I earned it. Like it's cool. I can't believe I did that shit." And Hunter's like, "Dude, what? Chill out. Like it was a clinical demonstration, dude. Yeah. Um

you were not in a private room. There was an instructor guiding you through it. Yeah. Yeah. And Hunter's like, "You should literally be punching me in the face. Why are you not punching me in the face?" So there's a lot of like Wait, Drake. Drake is saying that to Hunter to Hunter. Okay. Yes. And so Hunter's like, "Man, I am really I am really not upset. Like it is

really okay." And so then he goes in to the bathroom where Isabelle is taking her bath and basically has the same conversation with her minus the punching in the face where she's like, "I'm so sorry. I can't believe I did that. Oh my god." And he's like, "Sweetheart, it's really really okay." Um, and then he finger bangs her in the tub. And um, hopefully that made her feel better about it all. Yeah. Yeah. Um, and there's a moment when Hunter is like, you know, Drake

should be here. He's here for everything else. And then he's like, that's [ __ ] weird. He's like, never had thoughts like that before. Big yikes. Not into that. We'll call that pre-contemplative. We will call it pre-contemplative. And it is hilarious how fast um Hunter moves through the stages of change. So the next day they are at like a roadside, you know, touristy trap kind of place um where they're it's like a UFO thing. It's ridiculous. But Drake has gotten a phone call from his

landlord. He is being evicted because they sold his building and uh he only has a month to find a new place. So Isabelle is immediately like, "Oh, well, just move in with us, right? Like you've lived with us before, like way back. We have the space. Yeah. Stay with us till you figure out your next step. Exactly. Um and cuz Hunter or Drake, sorry, Drake is like, "I'm going to have to go like I'll just catch the quickest flight back home cuz I'm going to have

to move and find a new place. I'm going to have to do this and that." And and Isabel Isabelle is like, "No, like obviously just stay with us for a while." Um and um Hunter comes out cuz he had been in wherever they were and Isabelle turns to him with no context and is like, "Tell Drake to move in with us." And Hunter is like, "Drake, move in with us." Like he's like, "What? Sure. Okay,

sounds great. Whatever." Um, and Drake is trying to like ignore the new tension there is in their dynamic that hasn't been there before. Why? Cuz he's uncomfy. And he's like, I really want to just leave because this is so [ __ ] awkward for me right now. Because Isabelle is kind of the girl of my dreams, but I have never allowed myself to look at her that way. Because from day one, Hunter was all in. and I would never ever do that. And so now that I have allowed myself to sort of consider that,

I'm kind of freaking out. And so, um, it does feel good that they are still kind of goofing off and joking in the same way. Um, and Hunter and Isabelle still very clearly want him around. They're like, "No, man. Like, this trip was for the three of us. Like, you can't leave. like we're doing this together. Um, but he's like, "How am I going to feel living with them again and having to listen to them together?" And like I can't bring people home. Like I could have before, but like I don't

think I can now. Like I feel real weird about all of it. So, um, Hunter is having an internal dialogue about like, "What kink have I unlocked cuz something is different?" And, uh, I've done a lot of research on all the kinks. And he is like, "Uh, is it cuckleding? Is it hot wifeing?" Which is a kink where like you share your wife cuz she's hot or whatever. Um, and he's like, "I don't think it's

cuckleding." Cuz it's not about like my embarrassment or like the humiliation of watching your partner with someone else, which is for some people the kink. He's like, "That's not it." So, what is it? I'm not really sure, but it's something cuz woo. All right. Yeah. We're moving into contemplation for those of you who are following along with the stages of change, following the motivational interviewing stages of change. Um, but he does think about it and he's

like, it is only Drake though. Like if I think about even one of his other friends from the club, he's like, "No, don't like it. Don't like the thought of any of them with her." Um, it is literally only Drake I feel good about. And so Isabelle is like in their apartment, whatever that they're staying in in the next town, and she is like scrolling through different brunch

options. She's like, "Where should we have breakfast?" You know, she's looking and Hunter just blurts out like, "Hey, would uh you and Drake want to have sex, you guys, the two of you together with me watching?" And Drake is [ __ ] livid. Like he is so angry. He is like, "How dare you say that [ __ ] to me?" And like takes off. Like leaves. And um he's like, "I'm going to get a drink. I'll see you when I see you." And is

gone, right? And so Isabelle is like in tears and she's like, "Oh, is well that was uncomfy, right?" She's like, "So you don't want me anymore? Like this is your way of telling me? Oh, I misunderstood some different cues that I thought I'd been picking up on." Yeah. She's like, "Okay, so you don't want me anymore, and this is your way of like telling me that? Like, what are you doing here?" Because there was no

context. They're like hanging out deciding where to have breakfast and he's like, "You guys want to fuck?" Like, "What?" And he's like, "No." And I'm so mad that you would ever imply it that I'm going to leave. And then you're like, "Oh, well, now I'm just in this awkward moment." So then Hunter does explain himself. He's like, "Hey, listen. Watching you guys do that Shabari demonstration like really turned me on and if you would be into it, like I

would enjoy watching it, I think." And so like, you know, yeah, but if you say no, I will never bring it up again. And she's immediately like, yeah, no, no, no need to bring that up. Thank you for asking. And there is no like, why would you even [ __ ] think of that or anything like that. It's very much like, I'm not trying to shame you, but this is arguably the most important person in

our lives. I refuse to potentially damage relationships by doing this for you to explore your kink just for fun. Like that is not gonna I'm not comfortable with that. And so Hunter is like, "Yeah, don't put us in the line of fire for your curiosity, right? Because what if it turns out you're not okay with it?" Or what if it turns out like Drake and I get weird feelings? Or what if it turns out like

this could destroy our marriage? the end like our best friend like wow that's a lot you know yeah for you to throw it out there so flippantly right and I don't think Hunter was considering all of that he was just like that's hot full stop yeah if they want to explore it let me like make it a safe space for them to do so right but that his intent did not match his impact on that no intent versus impact very much matters 100% so Hunter then takes off to find

Drake. And we switch to Drake's point of view. He is drinking alone. Um, and he is basically of the mind that Hunter was just testing his loyalty. He's like, "Oh, that'd be gross," right? He's like, "I pushed him too far with that Shabari thing." And so, like, this was his way of testing if I would cross the line, right, given the opportunity. Um, and he is livid that Hunter would do such a thing, which he did not do, but he is really upset even

at the idea. Um, and so then Hunter shows up and uh he's like, "No, it's not a test, [ __ ] Like, that was really hot. Like, you guys are hot. I don't like you guys are hot. There's clearly some sort of tension between you. I had really just been trying to create a safe space for y'all to have a conversation and explore it if you'd like. I realized maybe how I worded it didn't make y'all feel that way. Yeah. Yeah. But but no, it was never to test you. It was just because I love you.

