Page 64 of All of Us

Arthur shook his head, walked down the steps, and then stopped in front of me. “Got yourself in quite the pickle, didn’t ya?” He squeezed my shoulder. “I don’t want to hear anything about my brother’s sex life, and certainly don’t want to hear about anything that Mont did in the past.” He headed to his truck.

Mont pulled me into a hug. “Come on in. I figured you’d need to talk before too long.”

We went into the living room where their dragons waited patiently, and when I sat down, Mont picked up the scotch in the fancy crystal decanter and poured us each two fingers. He brought out the good stuff. This was going to be a tough conversation. Drake Mont’s dragon was shuffling back and forth, then would look at his companion, waiting for permission to move.

“Go ahead and cuddle him, guys,” he said as he sat on the couch and took a sip of his drink. Drake came over and got on my shoulder, nudging at the neck of my shirt. Drake, Mont, and I had been together for hours when we were on the road, so the dragon knew me. I pulled the neck of my shirt forward, and he slid under the fabric and down my chest.

Drachen got on my lap and nudged his brother through my shirt. I held them both tight against my stomach and let their energy soothe me.

Mont gave me a soft smile, knowing exactly how time with these little beasts could help me release anxiety.

I looked at my friend, and I knew I had to put on my big-boy pants and share how I felt.

“I didn’t know who else I could go to about this.”

“This?” He snorted. “You mean the fact that you find yourself involved with two men?”

“Yeah. That’s the thing.” I rubbed the back of my neck.

“I am assuming your heart is involved here. It’s not only about the sex?” His face was really serious.

I blushed. “The sex is really good with them both, but I have feelings for them. I don’t really know Jacob as an adult. Getting to know him will take time, but we have a bond. And Joe is incredible. We’ve been fooling around for a while, but we have a great friendship.”

Mont looked at me and nodded. “Can’t say I’ve had this type of experience. As I told Joe, make sure you are honest with each other, including sharing any feelings you have.”

“The problem is, I don’t want to let either of them go. I am aware how greedy that is.” I knew by now I was beet red. Drake started shuffling under my shirt, getting more comfortable.

“Are they asking you to pick?”

“That’s the kicker, everyone seems okay with the situation.” I pressed my lips together, hearing my words. If everyone was okay where we were, why was I worrying? “Yup. I heard it. Everyone is good, so why fret?”

“Looks like you got it in one. All three of you are adults. You are behaving like adults and having a good time. They’re honest with you and you with them. There isn’t a problem.” He picked up his drink and took a big swallow, then pointed to mine. “Drink some, it will make you feel better.”

He was right, it did make me feel better. When Arthur got back, we had Italian food that he had picked up. Talk turned to our next tour stop and the band’s plans. They also had a third anniversary coming up and were thinking about having a party. I reminded myself I needed to spend more time with these guys—they were my friends, my family—and it was fun.

In my living room, I realized I had two guys I was dating, and I was home alone. As far as I knew, all three of us were at our own homes tonight. There were tons of platitudes about spending time with yourself so you could be more well-rounded.

DUSTY

What are you doing tomorrow?

JACOB

No plans.

DUSTY

Come over, we’ll drink some wine? Get naked?

JACOB

Sounds like a good time. Be over after work at 5:00 p.m.?

DUSTY

I’ll be here.

At least I knew I wouldn’t be alone tomorrow night. Then on Sunday, I was going to Joe’s for brunch. We’d texted during the week but hadn’t been alone together since Jacob, and I reunited. I was going to follow my own advice, get to know both men, and figure things out as we went along.