The Demarcation of Jack

by Blakely Bennett

  “So what happened?”

  “Jack said it was a wrap and so we stopped.”

  “You stopped?” Summer said, slapping her knee.

  “Yes. She got dressed and I picked up my clothes to get dressed. As I slid on my shirt she sucked my nipple in her mouth and bit it lightly.”

  “Oh my god, girl. I’m going to come right here.”

  “Would you focus! I feel like I’m talking to Jack.”

  “Sorry, you’re right,” she said, crossing her legs. “So finish.”

  “So, I started to wonder if this meant I was cheating on you guys.”

  “Oh, Jenna, you think waaay too much. So was that it?”

  “Yes. That was it and then she left.”

  “Seriously, if that would’ve been me!”

  “Can’t you pull yourself out of your sex chakra for one minute? Maybe talking about this was a bad idea.”

  “No. Honestly, I’ll behave, but you’ve got to promise to answer all my questions when we’re through. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “So what’s the problem, other than you stopped?”

  “There’s so many things. First of all, how does all this fit with the four of us developing a relationship? What are the parameters? And then, what the fuck is going on with me? I’m not into women and yet I’ve kissed two women in less than 10 hours?”

  “What are you thinking? We’re just starting our—whatever you want to call it—friendship, relationship. We haven’t established any type of commitment. So you’re free to do as you please.”

  “I see,” she said, biting her bottom lip.

  “Your second question is something you have to figure out for yourself, love, but let me ask you something—how long have you and Jack been together?”

  “About fourteen and a half years.”

  “So it seems to me a whole new unexplored world is opening up to you. If Jack’s into it, I say go for it.”

  “I don’t recognize myself anymore and I’m starting to feel like I don’t want to go back to who I was. I don’t think that I can go back.”

  “Look, you’ve been through a lot lately. Think about it. You just recently found out you can’t have children, your mother almost dies, you and Jack have been distant for a while now, and you have a crazy couple stalking you in Jamaica.” Summer laughed.

  “You know what, you’re right. I have been through a lot. I don’t know why I’m beating myself up over this,” Jenna said, shaking her head.

  “Then, I suggest you just enjoy yourself. Why do any of this, if you’re only going to torture yourself the whole time? Make a decision and see where it takes you. I think you’ll like what you find, but you have to make a decision one way or the other.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  After their lunch arrived at the island, the foursome settled in under the south end gazebo twenty feet above the jetty. The waves gently splashed against the coral, while the warm afternoon winds inspired a nap. The group finished their lunch and curled up together on the lounge chairs.

  “Marc, that was really sweet of you to share your food. That guy looked like he needed it,” Jenna said.

  “Hey ... it was my idea,” Jack said.

  “So sweet you are,” Summer said. “Come over here and give me a hug.”

  “I could really use a shower,” Jack said.

  “That’s no excuse for not giving me a hug. Let’s shower together,” Summer said gleefully. “Jenna, you up for that?”

  “Three of us in a shower would be kind of tight,” she said, laughing.

  “What do you mean the three of us?” Marc said. “You’re not leaving me out of this.”

  “Then we need an awfully big shower,” Jenna said. “I can just picture all of us like a can of sardines.”

  “If we were at our house in Hollywood, we’d all fit comfortably,” Summer said. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Nobody’s ever in the gym showers. We could go there and have some fun. Marc, you go upstairs, or I should say, will you go upstairs and get the shampoo and stuff?”

  “Sure, no problem,” Marc said.

  “I’m game!” Jack nearly shouted.

  “Are you sure we won’t get caught?” Jenna asked.

  “No, I’m not sure but think about it, women’s prison in Jamaica, that could be cool,” Summer said, laughing.

  “Don’t do that to me,” Jenna said, trying to hold back her smile and maintain a serious exterior.

  “Come on. Have I gotten you into trouble yet?”

  “Hell yes! I’m definitely not going,” Jenna said, laughing at herself. “What happened to naptime, anyway?”