Yeah. Yeah. And so Drake is like, "Yeah, I don't believe you." like like I I don't believe that you would want to watch another man have sex with your wife. Like that's I don't believe that. And so Hunter's like, "What about this? Let's make a bet. We have a new club to go to tonight." I think they're in Austin, Texas at this point. And he's like, "What if you guys go to the club together and pretend that you're together and just behave as if you're on a date, right? and let's just

see how it goes. Let's see how it feels. And as long as Isabelle is on board, if it goes badly, if I get crazy jealous or if anything weird happens, um I will never bring it up again. And so that's what they decide to do. So they go to the club, which again is not the vibe. It is very bright. Like as soon as you walk in, it sort of has like um almost strip club energy where all of the women are topless, like serving drinks and stuff, which is fine, but they just weren't really prepared

for that. And there's a lot of It's a different club energy than than their club for sure. Right. And there's a lot of people like openly having sex like out in the middle of everything. Um uh but they're still trying to be open to the vibes and it's very much like um comfort and support and safety are all really like you know honed in on and everything. I forgot to mention the previous club they were at no alcohol at all.

Their club is a two drink max and this club does not have any rules around alcohol consumption which is not the norm for most sex clubs. They're usually very intentional about any substances just so there are no questions about consent and stuff. Um, I haven't spent a lot of time in sex clubs, but I do feel like a sex club with an unlimited alcohol policy. Red flag for me personally. Yeah. Would make like that just like makes me very nervy. Mhm. So, Hunter went ahead of them to

meet with the owner and stuff. So Isabelle and Drake get there together. Um they get a few drinks. They talk about the whole situation with Hunter. Um and then they start making out. Like Drake is like, "All right, he said to do it. Let's do it." So they start making out. He puts his hand up her dress and Isabella is like kind of shocked by how

turned on she is. Um, and then Hunter shows up and like rips her away from Drake and takes her to a private room and like apparently he's so turned on he doesn't know what to do with himself and so they [ __ ] like crazy in this private room. Um, and Isabelle is like, "Listen, has that been explained to Drake as to why he like pulled her away or Blake or No, Blake. Drake just saw Hunter showed up looking ragy, ripped her away, when really the ragy was just horniness.

Correct. Yeah. But I'm guessing Drake is now going to be like in his head about like, oh, whoops. Um, and so Isabelle is like, "Listen, if Drake is down with it, if it turns you on this much, like, all right." She's like, "Cuz it also turned me on this much, so yeah, had a great time. I guess we can give it a chance." Meanwhile, they're having this beautiful moment and Drake is like, "I am the worst piece of [ __ ] that has ever lived on the planet." I felt it. I felt that.

Yeah. Yeah. Once again, intent versus impact. Mhm. Very much matters. Hunter is not great at understanding those things. M. So, um Isabelle then appears next to him looking very clearly freshly [ __ ] and uh tells him like they should go back to the rental or whatever. And he's like, "Yeah, no. I think I'm going to hang out and just hook up hook up with somebody here. Like I don't want to go back." And she's really hurt by that. But another dude overhears Drake rejecting her.

And so this other dude is like, "Hey, if he doesn't want to go, I'll come. Like you don't have to beg, honey. Like I'll be there." And she's like, "No, thank you." And like tries to walk away and he like grabs her and like pulls her

into him. And Drake loses his [ __ ] and he and Hunter basically start a brawl in this sex club because this man like manhandled her and then a bouncer showed up and also manhandled her like to get her away from them cuz she was like like that guy was trying to hurt me like they were just protecting me and the the bouncer like calls her a mouthy [ __ ] or something and like shoves her out of the way. So, they get kicked out of the club. Uh, which is no um not a loss.

I was going to say it's no loss really. So, they're walking back to the hotel, which is just a couple blocks away. And Drake gives Isabelle like a piggyback ride um cuz she's wearing heels or whatever. And they get street food and they hang out and everything seems like it's going to be okay. um until they talk about continuing the arrangement and Drake is like what? Like are what?

Okay. So, okay. So, you weren't mad. You were into it, but also like it seems like for as open as their communication is, they're not really great at communicating. No. Like they're very willing to engage in like some like harder conversations, but like they aren't always great at navigating them, right? or like the timeliness of them

isn't great. But um Drake essentially is like I don't I don't think my heart can take this because also up until this point it hasn't really been highlighted but he's by and he very regularly hooks up with dudes and stuff as well. like primarily it's women, but it's also men. And he's like, "Yeah, these are the two people I could fall in love with, and I'm not sure that I can blur that line and come back from it, basically." So,

which makes sense. They haven't really decided anything until they get to New Orleans and there's some kind of um jazz festival in town and they messed up their booking and oh my stars, the hotel only has one bed. So Drake admits to Hunter that basically he says, "I know you think that I am just a man [ __ ] and that I could just bang anybody and not have emotion around it, but Isabelle is different and I don't think I can do that." And

Hunter's like, "I don't think that." And he's like, "Dude, yes you do, because I think that." Like, it's not a bad thing, but I'm telling you that Isabelle is different. like it's not going to be the same. Um so they all get in bed together cuz again there's only one bed and Hunter is like maybe you guys should just cuddle and um eventually like Drake is eating her out and like Hunter's giving a lot of instruction. Everybody's very into it. There's a lot of like pausing and

checking for consent. Everybody's still good. All of that kind of stuff. Um, and then Isabelle goes to like she's like, "What do I do now?" She's like, "Should I You guys are both hard. Like, should I do something about that?" And they're like, "Just go to sleep." Like, like, "This was for you. Just go to sleep. Whatever." Okay. And um they're like, "No need to reciprocate or anything like that." And then while Drake is in the bathroom, Hunter asks Isabelle to cuddle

with Drake. He's like, Drake said he was worried that like we were just using him. That is not what this is at all. And I want him to know that like he is important and he matters. Um, so he's trying to be very intentional with his feelings. And there is I'm kind of like skating over some of like Hunter is not pushing it as hard as it I'm making it sound like. It feels very organic when you're reading it that it's not him being like, "Now go eat her out." It's very like a gradual build

that everybody's on board with. Um, so the next day, Isabelle and Drake wind up in the hotel like gym or whatever, and they're like, "Hey, so uh, we need to have rules." Yeah, cuz this is weird. And so, um, they are like, "Yeah, okay. No touching in a sexual way without Hunter present. Obviously, um, open communication always. If anybody's emotions around it changes or if we want to stop, we got to tell each other immediately. Our safe word is namaste. Walls.

Um, and they are going to use protection every time, like condoms all the time, even though they're both clean and everything. Um, and Isabelle is on birth control. Um, and then they also say Hunter can get involved if he wants. So, if he doesn't want to just watch, he can partake. Um, and it's a very sweet like emotional moment. And Drake is like, I just want you to know like I am treating this

seriously. Like, I know I'm not always a serious person, but like I was there the day that Hunter first saw you in that green dress. I remember like, you know, you are you are important to me and I want you to know that. Um, and so Drake also says, "I want what you guys have and I refuse to settle for less." I think that's why I've been single all this time is I'm looking for that like love at first sight immediate like feeling and I know not everybody gets that, but

like that's what I want. I want what you guys have and I'm not gonna like waiver from that which is really really sweet. Yeah. Um and so at this Austin sex club they are at a Shabbar or sorry New Orleans. They're in New Orleans now. New Orleans sex club. They are at a Shabari workshop again. And um are the vibes better at this club? Much. Okay. Yeah. And Drake gets tied up and there's major flirting with the instructor. Like he is flirting hardcore with this woman. And Hunter is

