Page 67 of All of Us

“Of course. We’ll set up an appointment.” It also gave me the idea to get a bunch of pictures of Dusty—the horse—for Gentry, he would love it.

Even though it was Saturday, I was glad I worked because the night before was spent thinking about Joe and Gentry together. Examining what I felt, I knew it wasn’t jealousy. Mostly, what I was feeling was left out. I wanted to be with them. The three of us being intimate seemed too much, but hanging out with them, eating, watching movies, and riding were all things I could see us doing together. I missed both of them fiercely.

At least Dusty was coming over for brunch tomorrow. I planned to make him homemade cinnamon rolls, bacon, which he liked super crispy, eggs, and hash browns. There could be pancakes if he wanted them.

It seemed I always had Gentry or Dusty in my head, and sometimes I thought about them both. I kept toying with the idea of the three of us doing things together. Of course, there would have to be private time together because I wasn’t about to give up sex with either of them. Could Gentry teach Dusty to ride?

I picked up my phone, wanting to know if Dusty needed riding lessons.

JOE

I miss you.

I hope you had fun yesterday. Do you know how to ride?

It was okay to talk to them both so I typed out a second message.

JOE

I miss you. Did you have fun yesterday?

I did it, I sent them both a message. In many ways, it felt weird, but wanting to reach out to the person you care about was natural. In my case, it was just two people.

I had to edit Andre’s pictures and get them to the agency. If I could get it done before bedtime, I would be free to enjoy my entire day with Dusty if he were game. At midnight, I uploaded the files and emailed the agency to let them know their pictures were ready.

My phone had been forgotten for the five hours I was engrossed in work.

DUSTY

I don’t know how to ride. I missed you, too.

I responded to him.

JOE

I’m sorry I am responding so late. Had to finish a job.Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

You should have Gentry teach you to ride.

Then I read my other message.

GENTRY

We missed you, too. It was a nice day.

I liked that he had used the term ‘we’. Had they talked about me together? I responded, knowing I had a date with Dusty, but also really wanted to spend some time with Gentry.

JOE

I had to finish a job. Sorry, I am responding late.When can I see you again?

You should teach Dusty to ride.

Both of these men made my heart flutter and turned me on. This wasn’t something I ever expected when I grew up in my conservative family. It’s only been the last few years that I’ve been open with my sexuality,

Already on my second cup of coffee, when I saw Dusty in my driveway, I got giddy. Hard to believe that, at my age, I would have these teenage feelings for a guy I liked. I really tried not to grin like a fool when he stepped inside, but my efforts were useless. Acting cool, I walked over to him.

“It’s great to have you here.” Even to me, that sounded forced and stupid. He smiled at me so sweetly that I nearly became a puddle on the ground.