by Pepper Paris
“Stuff and nonsense. You needed a good cleansing cry with a shoulder to do it on. I’m just glad that I could be here for it. Now that we’ve gotten that out of your system, tell me, how is it going juggling four guys?”
I started laughing. “Great, if you consider that I haven’t had all of them together since last May. I’ve gotten to spend time with each of them with the exception of Jay, and even together a few times.”
“Honey, nothing you tell me is going to surprise me. I promise I won’t tell Mr. P the details.”
“In the beginning, I didn’t think I could be what they needed. I was certain that there would be so much jealousy, and how could I ask them to all be my boyfriends? They’ve been perfect. When I need them, one of them appears magically it seems,” I chuckled.
“I think they’re keeping tabs on me to make sure I’m okay. The problem with that is, how do I know they’re okay? This whole thing with Kelly isn’t going to end well.”
“Honey, what’s wrong with Kelly?”
“He left the school his parents were helping pay for and transferred to mine. He went to ask Mr. P if he needs help for the summer since Carter is still in Texas.”
“Yes, he’s been so worried about running the nursery and the lawn business. This is a match made in heaven.”
“Only if Mr. P hires him.”
She waved off my comment. “He trusts those boys and would rather have one of them working for him than some other new kid who wouldn’t be nearly as respectful.”
“Mr. P has been the best father figure I could have wished for, and I know the guys feel the same way. He’s always been there for us, even when the other Mrs. P left.”
“With Carter out of his reach, he needs someone to pour out his extra energy and keep him focused. Maybe Kelly can keep him out of trouble at home.” She gave me a wink.
“Too much information.” I covered my eyes, which wouldn’t have helped my hearing.
“Oh, so you can give sex information but you can’t take it?” She grinned. “That’s okay. I completely understand. I wouldn’t have wanted to hear about my parents either. Times have changed, though, and if my mom had warned me even a little bit, I could have avoided so many problems in my sex life.”
“Like how to use bananas?”
“Exactly, or more like how not to get entangled with a jerk who only wanted me for my lady parts. I certainly made sure that my children knew a little more than I did about the bedroom.”
“I’m not worried about bedroom stuff. In fact, it’s been kind of fun to learn as we go. Each guy is just a little different from the others and wants to try different stuff.” I knew no one else was home, but I lowered my voice anyway. “I did a lot of studying before I slept with them.”
“You mean porn?” Seeing my hesitant nod, she continued. “Porn has its good points for new moves, but most of it isn’t even close to real life.”
“Oh, I know that. I just used it for inspiration and because I wasn’t feeling too confident that it was even possible. After I knew that I would need real life experiences, I did some digging to find a few poly-relationships with more than one guy. It’s very unusual, but I knew that there was hope for our situation to work.”
“Honey, people have been living this kind of lifestyle for a long time. It’s a more accepted thing now, but people still have their prejudices. Although, I think women are more jealous than they want to let on.” Sophia gave a long sigh. “Hell, if Mr. P and I weren’t so happy, I’d consider going back on the market myself.”
“It’s not something we choose to do, but I wanted to figure out a way that I could be with all of them. I honestly wanted one night because I was selfish, and they were the ones that turned it into a relationship.”
“Be thankful for that, honey. You’ve found not one, but four young men that love you. You’re all young and love can be foolish, but with your group, the others will be there when one of them messes up. Believe me, they will, but you’ll have a good support system in place to get you over the hump.”
“I hadn’t even thought of that. There are just so many sides to this multi-relationship thing. Can we expect to make it when things are stacked against us?”
“Oh, honey, any relationship takes work. You’re going to have to work four times harder, but some of it will be easier since there are more of you to carry the load. There will be days when you hate them all or they’re just jerks, but then there will be days when they bring something special when you least expect it.”
“Really?”
“There are perks besides good sex, like companionship, someone to share your hopes and dreams with. hopefully your soulmates.”
“You can’t have more than one soulmate, can you?”
“Something in you responds to each of them, so yeah, I think you can.” Sophia sounded confident.
“I still think I’m going to wake up one day and find them gone. I’ll be alone with some lovely memories.”
“It’s always a possibility. I know it’s something a lot of people say, it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all, or something like that. The point is that if you don’t love, you’ll never know what it was like. I’d rather love than have a cat family.”
“You make a good point, but it’s just hard when I’ve never had people I could count on.”
“I know it’s tough, but I’m here if you need me.”
“Thanks. I just might do that.”
Chapter Six
Kelly
I decided to take Roxie up on her idea and go see Mr. Parks. I wasn’t nearly as hopeful that he would even consider it, but I had to give it a try. I was running on borrowed time, and sooner or later my mom was going to find out my secret.
She’d let me take her car to run around and meet up with friends, so I drove straight to the nursery.
The bell jingled as I walked in, and a young woman of about sixteen or seventeen was behind the counter.
“Um, I was looking for Mr. Parks. Is he around?” I peered past the trees and flowers.