livid. Like only for Isabelle's sake, obviously. Like, how could you do this to Isabelle, right? Um and he like storms off and Hunter is like or sorry, Drake is like, "We've had no discussion about this." Like, yeah. What am I? I'm flirt. I didn't [ __ ] her. Like, I always flirt with everybody. Like, what? I don't understand what I did wrong here. But he's also on some level trying to protect himself emotionally because he's like, I can't just be a part of their

marriage. So, like, right, I can't like what am I supposed to do here? So, the instructor invites Drake on a tour of the place. Um, which is clearly code for like, let's go to a private room and [ __ ] Um, and he goes with her, but then Drake is like, I'm I'm turning her down, I think. Why am I doing that? Like, she's pretty hot, but like it doesn't feel right. And then the vibes are better at the club, but off with her specifically, right? And so he winds up, he's like, "Oh,

this woman is a stranger. I'm never going to see her again. I am going to process everything that's happening to me right now." Which as a therapist is my worst nightmare. Like on a plane or whatever is people being like, "Oh, you're a therapist. My cousin's third niece removed from whatever might have bipolar. Do you think she has bipolar?" I What? I once had someone be like, "You're a therapist. Can you tell me what these dreams mean?" Yeah. Yeah. Still no. No. Right. I really can't.

What do you think they mean? I mean, Google it, I guess. Yeah. As the person who experienced them, right? Why don't Why don't you process through that? Oh, you want someone to process through it with you? No, that I can do, right? For a fee. It did. That did happen to me once while I was getting a massage and I was like a baby therapist. Like I had just graduated and I did not know that you have to lie about your profession sometimes. And so or just couch it. Yep. You know, in a certain way.

I wasn't aware of that. So I had booked like a 90minute massage which was a big deal for me on my like very pitiful fresh graduate money deal. I but I was like I'm investing in my self-care or whatever and I go and this woman no [ __ ] talked for the full time about like personal family issues she had and I was like this is the worst thing ever. I once had a woman talk through the entire facial that she was giving me to the point that I've never respected a business owner more. At the

end of it, she went, "I'm so sorry. I talked that entire time and this was meant to be relaxing for you. Let me reschedu you for next week where we can try this again." That is so mindful. Yes. So, demure. Truly, we love that. 1,000. Yeah. I was like, I've never seen someone this self-aware in this moment cuz like while it was happening, it was kind of like, man, like we're talking. It's been a fine conversation. Like it wasn't draining, but it was also just like I would have liked quiet maybe.

Yeah, we we've been And the next time silence. Incredible. Love it. But yeah, love that she was like, I'm aware that this is not what this typically looks like. Let me redo it. Incredible. Um, so Drake does not have that self-awareness and like basically word vomits on this woman and is like who's trying to [ __ ] him, right? He's like, "Listen, you're super hot. Please don't think that this has anything to do with you, but I'm sort of seeing someone or maybe I'm not. I'm

really not sure." And she's like, "The couple that you were with, all of you were making eyes at each other. That picked up." I picked up on the vibes. And he's like, "I can't just like be a part of their marriage." And she's like, "Literally, why not? I'm not understanding if everybody's into it. Why are you being weird?" Basically, is her energy. Um, and she's

like, "Hey, you know what? Why don't you take the key for this private room and maybe go find them and have this conversation because you're not going to solve it talking to me. And if you decide that they are not for you and you want to find me later, hit me up. Have a great day. Which we love a self-aware queen. She is a queen. She's a queen. So Drake finds them. Um Hunter immediately as soon as he sees Drake is like, "The deal

is off." And he's like, "What?" And he's like, "How could you?" And he's like, "Dude, follow me. This is some weird [ __ ] that we're not doing out at the bar in this sex club. But this one finally has a communal area, but we're not using the communal area to air our business. Correct. Um, and so Drake then explains like she was giving me a key to this room, guys, like so that we can use it if we want to. And Hunter is like, we do want to.

Why don't you guys dance? And so he literally like puts music on for the two of them to slow dance together. Um, and there is a ton of dirty talk and a lot of consent. I'm glad And I'm glad that like there's sexual tension in the scene's clearly going to build because in my head right now, if Vance was like, "Dance for me. Go dance with that man for me." I'd be like, "The I'm putting on this music for you to dance with that man." Literally. Yeah. It's like some Ed Sheeran song and

I think it's perfect maybe. I don't remember but it's some Ed Sheeran song and so like there is a lot of dirty talk, a lot of consent, a lot of like buildup and emotion in it. Isabelle is having a really great time and she comes very hard while Drake is [ __ ] her and then Drake kind of like picks her up and sets her in Hunter's lap and then Isabelle and Hunter also [ __ ] but when they finish they realize that Drake is gone. Like oh he like did his part, handed her off

and then left the room. Um. Ooh, that feels weirder. Yeah. So, Drake is at the bar and he is really confused. He's like, "Yeah, that's the best sex I've ever had." And not because we did anything particularly different, but because it was Isabelle and because Hunter was watching. Like, what am I supposed to do with this? Like, Isabelle is truly my best friend. Like, yeah, it's Hunter, but really at the end of the day, it's also kind of

Isabelle. And so Hunter comes out to clear the air and he's like, "What what are you doing?" And he's like, "Well, I I served my function in the scene, right? Like I didn't want to intrude on you guys." And Hunter is like, "Dude, you are not intruding. You are not like a rando we picked up at the bar. Like you're important to us. You're a part of this with us." Yes. And so um he's he's also like and uh we are doing that again. Like this, you

know, like that was pretty good. Um and Drake is like, "Oh man, I really love both of them a lot. Like this is going to suck, but also if this is what I get, I'm gonna take it." And it's really sad, actually. My heart. I know. I know. I know. Drake is just like, I love them so much. And like if if I can get scraps from their relationship, I'll take it. Yeah, a little bit. But like neither Hunter or Isabelle want to give him scraps, right? They want to give him all of it.

But I don't think any of them are fully conscious of that really yet. Like none of them know what they're doing. Like like the idea of polyamory has never like come up. This is just like is it a kink that you have? Cool. Let's try it. Uh, so they're on the road to Nashville. Isabelle is like, you know, I'm pretty sure that Hunter needs to explore his sexuality cuz I don't think he realizes the way

that he looks at Drake sometimes. Like I see it, but and this is where we get some illusion to like Hunter grew up um in a pretty abusive home. there was a lot of homophobia going on and so he has a lot of internalized messages around that stuff. Um, and so she's like, you know, this is like hot as a fantasy, but really like I wish that this were a real relationship that like we could all just like be together, but I don't know how we do that. Like I don't know what that actually looks like.

And then they get to the Airbnb, which Hunter booked, which he forgot and did not tell anyone is a kink Airbnb. So they walk in and it looks like a normal Airbnb. And then Hunter or no, sorry, Drake goes into his room and is like, "What the [ __ ] There's like a St. Andrews cross and like a spanking bench." And then you start looking around and it's like, "Oh, there there are eye hooks in the walls in a lot of places." And that Sha's lounge has some movable parts that a standard Sha's

lounge does not have. So Hunter's like, "Oh yeah, I did do that." So um they're also like Hunter is like this could also be a potential like business making thing if we opened like a small resort or something with different cabins that are like dedicated to different kinks. Like all of these things like this could be part of the business. And meanwhile, I'm out here being like, you know what? I have no interest in doing the cleaning crew. 100% for a shortterm rental.

