“I know, Tim. I know you haven’t done anything inappropriate. I’m not suggesting that you did.” Mark paused, remembering to breathe. “I also know that you’ve been in love with Brie since the third grade. I also know that she’s loved you almost as long.” Wow, this was getting awkward fast.
“Tim, have you ever heard of a polyamorous relationship?” Tim shook his head no while giving me a blank look. “Well, it is where a couple invites others into their relationship. These relationships can be in various forms.” Again, I paused.
“I’m not looking to sleep around. I love Mark deeply. We’ve talked about this. An open marriage on my part isn’t appealing to me the way it is to Mark, but having a second, loving relationship with you…is.” Tim looked like he didn’t know which of my two heads to punch. “In our poly relationship, I would have Mark as my husband and have you as my boyfriend.
“You and I would behave as any other dating couple would. I feel I have enough love in my heart for both of you.” Tim looked back and forth between us, confused and upset.
“How the hell would that work?”
Fair question.
“I don’t have all the details, and we would probably start slow. Who knows what we end up with over time? The three of us would have to define that.” I sucked down the rest of my drink. “In the beginning, we would be together when Mark travels and maybe go out on a date a couple of times a month. I might stay the night with you occasionally, here at our home.”
Tim sat silent. He would alternate looking at me, Mark, and the ocean. Then back. I felt fear swell up inside of me. I didn’t know what to expect, but this wasn’t it. He didn’t scream, yell, or drag me off to the bedroom. We just sat there.
“This is a lot.” Damn, in times like this, I hated that he was a man of so few words. “I’m going surfing.” That was Tim-speak for: You two just freaked me the fuck out, and I must run away before I explode and make a mess all over your expensive condo. He stood and disappeared. We saw a half-dressed Tim carrying his board out across the sand a few moments later. Mark and I stayed seated and looked at each other in dismay.
“Well, that went better than I imagined.” Mark started to chuckle.
“What the hell do you mean?” I refilled my glass, irritated at my husband.
“Well, he didn’t beat me to death.” That damn smile. “I kind of figured he might!” I joined in on the giggling. I think the excess drink may have had something to do with it.
“I guess that’s a win.” I toasted Mark with my glass.
A couple of hours later, Mark joined me at the telescope. “Is he still out there?”
“Yep, the waves suck, but he’s still out there sitting on his board.” I looked at my husband standing next to me. “Do you think we blew it?”
“Maybe. Who knows? His love for you is deep. I also know our friendship means a lot to him.” Mark slipped his arm around me for comfort. “Time will tell. My guess is that he won’t give up a chance to be with you for anything. We just need to give him time.”
I’m not exactly sure how long it was, but we heard the door to the condo and then the one to Tim’s room. Then a shower and then silence.
Sunday was more of the same. Silence.
Tim didn’t interact with either of us all day. Dread became my unwelcome companion; I was so worried that we had wrecked our friendship.
Mark packed his bags, and we had a rousing goodbye romp that lasted into the night. As we were lying there, he pulled me close so we could talk.