Both women stood; one to leave and the other to return to her proper chair. As they passed each other, Tally couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by Jazz’s presence. It must be comical for others to see us together. She’s like a giant while I’m a fricken dwarf. Even our coloring is opposite.
“Okay,” Jazz said over her shoulder as she exited the office, “I’m going to peruse these, and if everything is good, I’m out of here.”
“Cool. Have a good night.”
Without looking back, Jazz stuck her hand up in a farewell gesture and called, “Yep, you, too.”
*****
Tally returned to her seat behind the heavy oak desk. Hopes of concentrating on her work had been shattered by her colleague’s revelation. Instead, she stared blankly as a barrage of emotions threatened to drown her. Life’s funny, she noted with a titter. I never imaged we’d have an option such as this.
She swiveled her chair, angling it to look out of the window. Her gazed scanned across the skyline until her sights fell upon the condos where Lex and Ishkode resided. My original plan was to have both guys fertilize one of my eggs, which would then be implanted together. God willing, both would be viable births, yielding twins. She steepled her fingers against her plump lips. That way, we’d all have a connection to and through our children.
She mentally scrutinized her original plan. Initially, it seemed like a great idea. We could’ve proven paternity for each father, so they’d have legal rights where their progeny’s concerned. And with me mothering each baby, I’d be the blood link binding us all together. She dropped her hands, wrapping her arms around her lithe frame as her hazel eyes turned to the floor, unseeing. But this… this is a game changer. This opens possibilities I never thought existed.
Suddenly, her phone rang out, causing her to start. As her brain slowly identified the personalized ringtone she’d given to Lex Ackerman, she moved with increasing speed to answer the call. “Hello?”
“Tally, hi, it’s Lex,” said the gentle voice on the other end of the line.
“Yes,” she acknowledged, “how are you?”
“Good, thanks. Um,” he hemmed and hawed, sounding nervous, “Kode and I have been chatting and we wondered if you could come over? We’d like to discuss your proposition with you.”
She nodded unconsciously. “Of course – yeah.”
“Great.”
“Uh, I just need to shut things down, but I should be able to make it over in about, um – let’s say, fifteen minutes. Does that work for you?”
“That’d be perfect,” Lex confirmed. “We’ll see you then.”
“Yep, bye.”
“Bye.”
When Tally hung up the phone, she rushed to secure her office. Though she was excited, a sense of trepidation bound her with fear. I shouldn’t get my hopes up. After all, this is a huge request, not to be taken lightly. I mean, it has the potential to change our entire lives, not to mention our relationships with one another. She covered her face with her hands momentarily, and then rubbed her tired eyes. Of course, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’, so… “Here I go,” she said out loud, flicking off the lights and locking the door behind her.
Chapter 4
Though Minnesota winters had been impressive throughout her childhood, the season had grown drier over the years. The heaping piles of snow, which had been vital to her youthful adventures of sledding with her nanny and snowball fights against the grounds crew from her Uncle’s estate, had disappeared as she aged. However, the bitter cold, especially after nightfall, remained.
Thank God for the skywalk system, Tally thought as she stepped onto the enclosed pedestrian bridge. Making her way across Nicollet Mall from the City Center to Gaviidae Common, she admired the frosted full-length glass of the walkway, segmented into diamonds by metal piping. Despite the heat being pumped into the air, the temperature noticeably dropped from the building interiors, and thick ice formed in the triangular points of the exterior support beams.
Rapidly shifting snow flurries gave a visual testament to the artic wind outside. Glancing downward, she watched the trees at street level sway, shaken roughly by the blowing gale. You’d think the buildings would add some degree of protection, but they only seem to amplify things, making the corridor more like a wind tunnel. As brave individuals, clad in heavy layers, leaned against the gusts, Tally shivered at the memory the chill instilled in her. There’s no way I’d want to be outside right now, exposed to the elements.
