AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Why am I surprised that Stone O’Leary stops all chitchat to attack the matter at hand? “You don’t pussyfoot around, do you?”
He laughs at my words. “I’d say I’m lost on this saying, but it’s my father-in-law’s most popular slogan, and no, I don’t. So, are you going to answer my question?”
“I should be as direct as you are.” He gives me a slight nod. “You want something with both Gibson and I, like a committed relationship, all of us together, don’t you? But you don’t want to overwhelm me.”
He stops and squares his shoulders with my body. “It’s called a triad. And I’ve been in one before. It’s what I want. I love the touch of a woman and the hardness of a man. It’s why Katherine and I broke up. She knew what I desired. She couldn’t give it to me. There are many women who wouldn’t. Of course, seeing how you respond to Gibson gives me a shimmer of hope.”
“I have such a messy life. Jimmy could use this against me. And I can’t imagine a teacher would be accepted for living with two others.”
“Here’s the thing. No one needs to know how we live. And honestly, I want to live openly, but I won’t lose two people I care for over technicalities.”
He’s so sure of himself, and fuck, do I wish I could live like he does.
His arm is still looped with mine as he opens the door and escorts me out of the hospital. In front of us stands Gibson with a bouquet of flowers. Stone being Stone, walks up to him, giving Gibs a loving kiss on the cheek.
“Are those for me?”
Gibson gives him the friendly middle finger, as Gibs kisses me on the cheek.
“Don’t worry, Teach, I won’t be crashing your date with the beautiful goddess. But, while I have you here, are we on for Friday?” His voice lowers and there’s almost a vulnerability in his tone.
“Are we still going out tomorrow?” I ask of Stone. Gibson’s arm brings me into his side.
“I’d like to wait to get you both together on Friday. Is that okay?”
Part of me is relieved. I need some time to process this all.
“Great. Works well.” I’m upbeat, almost fake.
“Love.” He takes my hand, all the while I’m next to Gibson. “Are you freaking out? Did I give you too much information?”
“You told her?” Gibson asks, his hands wrapping protectively around me.
Stone nods to Gibson. “She sort of figured it out last night but…” And both men hold on to me.
“I’m not freaking out, I’m just…” I’m what? Horny, needy, wanting this? And should I want this? I’m a responsible mother, and the only responsible parent in Meadow’s life.
“What, love?”
I search Gibson’s eyes, and turn to Stone. “I’m flattered, I feel wanted but…honestly, I don’t know how to comprehend all of this.”
“Okay, as long as you’re honest, love.” He leans in and places a kiss on my cheek, then does the same to Gibson. “Have fun, Teach. And be sure to include me if there’s a repeat of what happened with us.” He gives both of us a playful wink, taking his leave.
“What are you thinking?” Gibson asks.
“Yeah, he said that it would be no one’s business, but he kissed us both. And if that doesn’t get everyone’s attention, I don’t know what would.”
He’s more than right because this is just how Stone O’Leary is built.
* * *
The pin teeter-tottersjust enough that I wonder if the last one will give me a strike. And when it falls to the floor, I turn around to Gibson, my arms in the air. “You thought you’d bring me here and you’d beat little ole’ me.”
He gives me a non-committal shrug. “I plead the fifth, Care, but seriously, how’d you get so good? Do you have bowling alleys in Greece?”
This makes me laugh. “I honestly don’t know, we left when I was young. But Jimmy and I did a couples league when I first moved here. He wanted to take us so far away from our Greek roots, one reason we moved to Providence and didn’t stay near our parents.”
I sit across from him, as he moves to the bench near me, grabbing my hand. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, where do you think it went wrong, because you talk about two different Jimmies. With one, you still have a little sparkle in your eyes of fond memories. And then the other Jimmy, there’s a dullness in your voice, where you seem to not even recognize him.”