  “Nap, snap, we have better things to do. Alright people, let’s board the boat,” Summer said.

  *****

  “We’ll be right back,” Marc said.

  “And don’t forget the conditioner,” Summer called out.

  “The conditioner?” Kokila asked.

  “You don’t want to know,” Summer said.

  “So how are you doing?” Kokila asked Jenna, leaning on the bar in front of her.

  “I’m working it out,” Jenna said.

  “Well, if there’s anything I can do to help. Let me know,” she said. “The usual, ladies?”

  “Surprise me,” Jenna said. “I’m in the mood for something different.”

  “How about an Orgasm or Sex on the Beach?” Kokila said.

  “You’re killing me here,” Jenna whispered, lowering her head into her hands.

  “Tell me which you’d prefer,” Kokila said. “You need to make up your mind.” She touched Jenna’s hand before she walked to the other side of the bar.

  “You know what, she seems a little possessive,” Summer said. “I’d be careful if I were you.”

  “But I thought everything was so simple,” Jenna said sardonically. “Just make a decision and all that.” She sat back in her chair and watched Kokila prepare drinks for the other guests.

  When she came back to stand in front of them, she said, “So did you make up your mind?”

  “I’ll take the usual,” Summer said.

  “Jenna?”

  “I think I’ll stick to a piña colada for now. Maybe try something different later.”

  “There’s no adventure in drinking what we’re used to,” Kokila said, throwing pineapple, rum, and coconut milk into the blender.

  “Hey there guys,” Jack said, walking up with Marc. Marc carried a small duffle bag and Jack carried several towels over his shoulder.

  “Are you ladies ready?” Marc asked. “Hey there, Kokila. How are you?”

  “Doing well. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Not for me. Jack?”

  “Sure. A Red Stripe would be great. Thanks,” Jack said, perching against Jenna’s chair.

  “So are you girls ready to go?” Marc asked.

  “Let’s do it,” Summer said, standing. She grabbed her drink and led the group to the gym.

  “Wow. I didn’t know this was back here,” Jenna said as they walked into a large tiled bathroom with lockers and a wooden bench.

  “You would have if you’d taken the tour, my lady.” Summer laughed and took Jenna’s hand. “See, what did I tell you? Nobody’s here. We’ve got the joint all to ourselves.” Summer undressed and opened the duffle bag filled with soaps and clothes for them to change into. She tossed the small plastic bottles of shampoo and conditioner to Marc. She handed the soap to Jenna. “Jack, grab the towels, will you?” she said, walking into the shower area. “Think this is big enough?”

  “Ah ... this is strange. I get it now,” Marc said. “The men’s side has stall showers. I like this wide open stuff.”

  “Okay, let’s steam this place up,” Summer said, turning on one of five showerheads.

  “Honey, this is too hot,” Marc said, moving out of the water flow.

  “I like it hot,” Jack called out.

  “Well then, come over here,” Summer said.

  “Jenna, can I showe
r with you?” Marc asked.

  “Don’t wash her hair,” Summer said. “I want to do that.”

  “Can I wash you?” Jack asked Summer.

  “You want to wash my body?” she said teasingly.

  Jenna threw a soapy washcloth at Jack. “You’re such a dog,” she said, laughing.

  “Hey, that’s a fine thing to say coming from a woman who’s standing naked in the shower with one of my friends and oh my god that sounds so cool,” he said. “I am a dog. I am.”

  Jenna stood for a moment watching Jack and Summer play in the flow of the shower. She could see the water beading up on Summer’s back and trailing down over her firm buttocks and legs. “You know what?” Jenna called out to Jack and Summer. “I enjoy watching you two.” She smiled. “I thought I would share that.” She felt Marc’s arms coming around from behind her, wrapping her upper body securely in his grasp. She relaxed against him, raising her arms above her head to wrap around his neck.

  “Are you ready?” Summer asked as she filled her hand with shampoo.