She nodded shyly as she passed a security guard monitoring the Gaviidae Atrium. Looking up at the multiple levels of high-end retail shops, Tally felt her usual sense of awe. The architecture in here is amazing, and I love the eagle hanging from the ceiling, or whatever kind of bird that is. Of course, the seasonal decorations of stringed lights and over-sized ornaments just make it magical. The distraction provided a nice reprieve from her anxiety, despite its short life.
Crossing the blue-framed bridge extending over 6 street, her pulse picked up as she gained access to the RBC Plaza. I ought to pay more attention to my surroundings, she realized when she almost bumped into another soul traversing the skyway. Regardless of how familiarity I am from frequently walking between the office, the government plaza, and home, my diminutive stature marks me as easy prey. It isn’t wise to move blindly along.
Even with the security measures taken by the City of Minneapolis to ensure safety, as expected in a large metropolis, incidents and accidents were known to occur through the skywalk system. Not that I’d have anything worth stealing. I mean, what’s a briefcase full of court papers going to get a thief? Nothing, she thought with a snort. But there was always the threat of assault, and knowing that added to her speed.
Trying to be more mindful, but still lacking her usual level of caution, Tally migrated through The Westin Minneapolis, across South Marquette Avenue, and into the Rand Tower. I wonder if I have time to stop at home before heading over to The Nic? The Soo Line Building where she resided lay just beyond the Marquette parking ramp. It was necessary to go through it in order to reach the kitty-corner apartments, where her friends lived, if she wanted to remain indoors, but she hesitated at the idea of a delay.
Pushing at the sense of urgency coursing through her body, she glanced at her watch with a grimace and made her decision. It’ll be close, but I’d rather drop my briefcase off. Besides, it’ll give me a little longer to get myself in check. Pressing the call button at the elevator bay of her apartment, she didn’t feel any calmer. In fact, she felt light-headed. Why am I so scared?
The queasy sensation in her stomach added to her discomfort. Her heart thumped almost violently in her chest, tightening it as the rhythm of her breathing increased. Raising a hand to her forehead before racking its fingers through her hair, she closed her eyes. I’m being ridiculous. I mean, these aren’t random guys I’m meeting or some anonymous donor – it’s Lexi and Kode! She tittered nervously, silently scolding herself for feeling so insecure. They’re my best friends, for goodness sake. Yet, her trepidation remained, growing with each passing moment.
When the elevator arrived with a ding and the doors slid open, she climbed in. She poked the 5 floor button, ensuring it lit up, and then leaned against the side wall for support. When the doors closed, she bent at the waist to grasp her knees while her briefcase remained clutched in one hand, flopping awkwardly as she questioned the wisdom of her actions. Children can make or break relationships. More so, asking someone to father a child with you, especially when they’re married to someone else, complicates things even more. She brought a hand to her mouth in dismay, thinking, what have I done? Have I made the worst mistake of my life? What if I’ve ruined the most important relationship I have?
Tally’s eyes stung with unshed tears. Regardless of the outcome, things are going to change. It’s unavoidable. I just – I don’t know what I’d do if I lost Lexi, or even Kode, for that matter. She opened her mouth, hoping to inhale deeper gulps of air; her breathing shallow a
nd rapid as her panic seized her. Black spots marred her vision and though she recognized the signs of hyperventilation, she felt powerless to stop its approach. What if they say no? Oh, God, she thought, shooting up straight with wide eyes, what if they yes?
*****
Lex was pacing back and forth, one arm wrapped tightly around his torso while he chewed absently on the index finger of the other hand. Every few seconds, his eyes darted toward the door in anticipation of the knock he expected to hear. Ugh, he mentally groaned, what’s taking her so long? The wait is killing me.
Ishkode watched his husband roaming anxiously. “Sweetheart, why don’t you come sit down? You’re agitating me with that all commotion.”
Though he stopped moving, Lex made no attempt to comply. “I’m sorry, but she should’ve been here by now.” Maybe I ought to call the police – what if she was attacked?