“Yeah, he’s back in the office. Let me get him for you.” She disappeared into the rows of green.
This was a really bad idea. I had no clue what any of these plants were or what to do with them.
“Kelly, so good to see you.” Mr. Parks slapped me on the back.
“Ah, hi. It’s good to see you too.” The words barely made it past my lips because I was so nervous.
“I love seeing you boys, especially now that Carter’s gone for the foreseeable future.”
It was just the opening I needed. “Sir, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I need a job and thought you might have an opening with Carter gone. I’ve got to be honest, this would be my first job of this sort, and I don’t know anything about mowing or trees or whatever.”
“We all started somewhere, son. When can you start?” Mr. Parks walked behind the counter and pulled out a piece of paper.
“Uh, tomorrow. What time should I be here?” I couldn’t believe my luck.
“Here, I’ll need you to fill out this application first, and also I’ll have to have a copy of your ID and social security card.”
“Yeah, sure.” I dug out my wallet.
The application had most of the important stuff, like address and phone, but I realized that I would need to have things sent to my parents’ house until things changed.
“I’d say meet here in an old pair of pants that can get grass stains.” He pulled out a T-shirt and set it on the counter with a wink. “If you make the first week, I’ll give you five more so you don’t have to wash that one every day.”
Thank goodness, I’d been around him and knew his type of humor.
“I’ll make it past the first week. I have to now.”
“Why’s that?”
“I quit school. Ah, sorry. I quit my school and transferred without joining the new football team. I’m going to need money and a job to do it.”
“You�
��ve got to follow your dreams. Good for you.”
“Oh, I wasn’t expecting that reaction. Thank you, sir.”
“Ah, you haven’t told the parents yet, huh?” he tsked at me. “They might be mad for a while, but they’ll come around. Until then, I’ve got your back. You’re always welcome at my house.”
“I appreciate that, sir.”
“Stop that whole ‘sir’ business. It’ll get you into trouble with the other guys, and they’ll think I’m playing favorites. I’m not, but no sense in you getting teased more than you have to.”
“Right,” I agreed, pushing the filled-out paper toward him.
“See you in the morning.”
“Yes, sir. Uh, I mean, see you then.”
I walked out of the nursery feeling strangely confident. Roxie was good for me. I’d had a great day, first with her, and now I had a job for the summer. Maybe things were starting to look up.
I’d been saving up my money from both jobs, but it wasn’t enough, even with what I’d saved by switching schools. I didn’t want to buy a vehicle under false pretenses, so I headed to my father’s office for a discussion without my mother.
My dad’s law office was located downtown, and it had been years since I’d visited.
“Hello, may I help you?” the woman at the front desk inquired.
“Yes, I’m looking for Mr. Bob Hudson. He’s my dad.”
“Of course, sir. If you’ll just take a seat, I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“Thank you.” I sat on the edge of the nice leather couch, picking at my nails nervously.
“He’ll see you now.” She stood beside the door, waiting to take me to the back.
My dad greeted me as I walked into his large office lined with walls of law books.
“What brings you by the office?”
“Advice. I have something I need to discuss with you, and I wanted to see what you thought about it.”
A smile lit his face as he relaxed into the chair behind the desk. “I might have an answer for you. Ask away.”
It was going to be difficult to explain without going into too much detail.
“I managed to not use as much money as we’d expected I would this last year of school. I was hoping that I might be able to use the money I got back to put toward getting a truck.”
I saw the frown begin to form, so I hurried forward with my plan. “While I really appreciate all the things you and Mom are doing for me, I feel that a guy in college should have his own vehicle. I just didn’t want to overstep by using the money in a way that you didn’t intend for it to be used.”
He started tapping a pen against his desk. “Do you have a vehicle in mind?”
“Yes. There’s a vintage truck with a new engine for sale over at Johnny’s. Some guy was having him do the restoration, but didn’t have the money to pay him so he gave him the title for work owed. Johnny doesn’t want it just sitting there making him no money, so when I was mowing his lawn last week, he made me a deal.”
“Johnny’s work is well known. If he’s willing to work with you, and you think you can handle it, then go for it.”
“Thank you. I’ll feel more grown-up with my own vehicle.”
“That’s exactly how you need to sell it to your mother. You’re moving closer to settling down, and it’s a collectable that you’ll be able to sell later on.” My dad grinned.
“Shouldn’t we tell her the truth?” I questioned, not wanting to hide anything else from my parents.
“Nope. Happiness is in her not knowing what’s going on. Then she can block it out and she won’t worry quite so much.”
“She’s your wife.” I shook my head.
“Yes, she is, and I’ve learned exactly how to handle things like this. Do you need me to sign anything or are you good?”
“Oh, I’m good. Johnny said to bring a cashier’s check and he’d sign the title over.”
“Wonderful. This will be a great way to give you your independence.”
“Well, I just wanted to check in with you. I’m going to go ahead and get this stuff taken care of. Hopefully I’ll be able to drive her home tonight.”
