Page 140 of Their Courtesan
She wanted to say yes, but knew Monica could counter with so many factors. Like how even losing the submissive clients and men who simply wanted her conversation and flirting would still put her beyond the black every month. Plus, it would give her more time to learn the ropes of the admin side of the business. She wanted to learn more about that, right? No, it couldn’t be about the money.
By the time Judith sat down where Miguel had been ten minutes ago, Monica said, “You’re afraid of the commitment. I can see the way you look at those men, and the way they both look at you. That’s love, Judith. Love onyourterms. Don’t be afraid of it. This isn’t just the opportunity of your career. This is the opportunity of your personal life as well.
Judith couldn’t look at her. “You make it sound like I’m going to marry them.”
“So what if you do?”
“First of all, I think that’s called bigamy.”
“Ménage relationships happen all the time. It’s the simplest form of polyamory to ever exist. Really, Judith, it’s perfect for you.”
“Perfect would be letting me…”
Monica cut her off. “Every relationship expects compromise. You can’t expect these men, no matter how in love they are with you, to let you do whatever you want. They are going above and beyond with offering you money andtheirexclusivity. Judith, these men would probably marry you if they could!”
She was quiet for a while.She’s right.Seth was more the marrying type no matter what he proclaimed, but Miguel? He had already started to introduce her as his girlfriend. The thought of them getting along for the sake of their love for her gave her chills.I don’t have to choose.Shouldn’t that be the most liberating thing? That her love triangle would end with everyone happy? Including her?
“It’s asking me to make a huge change with little warning,” Judith finally said. “I don’t think I’m being unreasonable by saying it’s a shock.”
“To be fair, I’m shocked as well. I’ve never heard of something like this before. If it works, then you could end up a happy woman. Besides, I’ve been wanting you to cut back your on-site work hours so you can start taking over more around here. I don’t know how demanding this baby is going to be. Trust me, Judith, there is going to be plenty of work for you to do. To have two men who deeply love you and support your career goals? What the fuck are you waiting for? A third man to add himself to the mix?”
Judith didn’t want to admit that she had a point.
They called Miguel and Seth back in to discuss more points. How would they split up Judith’s time? Were they willing to commit to at least a year of this arrangement? (Both assured that they wanted this to last as long as possible. Wasn’t that how most relationships were supposed to work?) Was Judith okay with the more serious aspects of these relationships? She stuttered to say “I love you” in front of Monica – let alone the other man – but when pressed, Judith couldn’tnotsay it, either.I hate what you two have done to me.She thought that with as much affection as possible.
Miguel said he had to go to Europe for about two weeks starting that Monday, which was perfect for postponing the signing of any contracts. This would give Monica time to rewrite them and to give Judith time to ease into the transition of letting some of her other clients go. Many of them hadn’t come to call in a long time, anyway.
She was metaphorically holding a little black book of names and numbers over a flame. Gone soon would be the days of seducing every man who came her way in the name of making a living. She would still be one of the slyest women around, but in a different fashion.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized…
This was exactly what she needed, even if she wasn’t coming around to wanting it yet. Major life changes tended to work that way, though.
Before he left, Seth kissed her and whispered into her ear, “I want to be happy with you, Judith. I hope you can be happy with me.”
Something watered in the corner of her eye. When Miguel put his arm around her and suggested they start tonight’s date with dinner on the balcony, she hid her tears of swelling happiness in his chest. Monica pretended not to notice.