  “This is a little weird,” Jenna said.

  “I’m only washing your hair,” Summer said. “I’m not going to bite you unless you want me to.”

  Jenna stepped away from Marc and tilted her head back. Summer worked the shampoo into her hair. She then moved around to the front of Jenna and continued massaging her head, making slow circles around her temples. Summer guided her backward into the water, and then lightly ran her hands over her nipples, causing them to peak.

  “Oh,” Jenna moaned as she rinsed the soap out of her hair. After she finished she gave Summer a light kiss on her lips.

  “She’s all yours, Marc,” Summer said, still holding eye contact with Jenna. Summer walked back to Jack who was rinsing off his body.

  As Marc soaped up the washcloth, Jenna said, coyly, “You know, this isn’t the first time you’ve had your hands on my back.”

  “I know. That first day on the beach is when I felt sure we might have a chance with you guys.”

  “How’s that?” she said, lifting her arms.

  “A feeling … chemistry. I could feel you watching me.” He chuckled. “Spread your feet apart so I can ... there.” Marc squatted behind her, washing the back of her legs and around her thighs.

  When Marc stood and Jenna turned around, she was confronted with his desire. “Oh,” she said, stepping back and admiring his full body. “Do I get to wash you, too … all of you?”

  “Every last inch,” he said, smiling.

  After Jenna rinsed, she lathered the washcloth and started on Marc’s back, trailing down across his buttocks to his thighs. Spinning him around, she took her time washing until she reached his erection. She cupped his balls and stroked his shaft with the cloth.

  “If you keep that up…” he said, bringing her hands up to his chest.

  “Sorry, I got a little carried away.” She glanced over at Jack to see if he’d been watching and he had an odd look on his face.

  Summer brought everyone’s attention to her when she called out, “So, what are you guys up for tonight?”

  “Do you mean us as in—?”

  “As in, you and Jack. What are your plans? Wait, listen ... shhh,” Summer said, putting her finger to her lips. “I hear women’s voices.”

  “Oh shit,” Marc said, covering his erection.

  “No way,” Jack answered dismissively.

  “I don’t hear—oh, they’re coming.” Jenna giggled and froze when they entered.

  Marc and Jack stood looking at one another as three women walked into the shower. They continued to speak in a language only they understood. Each walked up to a showerhead taking very little notice of the men. Marc casually walked away from the shower.

  “Ladies,” Jack said politely, tipping an imaginary hat as he passed each one.

  They smiled and returned to their conversation.

  Summer and Jenna looked at one another and chuckled.

  “Let’s get dressed and get out of here,” Jenna said.

  *****

  “Marc, you looked like a boy caught doing something naughty,” Jenna said as she passed him entering into his room.

  “Yeah, well, I have to admit I panicked a bit and the erection didn’t help matters. It’s that one way in, one way out thing,” he said, shaking his head.

  Summer dropped her things on the bed. “Every time I think about Jack tipping his imaginary hat—” she said, breaking into laughter again.

  “That’s my job, keeping you folks entertained,” Jack replied. He plopped into the high-backed wicker chair in the corner.

  “What a gorgeous afternoon. Look at this view,” Summer said. She opened the glass sliding doors to allow the breeze to flow through the room.

  “I love it here.” Jenna stepped onto the balcony followed by Summer.

  “This has been a great week so far. Are you guys having fun?” Summer asked.

  “Yeah,” Jenna drawled slowly. She took a seat in the lounge chair. “I mean yes, of course, but the rollercoaster, oh my god. I’m going through a boatload of changes. I never expected this trip to be so intense.”

  “So it’s working out for the best?” Summer asked, sitting next to her.

  “I hope so. I feel like it is, but—”

  “I think you guys are great. I think you needed a trip like this to get it back together. It’s hard in the States. A lot of demands on your time and health. The everyday stress is good for my business, but I’d rather be teaching yoga here.”

