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On Saturdays we would go to dart night wherever Aiden was playing. Now that the weather was warmer, Logan and I were jogging in the park. Aiden and I had signed up for a Krav Maga class. Even though Reggie had not tried to contact me in weeks, my overly protective lovers thought a self defense class was a smart idea. After the note turned up, they insisted. I still thought it unnecessary but had to admit, the increased stamina and flexibility were doing wonders for our already amazing sex life.
With their help, I had passed both of my finals, but decided not to take summer classes. After the insurance money came in and my former landlord finally returned my security deposit, I repaid Logan and Aiden the money they had loaned me. There had been enough left over for me to get another apartment or put a down payment on a used car, but not both.
Aiden was the one who suggested I put the money in a savings account and continue to live with them. At least until I saved enough to afford both. Logan agreed, saying I needed to prioritize finishing my degree. That I graduated was significant to them. Aiden had never gone to college. Instead, he had joined the Peace Corps for a few years. Logan’s father died of cancer during his senior year of college. He had quit school and joined the RFD in honor of his memory.
I was just punching out as Aiden came through the door. It was our turn to cook dinner. After I put my time card back in the slot, I ran over to where he was waiting with a buggy and kissed him on the cheek. “You know, if I had a car of my own, you wouldn't have to pick me up every night.”
“I don't mind,” he said, guiding us to the produce section.
He may not have minded, but I missed the feeling of independence having my own wheels gave me. “I heard that Stony is looking for a waitress. If I got a second job, I'd be able to afford the payments and still have plenty left over to put in the bank.”
Aiden said nothing at first. He was busy examining an eggplant. “How do you think Logan would feel about ratatouille?”
“I think he’ll be okay with it. We can make a side of shrimp risotto, just to be safe. And that garlic bread he likes is on sale.” One perk of working for a grocery store was that I always knew what was on sale. “So, what would you think about me working at the bar a couple of nights a week?”
“That’s up to you.” He picked up four Roma tomatoes, checking each one for freshness before putting them in the cart. “Of course, that would mean we’d have less time together.”
“You don’t play fair,” I said, grabbing a couple of zucchinis. “You can’t keep me safe twenty-four hours a day. Besides, I haven’t heard a peep from Reggie since that night we ran into him at the bar.”
“What about the note?”
“We don't even know for sure it was from him.” In truth, it had creeped me out a bit, but I didn’t admit it. “Besides, Logan's friend at the police department didn't seem too concerned.” He had told us there was nothing proving Reggie had written the note and even if he had, there was nothing threatening in the way it was worded.
“I would feel better if you didn’t apply for the job.” He squeezed my hand. “But I’m not going to tell you what to do.” We turned down the seafood aisle and selected half a dozen fresh shrimp from the case before making our way to the checkout. “Isn’t that the kid used to work with?”
I looked two lanes over to where Danny and Kristen's brother, Tommy, were paying for a couple of Red Bull and a bag of Doritos. I was surprised to see them. Neither lived in the area. As we passed them on the way out of the store, I gave a nod and smiled. They both turned away. I thought it was rude, but like I’ve said before, both of them are rather awkward around women.
Aiden asked if I wanted to stop and pick up a nice bottle of wine for dinner. I told him it sounded like a great idea, already thinking of the naughty things the three of us would do to one another afterward.
Logan
When I walked into the house, something smelled delicious. Aiden and Ember were cooking dinner. I gave him a kiss and then wrapped my arms around Ember, lifting her off the ground in a hug. “Put me down,” she giggled, “Unless you like overcooked shrimp.”
I set her on the ground, and she went back to the stove. At the fridge, I asked if either of them wanted a beer. They told me we were having wine with dinner, which would be ready soon, and I should go clean up. In other words, they wanted me out of their kitchen. We had fallen into a pleasant rhythm over the last month.
Any concerns that adding a third to our relationship might cause jealousy between Aiden and I, proved to be unfounded. Our shared affections for Ember had only strengthened our bond. The three of us loved one another equally and freely.
When dinner was finished, since they had cooked, it was my turn to clean up. While I did the dishes, Smoke came into the kitchen to see if there were any leftovers. I tossed her a shrimp, which she snagged in mid-air and then scurried away.
Once I put the last dish away and the leftovers in the fridge, I found Ember curled up on the couch with her head resting on Aiden's lap. She offered to get up so I could join them. They looked so comfortable; I did not want to disturb them and took a seat in my old recliner. “What are you watching?”
“The Travel Channel, they are in Key West this week. It looks absolutely beautiful,” Ember said.
“It is like no other place you can imagine,” Aiden told her. “When I lived in Florida, I got down there as often as I could.”
“Lucky you.” She turned her head and asked if I had ever been there before. I told her most of my vacations were usually in Vegas.
“Where you no doubt blow all of your money on gambling and strippers.”
“I can’t believe you think so poorly of me,” I said with mock hurt in my voice. It was Aiden who explained that my mother lives in Arizona and we meet up in Vegas to visit.
“Mom’s the gambler in the family. She loves her quarter slots. As far as strippers are concerned, you don’t see many of them at the all you can eat buffets. I did get to see Frank Marino’s Divas once, though.”
We all laughed and turned back to the TV, where the host was doing a profile on a small resort called Mango Cove. They were interviewing one of the owners. “Key West has always been famous for its relaxed social norms. When we took over Mango Cove, I suggested a few changes. My husband and wife agreed. It is important to us that other triads have a place where they can relax, be themselves and enjoy an environment free from judgment by people unfamiliar with polyamory.”
“Damn, that sounds nice,” Ember said. “I would love to spend a week there.”
“It's too hot right now. We would be better off going in October,” Aiden said with a straight face. “I'll make the reservations tomorrow.”
