Open Marriage (ON HOLD)

Chapter 9

(Wednesday, June 2, 2021)

(Y/N's POV)

"So a second date, and you haven't even told me about the first one," my best friend, Rachel, expressed entering my office early in the morning.

Rachel and I have known each other since high school. The fall of 1998 to be exact. Hard to believe that is over half our lives. I can't pinpoint the exact moment we became best friends, but what I do remember is that I knew this girl would always be in my life.

Her entering my office first thing this morning didn't really shock me, but it threw me off when she mentioned a second date. Dating was never a normal thing for me. I don't think I really ever dated anyone. I've been in a lot of relationships, but dating before those relationships was a foreign concept. But that's a story for another time.

"How did you..." I questioned, looking at her confused.

"Chris told me that you have another date with Stanley. Why didn't you tell me? Or call me after your first date?" she questioned, planting her ass in one of the leather chairs in front of my desk.

"Because it's weird," I admitted. "Dating someone while I'm married. Married to the man that I thought was all I needed for the rest of my life," I sighed, leaning back in my chair.

"So I'm guessing you had fun then," she smiled, quirking her eyebrow.

"Yeah, we had a lot of fun. Sebastian is an amazing guy," I sighed.

"He is a joy to have around. I mean, Chris really likes him so, you might have some competition," Rachel joked, causing us both to laugh.

"So why don't you and Chris go out with us next time. Teach him how we karaoke," I suggested with a wink.

"That boy is not going to know what hit him," she commented.

"Right, I guess open up another part of my life to him," I added, rocking back and forth in my chair.

"How much of your life are you going to share with him?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. Sebastian learned about my love for cars Monday night."

"You took him to the showroom?" she asked with a smirk.

"I did. We enjoyed Thai food and danced," I shared, color rushing to my cheeks at the memories.

"Did you sleep with him?" Rachel giggled.

"No, I would have told you that," I promised her.

"I better get a call or text when that happens," she demanded.

"You will," I laughed. "So tell me the truth...are you happy that I'm dating Chris' best friend?"

Rachel smirked, "I love Zac. He has always been there for you, especially after Ricky died. He is an amazing father and the safest choice to spend the rest of your life with. I understand why you did what you did. But..." I frowned at the last word, trying to understand why she felt different now. "I think maybe you were scared at the thought of getting hurt, so you chose the one person you knew that would do everything in his power to protect you."

"Wow," I breathed out, rising to my feet. "Seems as though you and Chris have had this conversation."

Rachel slowly stood up. "We love you, and we want what is best for you."

I closed my eyes, rubbing my fingers against my temples. "So maybe this open marriage thing is a blessing. Maybe I need to figure out if Zac is my true soulmate or just my safety net."

"Oh, my," Rachel responded, knowing that it was hard for me to admit due to how long I have been in love with Zac.

"Right," I mumbled, collapsing on my leather sofa.

"I never thought I would ever hear you question your relationship with Zac," she expressed, a little concerned.

"You and me both. I mean, even when I was with Ricky, I still felt this pull to Zac," I admitted as Rachel took a seat next to me. "But everything feels different this time. I don't even know how to put it into words."

"Maybe all this will give you time to figure out your true heart's desire. And no matter who it is, Zac, Sebastian, or someone completely new, I'll support whatever you decide. I just want you happy, Y/N," Rachel declared, patting my leg.

I grinned, placing my head on her shoulder. "You are the best. I don't know what I would do without you and Chris."

"Well, we are family. We always got your back," she promised, placing her head on top of mine.

"Y/N," a voice called out from the doorway.

Rachel and I turned to see Tyler walking towards us.

"What's going on, Tyler?" I questioned, slowly sitting up while the young man sat beside me.

I watched him pick up the TV remote off the table in front of us, turning on the device that hung on the far wall.

"TMZ first reported this morning on a photo that surfaced of actor, Sebastian Stan, and billionaire mogul, Y/N Efron, leaving a Thai restaurant in Stan's car earlier this week. The photo appears only two weeks after Zac and Y/N Efron released their public statement that both had decided to pursue an open marriage. The couple has yet to elaborate on the extent of what that means for their marriage. E! reached out to all parties involved..."

I snatched the remote from Tyler, quickly turning off the television. "Contact Maria, tell her I want to talk to her."

"Y/N, Maria might not have known about any of this," Tyler pointed out to me.

"Maybe, but she could have given me a heads up," I sighed, tossing the remote on the table.

"Why are you upset?" Rachel questioned, turning to face me.

"The media already has me linked with this man, before..."

"It's you and Sebastian. You two are a big deal," Rachel reminded me. "It's the way it's been for us the last 25 years."

"I know, but I want to figure shit out with Sebastian for the media does," I sighed, falling back into the couch.

"Well, then if you want to figure it out, better spend more time with the man," she smirked, rising to her feet.

"Go," I insisted, pushing her and Tyler towards my door.

"You going to be okay?" Rachel asked, standing in the doorway.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I promised, hugging her.

"You need anything, call me," she whispered, slowly pulling away.

"I will," I smiled before closing the door.

I leaned against it, trying to let go of what the media was reporting about me. I knew it was just the beginning. I wasn't sure if someone private as Sebastian was going to be okay with all the attention.

A/N: Not my best work, but I needed a little insight to the Rachel friendship.