“Everything’s fine,” Ishkode consoled his lover, “I promise. Knowing Tally, she stopped by her place first. We both know she’s not one to tote around papers for fear of losing something or having a potential breach in confidentiality. Still, no matter how many times she tries to deny it, she always takes something home to work on.”
That’s true. The woman doesn’t know how to separate business from pleasure. Then again – “Knowing Tally, she’s probably hyperventilating in the hallway somewhere,” Lex replied, throwing his hands into the air, a look of concern etched in his features. Maybe I should check.
As Lex raised his foot to take a step forward, Ishkode halted his progress. “Uh-uh! That may be true, but you have to let her come to us – and she will – when she’s ready. Here,” he said, lifting Lex’s Bordeaux glass from the coffee table, “have another sip of wine. It’ll help calm your nerves.” Nodding, Lex reached for the glass. Bringing the edge to his supple lips, he sipped long and deep. “Better now?”
“Yes,” Lex admitted, handing his glass back. “Kode, how’s this going to work? I mean, do we need to spell out every detail? If we do, perhaps we ought to have a contract drafted or something? Yeah, yeah, that sounds good – oh,” he said, snapping his fingers, “Jazz could do it for us. Yeah, that would work so we’d know who was responsible for what, and what our roles are going to be in all of this?”
“Relax,” Ishkode ordered as he set the glass down. Turning back to his frazzled partner, he started massaging the tension from his shoulders. “You’re over-thinking things, Lexi, darling.”
Shooting him a look of gratitude, Lex asked, “So what then? You don’t seriously think we ought to just jump in and have sex, do you?”
“No, not at all.”
“Then what?”
Ishkode gently captured Lex’s face between his strong hands. “I think we need to let nature take its course. What’s meant to be will happen whether we fret about it or not, so stop wasting unnecessary energy on worrying, okay?”
“But –”
“Just try, that’s all I ask,” Ishkode interjected. He stroked the side of Lex’s head, smoothing a dark tuft of hair behind his ear.
“Okay,” Lex answered as his husband nibbled on his earlobe, effectively diverting his focus. Oh, my! That feels great.
When Ishkode pulled away, Lex noted the unmistakable glint of sexual yearning in his intense dark-brown eyes. When the sleek but brawny man drew him closer, kissing him tenderly on the lips, Lex melted. When Ishkode embraced him more passionately, their bodies melded together as they gave themselves to their shared pleasure.
*****
“You can do this, you can! You can do this,” Tally repeated to herself. She stood with out-stretched arms, blocking the elevator doors from closing, appearing as though she were strung along the threshold. Drawing in a deep breath, she exhaled heavily, hoping her apprehension would escape with the released air. Instead, it seemed to double.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” a kind male voice beckoned, “but are you all right?”
With her heartbeat throbbing in her ears, muffling the outside world, she hadn’t heard the man approach. “What?” Tally looked up in surprise as the elderly gentleman patted her softly on the arm. “Oh, yes – yes. Sorry, I, ah… I’m good, thanks.”
He looked skeptical, if not relieved. “You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” she repeated as heat spread throughout her face. She tried to laugh, hoping to ease the man’s concern, but the sound resembled a cackle and it even frightened her. She grimaced. Way to make it worse, Tally, she thought disparagingly. She stepped away from the elevator, finally realizing she was blocking the man’s way. “Again, sorry.”
“It’s quite alright, my dear,” the man replied with a sweet smile. He moved into the open elevator, but paused before he pressed his selection. “I’m not going to read about you in the news tomorrow, am I?”
Tally expelled genuine laughter at this comment. “No, no, really I’m fine. I’m actually here to visit some friends.” She gestured toward the Ackerman’s apartment.
“Ah, yes,” the man replied, “of course. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you sooner. You’re Tally, am I right?”
“Yes.” Tally was surprised and flattered all at once. “How’d you know?”