“Can’t wait to see it.”
“Mr. Hudson, your three o’clock has arrived.”
“Thank you, my son is leaving. Give me just a few more minutes before you send them in, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll get out of your hair. Nice office, by the way.”
Without waiting for him to change his mind, I quickly left and headed straight for the bank to get everything ready for Johnny.
That truck was going to be mine.
The summer was halfway over, and our family was hosting their usual 4th of July barbeque. Since I’d been working with Mr. P, Mom had told me to invite him and his new wife Sophia along with any friends that were home for the summer.
In my head, I knew that she meant any of the guys or friends that were sons of the members of her little group, but I was tired of fighting with her about not going on dates.
When I disappeared to go over and get Roxie, I knew that this was going to go one of two ways: mom would be upset and let me have it later, or she’d be horrible to Roxie. That was the option that I was dreading the most, but I was banking on the fact that my mother hated to make a scene.
Roxie ran down the stairs in a nice summer dress that would have given any of the country club ladies a run for their money.
“Hey, are you sure that you’re up to this?” I questioned one last time before taking her to be eaten by the wolves.
“Kelly, I’ve met your mother before, and I don’t plan to make any waves. I’ll just stick with Sophia since she’s new and hope that your mother won’t make an issue of it.”
“You’re right. I’ve just built it up in my head that it’s a big deal.”
“Sweetie, it is a big deal, but you’re not bringing me as your girlfriend, and most of the people there won’t think anything of it because they’ve seen me with you for years now.”
“I guess. I’m just afraid that I’ll forget and kiss you in front of them or something.”
Roxie gave an exasperated sigh. “Seriously, if you’re this nervous, I’m pretty sure that you won’t be going around kissing anyone that you don’t want to.”
I gave a short laugh. “That’s what I love about you, you’re so practical. All right, let’s do this.”
There were already cars lined up and down the driveway, so I parked my newer-used truck at the end of the line.
It was hard not to grab Roxie’s hand, but she gave me a smile to let me know it was okay as we walked up to the groups of people standing around the back porch with drinks in their hands.
Doing things with only Roxie beside me had been an adjustment from using the guys I’d known forever as a shield.
“Well, if it isn’t Miss Goody Two-Shoes herself,” Christy snickered as we walked up to another girl I’d turned down for a date.
“Guess she got the boy after all. Now we know why he wouldn’t go out with you, Karen.”
Karen’s stare wasn’t nice, and I knew the reason that I’d been dreading this party had come to life.
“Ladies,” I acknowledge politely with a tilt of my head as I maneuvered past them and toward Garrett, Amy, and Dave.
“Thank goodness you guys are here,” I burst out, taking a beer from the cooler.
That was one thing I did like about the country club set, they didn’t seem to mind drinking as long as you did it discreetly.
“Yeah, your mom’s been over here twice looking for you.” Garrett handed me a koozie to hide my drink with.
“Great. I guess there’s no way to avoid her. Might as well go get this over with now.” I frowned, hoping that I wasn’t on my way to the executioner.
She was surrounded by her friends as she made sure the dishes were filled on the tables.
“Mom, I’m back. Is there anything you want me to do before I go hang out with my friends?”
“Oh, there you are.” She straightened and slid an arm through mine. “I have someone I want you to meet.” She leaned closer to whisper in my ear. “You know Christy’s cousin Karen. She’s such a sweet girl, and I think she would be perfect for you.”
“I already met her on my way in, but I’ll make sure that she feels comfortable while she’s at the party.” I untangled myself from her. “I’ve already got a girlfriend and really appreciate your help.”
Mom glanced from me to the group of friends that I would be hanging out with. “If you mean that little twit Roxie, then you are seriously mistaken. Don’t think we won’t have a conversation about this later, young man. You have your future to think about.”
“No, actually, you’re mistaken. Roxie is lovely and kind. She doesn’t judge people based on their income, and she’s just the kind of future I’m interested in. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to be rude to our guests.” I peeled her hand off my arm, rubbing at the marks her nails had made.
I needed a minute to calm down before returning to the others. Roxie would immediate know something was wrong.
Rounding the corner of the garage, I jumped when my brother Jared moved to hide his joint.
“What are you doing back here?” I threw out the questions, but realized that I already had the answer.
“Staying away from Mom, which is what you should be doing. She’s like a bloodhound trying to find the perfect match for you. I’m just glad that I’ve got two more years of high school; otherwise, she’d be after me as well.” He brought the joint up to his lips and flicked the lighter before inhaling.
“I would be able to stay away from her, but she’s everywhere. Why does she hate Roxie so much?” I groaned, wishing that I could join my brother.
“You know why. She reminds her of where she came from before Dad married her. It’s why we don’t ever see her family so that we don’t get used to being poor people.”
“Crap, now I’ve left Roxie out there without protection. I may be back to join you little brother if it gets too hot out there.” I took a deep breath and made a beeline for Roxie.