Yes. Yes. Yes. You're correct. The number of black lights you your cleaning crew needs to have just to make sure everything. So, I cannot credit this person because I don't remember the name of the stand-up comedian, but I saw a bit on Tik Tok, I think, where the stand-up comedian was like, "Listen, period sex, there is no shame in it. Sounds great. You just got to lay a towel down and be careful and intentional about it. It's more about me having to clean my sheets

than it is about the blood. But I'm not here to judge. If other people aren't into it, you're not into it. I will tell you in a hotel all bets are off. He's like, "It's not my sheets. It's not my sheets." And man, that is a similar vibe to the Kink Airbnb. Yeah. Yikes. I hope their cleaning fee is astronomical. The number of Airbnbs. And I'm like, "Wait, why do you want me to spend as much as I'm spending per night on the cleaning fee? This is ridiculous. I'm not going to pay that." Um, a a kink

Airbnb. Yeah, take triple, baby girl. I will give it all. That plus tip. God bless. Like, I'm leaving cash on the nightstand. I am so sorry. Like, what the [ __ ] So, so anyway, Drake goes out for takeout. He brings back Indian food and Isabelle goes to like grab one of the boxes and he freaks out and he is like, "I said the like the box without the X on it is like what are you doing?" And she's like, "I'm sorry, Jesus." And he's like, "Honey, you are allergic to coconut.

Like, those two don't have coconut." And she's like, "You remembered that I'm allergic to coconut?" And he's like, "What? You have literally been my best friend for 10 years, Isabelle?" Yes, I remember. Jesus Christ. Okay, Isabelle, as someone who's rooting for you, I need you to respect yourself a little more. Like,

right. Come on, babe. I do anticipate that my husband's best friend of how like right knows what I can't eat if I haven't been able to eat it the entire time we've known each other you know and they're not trying to [ __ ] me they're just thoughtful humans correct so like the direct quote that I wrote is like you've been my best friend for 10 years of course I remember why do you think I don't eat coconut cream pie anymore you always eat my crusts And she was like, "Oh my god, he doesn't

eat coconut cream pie anymore, but he did when we first like when I first started dating Hunter." And like he intentionally did that so she could eat his crusts. And he has been doing that for 10 years. The crust off his pie. Yeah. Yeah. That's never been a sharable crust in my head. Me either. That is always something I'm going to consume. Like that's not the same as like me cutting the crust off my son. Like, right. Eating a PB&J crust. It's a very niche.

You You always eat the crust off my pie. What? Get your own pie. This This one is sweet, but I have questions. It is very sweet. Um, and yes, girl, you've been like that allergic to coconut. Yeah. He's like, "Oh my god." She's like, "Oh my god, he he he cares." Set the bar higher. He does. He does care. So that night, we're going from 6:00 to midnight. They cuff Isabelle to the

spanking bench. Hunter Hunter because of his childhood trauma has never been able to like spank her even though he knows she might be into it. And he's like, I'm pretty sure I could watch though. I think that would be okay. But like me doing it feels like like I don't want to I don't want to be engaging in anything that could be violent. But maybe it would be okay if Drake did it. So they do a spanking spit roast and it is a lot to experience. Um

Hannah, you've read so much smut. So you saying it's a lot to experience is like I'm like you read almost 300 books a year. Yeah. You've read a lot of sex scenes. I have. Yeah. But it's a lot of like Okay. Okay. All right. Oh, okay. Yeah, sure. Why? Why not? We're doing that now. Okay. So, um the question marks return, right? So, Hunter finds himself making a lot of eye contact with Drake while they are engaging in this spit roast and um he's questioning things himself now.

A little bit. Yeah. So, later he like Hunter does Isabel like does afterare for Isabelle and then Hunter goes out and talks to Drake and Drake is like, "Is she okay? Did you make sure she had like a whole glass of water? Like and Hunter's like, "Dude, you know, you can help with afterare if you want. Like that would be okay." And Drake's like, "Well, I just didn't want to cross any boundaries." And Hunter's like, "Hey, I appreciate that

fully and I'm inviting you. Like clearly it's something that is important to you and I want you to be a part of it." And it's very nice. So, um, yeah, there's a lot Yeah, because then we go straight into another sex scene and like, okay, so Hunter is sitting and Drake puts Isabelle onto Hunter facing him and he is still [ __ ] her. Like Drake is still [ __ ] her while she's on top of Hunter. Okay. Which is important because Drake is then like, "What happens if I touch his leg a little bit?" Yep.

Nothing. Okay. Maybe he's into it actually. Maybe it's not nothing. Maybe it's a lot of something and it's good. He's like, "Okay." And so he's like making a lot of lusty eye contact and there's a lot of touching between the two of them. M um and then Drake is eventually just more confused. He's like, is he just not aware that I'm touching him because I'm [ __ ] his wife on top of him or like is he into

it? I don't really know. So after they finish again, Isabelle is, you know, asleep or whatever. They are in the kitchen again. It's another late night heartto-heart. And Hunter is like, I want to try something. and then just like kisses him. And Drake is like, "Okay, um, listen, that was hot and all, but also we've been naked together a lot in the last week, and I don't know if this is like real life or if you're confusing things, so it's totally cool. Maybe let's get some sleep.

Love you. Bye." It's weird because I feel like there's both like a lot of self-awareness and insight and then there are other moments with like no self-awareness and insight. Mhm. And we're all taking turns having both. Like it's not like Drake has all of the insight and Hunter has none. No. Like it feels like all of them are having a moment of like having their own insight but then just like having a moment that like they're missing Yeah.

within it. Well, and in some ways I almost feel like that's more real because I don't think any of us are like totally aware in all ways and have like good insight into everything. It feels so much more accurate of like, oh yeah, this is a messy thing to to navigate and figure out, right? But we can still do it with intention and then own it when we mess up. Yes. Intention and curiosity and not like this like anger or frustration

along the way. Mhm. So then the next day, Hunter is kind of freaking out and he's trying to sort of like downplay his own feelings for Drake. He's like, "It's he was right. Like this is just really confusing. It's none of that. Whatever." Um, and the other thing I appreciate is that Hunter immediately is like, "Isabelle, I have to tell you something. I kissed Hunter. There was or I kissed Drake." There was no like hiding it or like, "Oh my god, she's gonna be so

mad." or any of that. It was immediately like, "Hey, I did this thing. You need to know about it." Um, and Isabelle is like, "Hey, okay, did you like it?" Like, that's cool. Like, feel free to I was sitting on you yesterday while I [ __ ] him. So, feels like you guys kissing is not that deep. Yeah, not really a problem for my purposes. If anything, it'll actually maybe make things a little more fun. Yeah. Yeah. Feels good to me. So, um, Isabelle is on her period and not

feeling great. And so, she's like, "Hey, you had me and Drake try out pretending to be together at that last club, right? So, maybe you guys do that tonight because I don't feel good." And it it's funny in the book, not like funny funny, but kind of nice. Hunter is like, "Oh, yeah. No, I know that you're basically like out of commission for life on the first day of your period. I get it." And he's like, "They're really bad for her.