  They sat quietly for a few minutes until Jenna spoke.

  “Summer, what’s the deal with you and women?”

  “The same as me and men. If I really like someone, expressing my love shouldn’t be limited as long as everyone knows what’s going on. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea either. There have been only three women in my life. All are still good friends of mine, but sex is no longer a part of our relationship.”

  “Why? I mean why even start then?”

  “It just evolved that way,” Summer replied honestly “Not every relationship is meant to be long-term. When you open yourself up to something new, the experience finds you. That’s why it’s so important to be cautious. Make sure it’s a direction you can live with in the end.”

  “But isn’t that counter to what you said earlier?”

  “No. What I was saying to you is that it doesn’t make sense to choose a direction if you’re going to give yourself a hard time all along the way. If you make a decision, make it clean.”

  “Okay. I get it,” Jenna said. She looked out at the beach. “Can I ask you another question?”

  “Shoot.”

  “So how is it different being with a woman?” Jenna glanced back at Summer. “I experimented a little in college but I wasn’t attracted to her in that way so I don’t know.”

  “It’s definitely different. It’s softer, though not necessarily less passionate or forceful. They feel completely different and I find women spend more time touching and enjoying foreplay than men. Is that what you were asking?”

  “Yes, that’s what I meant.”

  *****

  “Oh hell,” Marc said.

  “What’s wrong?” Jack asked.

  “My phone is flashing. It’s probably Rich. I wonder when he called.” Marc dialed and waited. “No answer,” he mumbled to Jack. “I hope everything’s okay.”

  “What’s up?” Jack said, moving onto the bed closer to him.

  “Someone died while on one of our treadmills.”

  “No shit. Was there something wrong with the thing?”

  “No, no. He died of a heart attack. He’d been taking heart medication for a long—”The cellphone rang and Marc walked into the bathroom to take the call.

  Jenna and Summer walked back in the room when Summer heard the ring. She filled Jenna in and they all waited on the bed for Marc to emerge. He stepped from the bathroom with a concerned look on his face.

  “The police now believe i
t was murder,” Marc said, rubbing his chin.

  “What?” Summer said. “Do they know who did it?”

  “I couldn’t get much out of Rich. He’s not handling the news very well. I need to make some phone calls and find out what I can,” he said rather calmly, given the situation.

  “This is messed up,” Jack said, standing up. “We’ll go back to our room so you can take care of it without the distraction.”

  “Thanks,” Marc said. He sighed and Jenna could see the tension in his shoulders.

  “Let us know if we can do anything,” Jenna said. “Call us if you still feel like going to dinner later.”

  “I will,” Summer said, leading them out.

  After the door closed behind them, Jenna said, “That is so bizarre, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, but Marc seems pretty calm about the whole thing. Either he’s incredibly stable or a phenomenally good actor,” Jack said as they made their way down the stairs. “I’d be totally losing it, but then again, I can’t imagine running a business.”

  “We have a business, Jack.”

  “Yeah, but you take care of all of that. I’d be lost without you and you know it,” he said as they stepped into the lobby. “Want to go by the bar and get a drink before we go back to the room?”

  “Umm ... do you think Kokila will still be there?”

  “How would I know? Why?”

  “Well, she was hitting on me pretty hardcore earlier when Summer and I were at the bar.”

  “Cool. And you have a problem with that?” he said, chuckling.

  “I ... well ... I’m not sure I’m up for more than a little flirting or—”

  “I’m up for anything and I really think you should go for it, too. We’re here to have a good time.” He rubbed his hands together sporting a mischievous smile.

  “Well … I—” Jenna said, taking his hand.

  Jack eagerly pulled Jenna along with him. When they arrived at the crowded bar, Kokila busily made drinks for her customers. Her eyes locked with Jenna’s as she sat down in the swivel chair next to Jack. Jenna quickly looked away as she felt the jolt of energy pass between them.

  “I don’t know about this,” she said uneasily.