Page 42 of Rousing Renee

“Honestly, it sounds heavenly.”

“Would they be allowed to be with one another?”

“I wouldn’t see a problem with that as long as I’m their primary partner. She has a few groups she wants me to try that meet here and they discuss polyamorous solutions. I want to go but I’m scared to walk in there by myself. What if what I want is so taboo that nobody goes for it.”

“Or… what if you find your perfect harem and live happily ever after?”

“I wish.”

“It’s possible. I refused to count any options out when I know there are people who are into getting pooped on, that there are women out there having sex with horses to make porn videos, and that people pay millions of dollars to people just to stare at their feet. That means anything is possible. Don’t count out your blessings when you’re still alive and able to make a difference. It means there’s still an opportunity to make things happen in your favor. It’s not too late.”

“What about you? Are you seeing anybody?”

“Yes, I am. We’re supposed to be taking it slow, but honestly, it’s naturally moving faster than either of us ever expected. Before this weekend, I thought he was too good to be true. Then I found out some things and I’m questioning everything.”

“No, you don’t get to do that if I don’t. If there are possibilities waiting for me, there has to be enough for you, too. Give him a chance to explain whatever is happening and to make it right.”

“But…”

“Nope. Let him tell you his side of things. Then you can make a decision based on facts and not the destructive ones you’ve come up with. Hear him out. Then tear him to shreds with good information, not hearsay.”

“Are you sure you want multiple men? I’m having issues with the one I have. I couldn’t imagine two or three more of him.”

“You wouldn’t be getting two or three more of him. They would all be different, loving you in different ways. There’s no way every day would be the same.”

“No, I get that. How would you live, though? A compound with three different houses and you’d have three different wardrobes? ‘Hey, Paul, did I leave my blue panties there? I tried Peter already, and he said they weren’t there either. I’m at Joe’s and they’re not here. Well, I’m out of concealer over here, so can you bring me the one I have there?’ It’s insane!” I joked.

Elara was too busy laughing and holding her stomach to respond. Tears poured down her face as she tried to rein it in.

“I can’t breathe!” she yelled out. A few people openly stared at us, trying to figure out what was so damn funny.

“Baby, have you seen my shirt?” I stood up and pretended to be searching for something. “I can’t find it anywhere.” Then I switched voices to imitate her. “Which boyfriend are you again? Maybe it’s at Paul’s house. I’m always leaving my shirt there.”

“Noo!” Elara’s face grew red, and she laughed one of those silent laughs where you try to breathe, and no sound comes out because it’s all stuck inside your funny bone.

“Peter, I think you should talk to Paul about how to eat my pussy. He does a much better job than you. Then you can teach him that little finger trick you do. Maybe you should invite Joe and you can all swap secrets. Slumber party!”

Tears rushed from her eyes in steady streams. I know she wanted to say something, but she couldn’t get it out. Deciding to give her a break from all the funny business, I sat back down to eat my grilled cheese.

“That’s not what I was thinking at all!” She wiped her face and finally caught her bearings. “I guess that’s what dating is about, huh?”

Nods. “It is. You may not find them at the same time. But what do I know? Maybe they’ll be gift wrapped and at your door in the morning.”

“Hopefully. Girl, why have we never hung out before?” she asked before taking a bite of her half-eaten salad.

“I think I was afraid to make new friends because of a bad friendship I had with an old one. I’m starting to heal those wounds and I figured out I’m really lonely. My best friend, Sampson, lives in Cincinnati with his husband and I can’t see him when I want to. Sure we video call and send pictures. I don’t know when the last time I was able to kiss his face and do something that we both enjoy.”

“Well, you’ve definitely got a friend in me. I’m a tough cookie and I never make friends with people I don’t plan to hang on to. And this Sampson sounds like a keeper. Maybe you should change that you haven’t seen him in forever. Invite him to the Ranch. I’m sure he’s got some kink in him.”

“Trust. Sampson puts the K… I… N… and the second K in kink. That boy could probably teach a class or two.” That’s when it hit me. I picked up my phone and FaceTime’d him.

“Diva, you know I’m working.”

“I know, I know, I know. How would you feel about coming here and helping me put on a burlesque show?”

“Excuse me?”

“I can handle the costumes and I know you’ve done this kind of thing before.”

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