So, we'll set her up with snacks and water and everything and make sure she's okay." It's like, "No stress." Like I was like, "First of all, relatable." So, we set her up with some snacks and water. Yeah. And like movies that she wants to watch. And like basically they made her a little nest before they went to this next sex club. And um Hunter is like, "Okay, I'm just going to try to be open and honest and let's just see what happens." And this next club is

fascinating. It is in Nashville and it's called Pitch. And I was like, "Is this a softball fetish?" It's not. That was literally my first thought. I was like, "Pitch, like pitch perfect. Are is this a chorus? Is this an ac capella fetish?" Right? I was like, "What is it? It's darkness. So they have three rooms set up, right? One room is all men, one room is all women, and one room is for all. Whoever would like to enter is welcome to do so. So basically, it's very, very

fascinating. They have like condoms are mandatory, so you have to put a condom on before you enter the room and the bouncer checks, which is a lot, but it's a safety thing. We're making sure everybody is safe. Um, you undress only to your comfort level and there are bouncers inside that have night vision goggles for safety and they do not allow alcohol or substances of any kind for safety. Super fascinating. I'm I was thinking like, can you imagine being a bouncer? That's all I'm thinking of.

Yeah. With militaryra night vision goggles watching people [ __ ] Incredible. Even if it only pays $12 an hour, you're what benefits? I've done a lot worse for a lot for a lot, right? Like Yeah. Like Yeah. It's a little above minimum wage, but like what a fascinating position to hold, right? And you get to see a lot of fascinating positions held for varying lengths of time. So Drake when they get there is like, "Hey Hunter, why don't you go do your thing? I'm just going to

go to the lounge, you know." Um, and then he's like, "Actually, I kind of want to go check out the rooms." Kind of. I do want to do that. So there's a lounge and then the three rooms. So there's a communal area and then male only, female only. Yes. And then they have mixed living. Other mixed living. Yes. They also have other like um events and different types of rooms, but this is really kind of their gimmick. This is their shtick that they do.

Okay. So, fully dressed, Drake goes into the men's only room because he's like, I don't want to be doing that to Isabelle, right? Just with his dick out with a condom on. Fully dressed. Okay. I forget who this was. Oh god. I just remember hearing the story at some point of like a high school boy Yes. putting the condom on first thing in the morning. Yes. Because they're like, "I'm going to lose my virginity after school." So, he wore the condom all day.

I'm like, "Did you take it off to use the bathroom then put it back?" I had so many questions that I don't want answers to. But yes, that is what it made me think of. That's the vibe is like all of these people pre-conumed. Yeah. But fully dressed. Yeah. Well, and most of them are nude. Drake just chose to Oh, no. I fully understand that. But for the mental image I have in my head, they're all just dick out. It's all just like a bunch of high school boys who are excited to lose

their virginity. So, they all put the condom on under their clothes and they're all doing the wallflower like at a middle school dance where they're all just standing there looking at each other, which is literally what Drake does cuz he goes in and he's like, "I don't want to participate. Like, I'm literally just trying to do research." the group. He's in the the the men's only room. The men's only room. Okay. So, um he is like, "This is really

interesting." And then my notes say a little guy comes up and offers him a BJ. Basically, he's like a 20-year-old twink, like very young guy based on the voice cuz he can't really see him, but he's like he's very short and he's touching me a lot and he sounds very young like, "Thank you, sweetheart. appreciate it so much. I'm not participating tonight. Yeah, you have a good time.

And as soon as he turns down this guy, um, suddenly someone is in front of him and grabbing him and kissing him and he's like, I'm pretty sure this is Hunter. Hunter. I am feeling some um uh night vision goggles and I really hope it is not an excited bouncer. Awkward. He's like, "What is happening?" But he hears the goggles hit the floor. He hears Hunter's voice. He's like, "Okay, I'm pretty sure this is Hunter." Like, I've never really heard him this like sexed up before, but I'm pretty

sure. And so I think we're we're all hoping it's Hunter at this point. Yes. And it is. So Hunter basically like grabs him by the throat and puts him on his knees and [ __ ] him his face with no condom. He's like, "Oh, so this is Hunter." He just like walked in here. Um, and literally as soon as he comes, Hunter disappears and Drake is on his knees in the pitch dark like what what the [ __ ] just happened? That's a valid question.

And he is extremely hurt by that. Um, so he makes his way out and sees Hunter like in the main area and he's like, "Yeah, um, I'm going to go to a bar. do not follow me. Like, do not follow me this time. Like, I'm really serious about this. And Hunter is like, "Please, can we just talk? I'm really I I really need to." And he's like, "No, I don't really care what you need right now. I am going to a bar.

Follow me." Right. So, Isabelle is asleep on the couch. and she knows that something is wrong because Hunter came home in a foul mood, like really bad mood, and basically went straight to bed. And she's like, "I don't know what happened, but clearly it was something." Yeah. You're like, "Drake's not here. Hunter is livid about something." Yeah. She's like, "Something went wrong,

obviously." So Drake comes home drunk off his ass and she gets him into bed and she lays down with him, which is something that they have done in the past, like you know, so it's not weird or anything. And Drake tells her everything. And she is really disappointed in Hunter. She's like, "I am so sorry that he did that to you, Drake. like you did

not deserve that. I am really sorry that Isabelle decides to stay in bed with Drake and just like basically holds him all night cuz he's really emotional and everything. Yeah. And one thing that this is just an aside, but I did appreciate the reality of sometimes I will sleep on the couch when I'm on my period because my insomnia is really bad. And so like if my cramps feel funny or if like I just don't quite feel right, I will just go

like snooze on the couch. If anything isn't right, like Princess in the Pea style, I was like, "She gets it. She really does." Um that does not work in my relationship with Vance. If I go to the couch, he'll be like, "Oh, we're going to the couch." So, so years ago I was going through a really bad spell of insomnia and Matt had started snoring a little bit at night which is like you might as well run a chainsaw for me, right? I am very a very soft snore and it's still like

well there goes the whole night. I'll try again tomorrow. Like we could make the argument that you're just breathing like that level of snoring I'm out. And so he got so upset about me sleeping on the couch so much that he just started buying all of these different like snore remedy things like a band to go around your head to keep your mouth from opening and like all of these different things. And it's mostly

fine now. But he did he would get really upset every time I would go like sleep on the couch. Well, like even like cuz I've been like, "Oh, like I'm sick. I should go sleep in the guest room, right? And Vance is like, I've already been exposed to your germs 15 times today. Do you think being exposed overnight will make a lick of difference to me? You are not sleeping in another room. Okay. Same energy.

It'll be like 2:00 a.m. and I'm like, "Yeah, I think I'm just going to go like turn the TV on something stupid and like maybe sort of snooze cuz I'm not really going to sleep tonight." And Matt the next morning will be like, "What happened? Are you okay? Was I snoring? What? I You should You should be You should be in in the bed. Why were you there? Why were you not where you're supposed to be? Yeah. What? What? Like what? What? I don't I didn't like it.

