The Billionaire Throuple

Nehemiah Jones

I open my eyes to daylight 'cause Sammy's wall-sized windows be letting the whole goddamn sun in. I ain't sure what time it is, but it don't matter 'cause I ain't got shit to do today. If I was still quarterback, I'd be on the bus to Worcester, psyching myself up to throw about four to five touchdown passes, but I ain't.

Nowadays, I can't bring myself to even talk about football. It's too painful, even though I gotta lot I wanna get off my chest. Who knows? Maybe one of these days I'll find someone to vent to. Shit, after last night, it could be Sammy, but it won't be today.

I still can't believe he made me a wallet. It is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. He really changed the whole game up with that one. On God. His kissing needs work, but ain't nobody nailing that on their first try.

I dunno how I feel bout him laying on Andreas. I bet he didn't want him to feel left out. I can't say anything. I was swerving him for being clingy, so I can't be upset that he's not.

I sit up in bed, but it's hard for me to wanna leave these sheets. The thread count is ridiculous. Sammy gave me the master bedroom and Andreas slept in the guestroom next to the theater. It's a straight shot down the hall, but easier said than done. I ain't sure I could throw a football that far.

I'm a little annoyed that Andreas picked out that lame ass movie, only to fall asleep ten minutes in. I don't hate Mean Girls, but I hate that people watch a movie like that and expect me to act like Damian.

It's funny 'cause the main dude in that movie is gay in real life. Why couldn't he be Janis's best friend? I guess there ain't money in breaking stereotypes.

I climb to the edge of this trampoline-sized bed in these yellow and black boxers Sammy lent me, feeling like Money Mayweather. I know they're expensive and I know they ain't his 'cause they fit me real nice. He said they're his pops, for when he visits. I really don't like accepting things from anybody, even on loan, but it didn't make sense to leave and I wasn't gonna lay up in this bed in dirty drawers.

After I showered and put them on, Sammy told me to keep them, he said, "Father won't wear used linens. They'll be thrown out. Please, rescue them." Still, I'll get them back to him.

The thing is, everybody fights, everybody, period. If Sammy and I fall out or I cancel on him, I don't want him saying nothing like, "You wasn't mad when I was buying yo ass shit." I know he won't put me on blast like that, but the billionaire equivalent. "How Peculiar? You neglected to mention your qualms about my personage when I had treasures at the ready."

I brace myself as I plant my feet down on the floor, expecting cold since it's not even thirty out, but they're heated. I don't wanna know how much it cost to heat a place like this. It'll make me hate rich people.

I can only stand Sammy 'cause he knows he ain't earned shit and he doesn't act like he's better for it. He got my vibe down real quick and I appreciate the hell outta him. Ever since I lost football, I only got my word and dignity.

I walk out into the hall, taking my jeans with me from last night, which ain't a big deal. I'll wear the same pair a few times before I run it through the wash, unless it's showing dirt. I don't usually wear the same ones. I rotate. I ain't a cartoon character.

I stop at the exercise room Sammy showed me. While I won't drive his cars or take his stuff, I ain't too proud to get a workout in. It's not like dumbbells can only be lifted so many times and I know he ain't using them.

I expected his gym to be fancy 'cause he's rich, but I was still surprised the first time he showed me it. He's got a better gym than the one at school. Row machines, treadmills, bikes, benches, free weights, he's got it all. He even has one of them machines that work out the inner thighs. It ain't a challenge, but I like the stretch.