Page 40 of A Solid Guide to Surviving a Situationship

“Both,” she said without hesitation. “Spiritually, emotionally, financially—no.”

Mel let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You’re dramatic.”

“I’m realistic,” Andi shot back. “Look at them.”

We all looked.

One mom stood by the edge of the pool, fully dressed, holding a towel like it was a shield. Her child clung to her leg, dripping, while another one screamed for attention. Somewhere behind her, a dad was on his phone, nodding absentmindedly like he was attending a meeting instead of parenting.

“That doesn’t look like fun,” Andi continued. “That looks like a full-time job with no pay and no resignation letter.”

“It’s a choice,” Mel said, though there was softness in her voice. “Some people want that.”

“Do you?” I asked, turning to her.

Mel shrugged, eyes still on the pool. “Maybe. But not now. Not like urgently, you know.” She paused. “I like the idea of it. Just not the reality I’m seeing.”

“That’s because the reality is patriarchy,” Andi said flatly. “Women are told that having kids is the most fulfilling thing in the world, and then suddenly they’re the default parent. But no. There’s no trophy and no fulfillment. But when the man helps—sometime—everyone claps.”

I snorted. “The bar is on the floor.”

“The bar is in hell,” Andi corrected.

Mel smiled faintly. “It’s not always like that. Don’t you think?”

“No, but it’s often enough,” Andi said. “And the pressure is insane. You hit thirty and suddenly it’s, ‘When are you having kids?’ And not, ‘Do you even want them?’”

I leaned back, adjusting my sunglasses. “I don’t want kids.”

They both looked at me.

I shrugged. “I can barely take care of myself. Imagine adding a small human into that equation.”

“That’s fair,” Mel said.

“And also,” I added, watching another child scream as he ran past us, “I am a power-bottom. So, I never do the fucking.”

The girls laughed and raised their drinks at me in support.

“Pride month ambassador,” Andi said proudly.

“Thank you! I represent the ‘B’ in the LGBT with dignity and grace,” I said. “And by ‘B,’ I meant ‘Bottom.’”

“You absolutely do not represent the community well,” Mel muttered.

I grinned before taking another sip of my drink.

“So,” I said, “how’s the visa process going for both of you?’

Mel sighed. “Still thinking about it.”

“I thought you were set for your master’s in Australia?”

“And leave my life here?”

I shrugged. “That’s kind of how migration works, girly.”

“For me,” Andi said, “I’m still waiting for my company’s instructions.”