“Lex and Kode talk about you all the time. I’ve seen your pictures in their apartment,” he answered as he reached toward the elevator’s control panel. He audibly pressed the button he wanted as the door began closing. His parting words were, “they seem to care deeply for you.”
The corners of her mouth turned upward as she thought, Good, because I care about them, too. No, it’s more than that. I truly love them.
Her acknowledgment seemed to empower her. She regarded the door at the end of the hallway with a renewed purpose. Puffing her chest out, pushing her shoulders back, Tally held her head high as she traveled the last few feet toward her future.
*****
When the expected knock finally sounded, both Lex and Ishkode were breathless. They giggled as they untangled themselves from one another, both flushed from their heated encounter. Grasping his spouse at the nape of his neck with a powerful hand, Ishkode demanded his lover’s attention. His smoldering look was so concentrated it nearly bored into Lex’s soul.
“You know I love you, right?” Ishkode asked, unwilling to break eye contact.
Lex nodded, catching his lower lip between his teeth.
“You know nothing will ever change that fact, right? Not even if we make love to Tally.”
Lex nodded again. I love how manly he is. He’s so strong and when he possesses me, it makes me feel desired. “And nothing will change how I feel about you. You’re my everything, Kode.”
“Good,” Ishkode said with a crooked smile. He pressed his forehead against Lex’s in a loving display of affection. As the knocking repeated, he kissed Lex one last time, and the tender touch set Lex on fire, leaving him hungering for more. “You definitely seem more relaxed,” Ishkode teased as he sauntered toward the entrance, glancing back with promise in his eyes.
Lex smiled seductively as he trailed a finger over his moist lips. “Relaxed doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Goodness, that man knows how to touch me, he thought, shuddering with a new sense of anticipation. He reached down to adjust his growing bulge, giving it a little extra rub as he did.
Ishkode’s warm chortle welcomed Tally as he pulled open the door. When her startled look turned to one of understanding, his laughter boomed. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she sputtered as her gaze dropped to where his erection struggled to burst free from his trousers. “I mean, you knew I was coming over, right?”
Her question brought a new fit of laughter to the men.
“Right,” Ishkode replied, pulling her into his chest as he swung the door closed behind her. Looking down at her, lust evident in his gaze, he added, “we were just warming things up a bit.”
“Kode!” Lex snapped, feigning embarrassment as he swatted his husband playfully. “I thought we weren’t going to jump right in.”
“And I thought we were going to let nature take its course,” Ishkode replied with a devilish smile.
Giggling, Lex said, “Why don’t you refresh our drinks, love, while I take Tally’s coat?”
Tally’s face was crimson as Ishkode bent his knees, putting their eyes on an equal plane. Without a word, smiling with the edge of a predator, he gripped her slender waist as his kiss caressed her pouty lips with an amicable touch full of suggestion. Then, keeping his intense eyes locked on hers as he stepped backwards, reluctant to break their connection, he finally shifted away.
*****
As soon as Ishkode released her from his spell, Tally’s mouth gapped open with a quiet pop. “What was that?” she asked in a breathy voice as Lex peeled her jacket from her frame. She was acutely aware he was taking his time, fondling her as he stripped the layers from her body. Oh, my! What have I walked into? Not that I object or anything.
“That,” Lex replied as he hung her coat in the front closet, “was his answer to your question.”
Tally felt dumbstruck and her eyes widened in astonishment as she turned toward her best friend. “You mean –”
Lex nodded. His pupils were dilated with arousal as he eyed her like a cougar about to pounce.
Unsure what to say or do, Tally just stood there as Lex wrapped his arms around her lithe form from behind. “Lexi, I –”
“Shhh,” he shushed her softly, pressing his puckered lips against her neck. He traced his fingers up her flat, toned stomach with a tickling echo, and then slipped one hand beneath her blouse. His touch incited an ache within her as he encased one of her firm breasts. “I can feel your body responding,” he said in a pleased voice.
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 22