I don't have a deviated septum, but I did buy the thing just in case I have a deviated septum because I want you in bed. Yeah. Literally. Um what a beautiful angel baby. I know. Bless is the most precious person on the planet. So, okay. to the point where I have to tell this very cute anecdote about my husband. So, I told you a couple of friends of mine found a couple of kittens. Yeah. And gave them to different people,

whatever. And we were trying to name one of them a very sweet little black boy cat. Mhm. Totally precious little snuggle bug. Just as like happy to be in people's laps. And so I was texting Matt about it and I was like, "Yeah, so these are some of the names we thought of, but like none of them are hitting." And I got home and Matt presented me with a list that he had written. He was like, "I also brainstormed. Here are some

thoughts that I have. Maybe share them with Aaron, who's my friend who had the kitten." And I was like, I took a picture and I sent it to her. And she was like, I literally love him. I was like, I know. It's so cute. He's like circling the ones that he liked the most. Like so precious. And the funniest part is I've never met your husband in person. We've text. We've never we've never met in person.

For those who have never even seen a photo of Hannah's husband does have like a little bit of like an like when you look at photos of him, you don't think this is like a warm, cuddly, you don't think that man who's like just wants to take care of everyone and the animals around him. That is not the vibe that his look gives. No. No. His aesthetic does not align with his like I'm not even going to say golden retriever cuz I wouldn't say he's a golden retriever. Cinnamon roll.

Yes. Very cinnamon rolly. Yeah. But you would not anticipate it from from photos. No, you wouldn't. You wouldn't. I love it so much. So anyway, the next day. So, okay. Isabelle stays in Drake's room that night and it's now the next day. I've got it. Yes. So, Hunter wakes up alone um after having very weird and chaotic dreams about like his dad and Hunter and Drake and Isabelle all together doing weird. He's like, "What the fuck?" He's like

super overwhelmed and freaked out. Um and he realizes that Drake and Isabelle are in bed together and he's like sort of standing there in the doorway and he's like, "You know, even if they did do something together, I probably deserve that." But then he's like, they're fully clothed, so clearly they didn't do anything. And also Isabelle wouldn't on the first day of her period just cuz of how she feels physically. Yeah.

But like I [ __ ] up real bad. And however Hunter chose to deal with that is probably okay. Drake. Yes. However Drake chose to Sorry. However Drake chose to deal with that is kind of okay. Mhm. And so he admits to himself that Drake has done nothing wrong. He has been incredible and perfect. Do we have insight into why Hunter did that at this point? So, not yet. Okay. But he is like, "Yeah, I [ __ ] up real bad." And so, he gets into bed with them. Um, as Drake is waking up and is

immediately like, "I am so sorry. Like, I never should have done that." And he's like, "Listen, I just got really freaked out and in my head and I should never have treated you that way. Like, you are not like disposable like that. Like, you're important to me." And basically, they talk about they're about to go home and Drake is like, "Listen, this was a fun road trip experiment or whatever and I get that it's coming to an end. We don't have to talk about it

anymore." like and Hunter is like I don't Isabelle wants to continue this and so do I. I think that like maybe we could still explore it when we go home and I would really like a second chance because I know that I messed up and I want to make it right. And Drake is like no. He's like no thank you. Um, like it's one thing to be with Isabelle, but the way that you treated me was not okay and I'm not comfortable like being vulnerable with you like that anymore.

Full stop. And so way to hold that boundary. Yeah. Really? So, they're on their way back and Isabelle is driving the last 4 hours back to LA when she sees a sign for Vegas and is like, you know, shit's been real weird since yesterday. Why don't we check out Vegas and see what happens? And so, um, they go out together, like all dressed to the nines. They're all dancing together and all of them are making out

and just having a really good time. And um my notes say DP threesome to end the night which is a lot but a good time for everybody apparently. So um I mean we did go from we're not going to explore this any further to right DP threesome. Well they're all like just because we're going home doesn't mean we have to stop like you know. Um, but Drake, I think, is very much trying to protect himself from getting hurt. So, he just assumes it's gonna end rather than like actually

having the conversation. So, the next night, um, Drake is like, "Oh, we're not really [ __ ] anymore, are we?" Like, this is emotional. Like, there's a lot of like emotion coming up. Um, and he's like, "I don't know really what to do about that because I'm moving in with them." So, like the next day he's moving all their [ __ ] I forgot about that. I Me, too. They're moving all of his

[ __ ] into their house. Um, and Drake and Hunter go to the the their sex club for a meeting to kind of talk about the trip and everything they learned and blah blah blah. And Drake is just hanging out at the bar. Um, and he has genuinely no idea what the [ __ ] is going on between the three of them because they've talked about like it'd be cool to continue, but they haven't talked about that means we're exclusive or that means the three of us are in a relationship or anything

else. So, he's like, normally I'd be here [ __ ] Yeah. So, but also not going to like piss him off by Right. So, like flirting with Rand. Should I be [ __ ] He's like, I'm not really sure. I don't know. And so, um, he's like, "What's my role here? Just someone tell me." He does have the thought. He's like, "I probably need to start like [ __ ] somebody. Like, I this has to end. Like, I can't just be their third wheel forever. Like, this is worse now than it

was before. Like, I want a relationship. I don't want to keep doing this." And so, he starts flirting with the bartender. And um Hunter is feeling very overwhelmed and he's like in this room board meeting with all of his friends and he's like they're all going to know. Everybody's going to know that we've all been [ __ ] Oh god. Oh, I don't think they give a [ __ ] Like they can't see it on you, dude. Like you're not wearing a name tag.

You work in a sex club. It's not like you work in a nursing home or something and the board of directors is going to take issue with you having a threesome. You literally started this business because none of you could find a safe space to show up authentically and you're literally doing the most vanilla [ __ ] of anybody else in the room. Like

dude, chill out. Like chill out. Um but he does share about like all the ideas that he has for all these different things and he's like, "Yeah, um we thought about quickie closets, right? Like rooms where it's like we don't need to rent a full room for an hour. We just want a spot to bang it out like real quick, you know?" And one of the guys was like, "Oh, did you guys like try that out?" And he's like, "I was with Isabelle." And they were like, "Yeah, but like

Yeah. So, did you try out a closet like that with Isabelle? Did you think like maybe Drake could build one is what we were asking you? Like what are you doing?" Um, and it's very, very awkward. And it's clear that everybody in the room is like, "What? What? Are you good? You're being [ __ ] weird, dude." So then he finds Drake flirting with the bartender and is mad. And Drake is like, "Hey, we all said we would like it to continue, but we never said yes, this is

what we're doing. I can't keep doing this." Like, yeah, it's an it's a bit of a no man's land right now. We need a little bit more clarity. Exactly. So then Hunter says some hateful stuff to Drake about his mom because Drake's mom kind of had a revolving door of men throughout Drake's childhood and stuff. No. And immediately, like as soon as it comes out of his mouth, he's like, "Holy [ __ ] I am so like that. I'm like, I didn't mean it like that. Oh my god."

And Drake is like, "Hey, you know what? you did mean it and that's okay. I understand. And I've been thinking for a while now that maybe it is time for me to settle down. So, um I think I am maybe going to start dating. Um so, yeah. No, I know. I know about myself. Thank you. And Hunter is like he can't quite get the words out of like, please don't do that. Like, please just come home with me. And so he just leaves Drake there at the bar and goes home.

