“Surprisingly, no. It’s been wonderful. We all just seem to be flowing into this. I haven’t had any problems or situations at all. I’m…loving it,” she smiled. “What I really like, and appreciate, is that you both actually listen to me. I can’t ever recall that. It’s so damn refreshing, so thank you both.”
“Chrissie?” I asked.
“Hmm, well, I have to agree with Emily. Except for the listening part. You’ve always listened to me, Tom. I like that,” she sighed. “There is one teeny thing we need to talk with about,” she started.
Fuck…I thought.
“I know you’re calling about the house tomorrow, right? Well, WE have decided that Emily will go to London with you, okay? It makes sense, considering what the kids have been through. When we returned, David did ask if I was going away again, remember? I can’t let him down, darling, so Em and I thought that she will go with you. In truth, David is just part of the decision. We talked, weeks ago, about this inherent privilege that you and I have in this relationship. It can’t be helped, it’s just the way it is, and I know we’re aware of it, and take those steps for everything to be equitable. This decision is as much Em’s as it is ours. I’d like her to go, Tom,” Chrissie explained.
I thought about what she had just said. “You’re absolutely right, Chrissie. Yeah, I get that. So, Emily? Fancy a trip to London?” I asked, smiling.
“Don’t tease, Tom. You know I would!” she chuckled. “That is if you…” she started.
“Emily! Stop right there. DON’T say it! Please, never second guess how much you mean to us, all right? Chrissie’s right, this is OUR decision. All of ours. It makes sense in so many ways. I’ll book the flights tonight, darling,” I said.
Emily and Chrissie smiled at me, another problem avoided.
“So, you both are happy with the time spent with each other? What about the little niggly things like who does what, who’s responsible for this or that? It’s all these things that will grate on us if we don’t mention them. I mean, we had that one situation where we felt you were doing too much of the cooking, and caring for the kids. I know. I know, we talked it through, and all’s good now. We need to really focus on the small things, okay?” I said.
“Tom, you’re overthinking this now!” Chrissie giggled.
“Too bad. I’d rather overthink than not think at all. That’s what we do on Sunday nights, right? Talk through everything. Now. Next…we leave in June. Is it time for you to put the house up for sale, Chrissie? Have you both worked on your lists of what you want to bring with, and what you’re going to sell? Depending on what you both decide, I can look into a container, if that works for you. If you both want to take all your furniture and things, fine. We just need to know. Next. Chloe’s birthday party? How many are we expecting? It’s next Saturday so we need to figure out if we’re cooking, or just cake and drinks,” I explained.
“Tom, Em and I are two steps ahead of you,” they both giggled. “Em is working on a light menu for Chloe. Her gift is wrapped already. Furniture? There are a few pieces I wouldn’t mind taking with me, but the majority can either go with the house or be sold. Em, what have you decided?” Chrissie asked.
“I won’t take any furniture, but I’ll compare notes with Chrissie as far as sheets, towels, kitchen pieces and the day to day things we’ll need. We should have a list for you by Saturday?” she said. “I also have a viewing on Tuesday. I’ve had words with the realtor, and told him I wanted him to get his butt in gear and start sending me good potential buyers. Everyone’s been gracious at work, so we’re not getting any crap from anyone. We’ll still have to talk with my parents, sooner rather than later? And your parents. God, time IS slipping away, eh?” she laughed.
“Great. Now, the last thing from me. Janet. Are still pursuing this option, or do we just get stuck in when we get there? We should try to get a yay or nay from her soon. Anything else?” I asked.
“Why don’t we have another talk with Janet, and see where she’s at. She hasn’t mentioned anything for a while now. It would be good to know, either way,” Chrissie said.
“See? Isn’t this fun?” I laughed. “If that’s it, I’m going to book a hotel and two flights!” I chuckled. “Emily, can you book a half-day off on the Friday?”
“I can push them, certainly. If not, I have a few sick days left. You book it, and I’ll be there, darling,” she smiled.
“Wonderful, Emily. That’ll work best. At least we can get a night’s rest before we start running around! Love you both,” I said, and headed to the spare room to get everything booked.
Everything booked, I cleaned up and joined them in the bedroom, sliding behind Chrissie. I wrapped my arm around her, and pulled her to me, her hair wafting on my face.
“All sorted, Emily. We leave a week Friday at eight a.m. We’ll get there at ten p.m., and head to the hotel for a decent sleep, hopefully, giving us all day Saturday to look at houses, and sort out paperwork. It’s going to be hectic, but it will be worth it,” I said, holding her hand. I leaned over Chrissie and kissed her sweetly goodnight.
Chrissie and Emily returned to their amorous touches and subdued moans. I was too tired, but they didn’t seem to mind!
Chapter 72
Party Prep and Tom and Chrissie Shocks Emily
Chloe’s birthday was tomorrow, and all of us were running around with last-minute tasks, duly assigned and ticked off our respective lists. Thanks, Chrissie. All our weeks were productive, at least. Julie presented our findings to Arthur and the board. After two days of consulting, they agreed with our recommendation to pass on the cryptocurrency investment. Even Jordan, who had brought us the original proposal, agreed with us, losing his commission, but saving the firm money and a tainted reputation. I had meetings with Arthur and the board on Julie’s progress, and suitability for the role, soon to be vacated by myself. I had complete faith that she would be a remarkable candidate and that, with their support, she would grow into the role.
Chrissie and Emily were continuing research on their prospective new exhibition. I was only sorry they wouldn’t be here to see it to fruition. Our full-price offer on the house in Richmond was accepted. My only proviso was that it was taken off the market, and any viewings were cancelled. They collect us from our hotel a week Saturday, and take us to view the house, and two more we had earmarked, just in case Emily didn’t fall in love with our first choice. Emily’s house viewing went well, and she was hoping for an offer soon. Everything was falling into place, our efforts coming together.
Our evenings were taken up with everything from gentle lovemaking to ferocious fucking, usually both on the same night. Emily usually spent Tuesdays and Thursdays at her house, needing to keep it lived in for any viewings. Our union grew only stronger, each getting from the others what they needed, and more. Any of my initial reticence ebbed away wholly. I was enthralled with the dynamic between us, each of us finding our way, exploring and sharing what we brought to the other two. It was exhilarating, and just not because of the sex. The genuine care and love permeated every facet of our lives. We just want to tell our parents, but the timing is always not right this week. Next week for sure. They needed to be told of the direction our lives were turning, but whether we disclosed Emily’s part of our story was yet to be decided.