Hunter is the person I'm getting annoyed with the most throughout all of this.

And that is like the consistent theme is like Hunter is the one that seems to lack the most insight and to struggle with the communication the most because then Isabelle is very disappointed in Hunter's lack of willingness to open up about his feelings because he comes home without Drake and Isabelle is like what happened and he is having a very difficult time kind of processing it and she's very gentle with him but she does kind of call him out. And she's like, "You need to be honest."

Um, but he just keeps saying like, "I'm straight. I'm straight. I'm straight." And she's like, "Okay." And it's cool if you're not, right? Yeah. And if you're not, what does that Right. Nothing in our dynamic has to shift unless we want it to. Yes. So then that night, Drake gets home pretty late and Hunter is asleep. So Isabelle goes out and they have they do like all of their heartto-he hearts at like midnight in the kitchen.

They really do. So Isabelle goes out and has a heartto-he heart with Drake and they basically declare their feelings for each other and they're like yeah like I love you and I have loved you for a long time and this trip has kind of like opened it up into a different kind of love that I wasn't expecting but like I do like I really care about you and without Hunter being fully on board this has yeah we can't continue and So, um, Drake then says like, "You've always been my

girl and you will always be my girl." And I think it's at this point he reveals that like Hunter didn't remember the green dress, but Drake remembers like he's the one that remembers the green dress when they saw her for the first time and stuff like that. So, Drake decides he is going to go out with the bartender. We're going to go on a date and see how it goes. and he's like, "Yeah, the spark

just isn't really there." Um, and he's like, "Yeah, I could [ __ ] him, but like the desire to wake up with him and like do life with him isn't there." Mhm. And he just goes home feeling more confused and sad. And he finds Isabelle doing what I refer to in my notes as baked baking, which is where you get high and bake. which is one of my favorite activities. Yeah. And so she's like dancing around the kitchen and she has not clocked that he's there and Hunter comes in and Drake or Hunter.

Hunter comes in. Okay. and Drake is while Drake is watching her and they kind of have a laugh at her antics and stuff and um they suddenly engage in some like light food play ex like and it starts to escalate and stuff and Hunter like sucks whipped cream off of Drake's dick and then things did escalate quickly. They then do DVP and that one makes me drier than the Sahara. The thought of DVP

like locked up. Yeah. I'm like, that seems like a I was reading a book where he shoved his fing like two fingers in with his dick and even that I'm like see that I'm more like but I think it depends on I'm also like why right who's that for in this moment right who is that for because I feel like there are times where it sounds hot but then I'm like in practice not is it yes okay so DVP Yep.

And um Drake then starts to admit to himself that like the reason that he didn't feel that spark with the bartender is because he hunter, right? He feels it with the two of them. Yeah. Right. So the next few days they're respectfully. We've all [ __ ] known this. Oh yeah. Like literally everybody. Oh what? This is brand new information that we've been watching the three of you figure out this whole time. Shock and all. So, the next few days, um, Drake is doing renovations at the

club for the the Quickie closets. Um, and Hunter goes in to help. And then he finally admits how attracted to Drake he is. Mutual handies in the shower at the club. It's all very hot. And Isabelle wakes up as the guys are coming through the door. And she hears them like kind of banging around. and go into the guest room and she's like, "This is it." She's like, "This has landed. It's finally happening." She's like, "Nobody panic." And so, um, she eaves drops on them while they are [ __ ] Mhm.

And she is like touching herself in the hallway, but then also really emotional that like they're finally getting there. I, as respectfully as I can say this, it's taken them so long to get there. I kind of don't give a [ __ ] at this point. I'm like I feel like we like needed to get there like 15 back and forths ago. Yeah. Well, and I think that that is one of the only qualms I have with this book is that it is like we could have done this in like a hundred fewer pages and

had like one or two less of these. Um, and it would have felt maybe a little bit more like exciting when it finally happened. But regardless, the next morning, Hunter tells Isabelle everything. Um, and uh they're like, "Okay, so like what do we do now?" And um lots of like calling each other on their [ __ ] of like this is serious. Like Drake is important to us, blah blah blah stuff we already know. Yes. Things you've been telling him for the last 150 pages that you like weren't

acting out in practice. Hunter. Hunter is like, "I'll think about it." Which, oh my god, Isabelle's like, "Okay, shut the [ __ ] up, Hunter." So, a lot of stuff happens where like the Shabari instructor from New Orleans shows up because they liked her so much they brought her in to do a workshop and then Drake's like, "Oh, balls." Um, and basically she's like, "Hey, have you ever thought that maybe you deserve better and you should ask for that?"

Like, "Love you. Bye." She's like the drive by therapist throughout this whole thing. She's like, "Um, that's [ __ ] Have you thought about not doing that? Call me later." Like, that's her energy the whole time. So, yeah. Basically, Drake finally confronts Hunter. Um, and he's like, "How long are we going to do this? This is [ __ ] stupid." I'm saying, so Hunter is like, "Please tell me what to do." He's like, "I just don't know

what to do." Like, oh my god, Hunter, what the [ __ ] do you mean you don't know what to do at this point? Yeah. So, at this point, Drake's vibe is similar to your vibe where he's like, I [ __ ] figure it out, dude. Like seriously, do you want me to be a part of this or do you not want me to be a part of this? Stop saying I matter and I'm important and then be like, but I just don't know what to do with the fact that he matters. Right, Hunter?

So, at this point, Drake is like, "Yeah, so um I have a job offer from that sex club in New Orleans. I've made a lot of my own connections. Maybe it's time for me to go." Like, I this is hurting me. Like, I can't do this anymore. And Hunter is like, "Oh my god, don't leave me." Like, and so basically then Hunter goes home and packs all his bags and waits for them to come home together. So they show up and he's like, "Hey, listen. You told me to fix it and the only part of this that is

broken is me. So I'm going to go fix myself and then I'm going to come back and we're all going to be together. Yeah. For a couple of months. He leaves for a couple of months and goes and stays with a friend and they have almost no contact for a couple of months. So Hunter is like, "You guys stay here. Take care of each other. I love you guys

so much. We'll get through this." So yeah, she and Drake are basically platonically supporting each other because they don't feel good about like exploring sexual stuff without Hunter there. So 2 months later, Drake is very pent up because they've had no sex for 2 months. And so um he's also really depressed because Hunter is just like not around. Like they see him in the distance at the club, but like they have no interaction with the club. Yes, he's staying with one of the other owners.

I thought he like at least like went from like LA to Vegas. Like he was gone. No, he's just lurking around. I'm okay. So, he sometimes calls Isabelle to do brief check-ins of like, "Are you okay? How's things going? Hang up." Like, oh, good for him, checking on his wife. He gets all of the kudos and credit for that. I love how agitated you are with him right now. So, and with each new thing you say, get more mad. It's just like twisting the night. I'm

like, "Hun, I know. I know. I know." So, Drake gets home to a sobbing Isabelle cuz she cut all of her hair off. So, she had really long like auburn hair like down to her ass and she cut it up to her collar bones and she's like sobbing her eyes out and she's like, "What if Hunter hates it and he doesn't come back?" And it's very like clearly her own childhood stuff coming up. And Drake, who also has long blonde hair, is like, "No stress, babe." And shaves his head. He's like,

"See, it's just hair." And he's like, "What have I done?" Like, like in the moment in his head, he's like, "Oh, that might have been too far." But it's a lot of very sweet support for each other and like showing up together. And then they finally [ __ ] and declare their love for each other. They've been holding off for 2 months and they're like, "Yeah, no, we do love each other without Hunter present." Hunter is finally ready to come back and

to admit that he is by. Um, he comes out to all of his friends who are like, "Uh-huh." Yeah. The reason you've been living with us for the past 2 months, this is brand new information. Well, they're all like, "Dude, we've literally thought the three of you guys were [ __ ] this whole time for years." Like, okay, should we throw you a party or something? Like, what? Oh my gosh. And Drake has or Hunter has obviously like really built this up in his own

head. So, then Hunter shows up at Isabelle's yoga studio to apologize with like, you know, a bouquet of flowers and everything and says he's ready to commit. Um, I know, I know, I know, I know. I'm sorry. I I know. So then he's already married to her. He showed up with flowers for his wife. His wife wife who he has a legally binding contract with and is like, "I'm finally ready to commit to you, baby. File our taxes together. How much more

committed do you need to be? [ __ ] We've bought property together and you're telling me now that our name our name is on the property deed of a of a place and you're telling me now you're ready to commit. Good. We've only been together for 10 [ __ ] years, dude. Muscle top hunter like what what do you want a cookie? Like oh my god. So they go to the club. They find Drake. He takes them to one of the rooms he has recently built and it's a pitch dark room that he built and so he

shuts all the lights off. Um Hunter tells Drake to [ __ ] him while he [ __ ] Isabelle. It's a very big moment for everyone. Um they have a debrief conversation afterwards clearing the air. Everybody's committed. Hunter is like while I've been away. I've been doing research about polyamory. I understand now we're all together. Open communication blah

blah blah. What are the boundaries? Like it's a really good like conversation related to my a decade of doing research for the sex club he opened and this is the first time where he's like and now that it's applicable to me. Yeah, I finally get it. And then they a few days later do they have sex in her yoga studio in like her aerial area. Oh. Um, so that was a lot suspension. Um, I was going to say I too have had sex in the yoga studio I was working at.

There was there were no straps. It was I was going to say in Ariel's because that's like I'm impressed by that. That feels like a lot of coordination. No. Bless my husband who had attended the class that I was teaching and then stayed as I was mopping the floors. Hot, right? Yeah, that's so at the epilogue 6 months later, Isabella is pregnant with twins. They don't know who the dad is, but they are going to find out. She's like all that weird [ __ ] about like it's everybody's

baby. She's like, okay, like we're not going to treat them any differently, but if these kids are Drake's, I would also like Hunter to have his own biological children. So, like we're going to find out, which I appreciated cuz in a lot of these it's like we don't need to know. And then it's like but look into his cornflour blue eyes just like his father. And it's like okay. Or my favorite is when like it's reverse her and the men are multiple races. And

they're like we don't need to know. And I'm like respectfully you will though. No DNA test needed. Respectfully. Um so um they are happy and healthy. The club is doing great and that's the end. They're getting their their nursery ready for the Bet. So, I will say what I liked about this one was a lot of the angst did not come from where I thought it was going to come from. Like, it didn't come from any secret keeping or like hurting each

other in that way. It was much more Hunter needed to work through his own [ __ ] and Drake needed to work on his own self-esteem, but like it wasn't the I needed like at I needed at least four to five less back and forth. Yeah, that is my only complaint. Like at at some point I'm like, "Okay, I'm with you. I'm with you. I'm with you." I'm like, "Wait, we're still we're we're again again." I do think in reading it, it felt more of a gradual build like

than me trying to explain it. It felt a little bit more like they got deeper every time and like it was a different Hey, it was a different vibe reading it, but it was irritating by like the last time. And I was I really don't like in a lot of books where there's a big gap where they go away from each other and then come back. I often just personally dislike that sort of trope. There are very few times where I feel like that trope is justified. Right.

And this is not a situation in which I necessarily felt like it was justified. Right. On some level I was like, "Okay, I get it. you're working through your own internalized like homophobia and stuff like okay okay okay um but at the same time it felt like he did it in a really hurtful way and probably could

have gone about it differently. Um yeah because the number of times in which they're like telling Drake he matters and that he's important and then their actions and behaviors directly show Drake that that is not true. Right. Like there are only so many times that like someone can tell you you're important and then show you you're not before you need to accept that you're not that yeah that those aren't are never

going to align. And I get like here there were things that needed to be worked through but just also like I will say I liked this one the best. I think of the three in this series that I have read. It felt the most relatable with the messiness of it. Um, but it also was in some ways the most annoying for that reason. Yeah, cuz I do like in some way it catches a lot of like the human angst of that like hey like a coming out process. Yes, these are hard things to reconcile.

Yeah. And Hunter is stunted AF. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Maybe you should have gone to therapy earlier, but not with me though. Not with me either. No, I would have struggled with you as a client. I need you to make some make some choices and commit. Yeah, this a [ __ ] or get off the pot situation. Yes. Okay. What's our rating system? I don't know. I was just thinking about that. We could do um spanking benches. We could do uh Indian takeout. We could do shabari ropes.

There is a lot more chabari in there than I mentioned. There's a lot of shabari. Hell yeah. Let's do shabari ropes. Okay. So, I'm gonna say out of Oh, I was going to say three cuz there are three of them, but that doesn't feel like enough out of five cuz I think they went to five sex clubs. So, I would give it like a three, three and a half. Like it was an enjoyable read. Yeah. And I think I was not as irritated with Hunter as I was reading it as I was when I was explaining it.

Is it my irritation with Hunter that's really being fueled? No, because I did have the thought when he was like, I have to go away for 2 months where I was like, [ __ ] what? Okay. Do you though? Right. Like I don't feel like Okay. All right. Okay. But you didn't go away. You went down the street and still showed up to work where we also all work. It was really like, okay, like that was a moment where I was like, yeah. Yeah. You're like, I guess this is how this can play out.

Yeah. Three out of five Shabbari ropes. Yeah. I'm going to settle on three. It was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it because again, I felt like it was more honest about the dynamics than a lot of other books are. Um, and it also feels like it's like a pretty accurate portrayal of a lot of those dynamics that have to be navigated. Yeah. Mhm. Um, versus so many books we read, we're like, they don't talk about anything.

No. And then all of the plot comes from the fact that they aren't communicating. Yes. And it's very annoying. Yeah. So, this was annoying differently and I appreciate that. We We do appreciate that. All right. Three out of five. Shabari ropes. Let us know how many ropes you would rate this book. Don't forget to like, subscribe, comment. Let us know what you would like us to review next. And we'll see you next time. Bye, smudsluts.

Bye. Well, that's it for this week, Smud [ __ ] We hope it was good for you cuz it sure was great for us. If you're digging what we're doing, it would mean a lot if you'd take a minute to rate and review the show wherever you're listening right now. Maybe tell that sexy someone to lend us an ear. We love you. We appreciate you. And we'll see you next week. Stay smiley. [Music]