Love

by Jaxon, Andi

Doubled over in the middle of the bathroom, I’m clutching my stomach as the laughter continues. Avery gets in the shower and sprays me with water hot enough to melt skin from bone.

  I shriek as water hits my skin, but it has the desired effect, and I stop giggling. Standing up, I climb into the tub behind Avery, water burning my feet.

  At my hiss, she snorts, but turns the heat down.

  Just then, the door opens, and Charlie comes in. Pulling the shower curtain back a bit, I see that he has underwear on and is sitting on the vanity.

  With a wink of his brown puppy dog eyes, he says, “You getting the party started again without me?”

  “I’m hungry, we need food,” I tell him once the shower curtain is back in place.

  “I’ve got something you can eat,” Charlie says, amusement in his voice.

  I roll my eyes at him. “I’m pretty sure Avery sucked you dry, and I need FOOD!”

  Avery and I finish washing the remnants of our sexcapades off and get dressed while Charlie cleans up.

  2

  Amber

  We sent Charlie to grab some food, on the promise we would do his laundry. Men are so easy.

  “I’ve been thinking,” I distract myself while fidgeting with the laundry. I’m not too sure how she’s going to react.

  Avery looks at me for a minute. “This should be good.”

  “What if we dated Charlie?” I say to the washer as I close the lid.

  “You want to do the whole relationship thing? Dates, labels, the whole shebang?”

  She raises her eyebrow at me, waiting for an answer. I can’t say I’m surprised by her question. Neither one of us are one for labels, but this feels like something that needs to be done, for both of us.

  I nod my head, yes, hoping she plans to leave it at that, but this is Avery, so of course not.

  “That means telling our friends that we’re having sex, actually doing more than just having sex. All three of us.”

  I roll my eyes in response. “You’re saying that like we’ve got a long list of friends. Okay, friends that actually matter.”

  She continues to stare at me, hands on her hips. I want to kiss her right now. She gets an attitude over the dumbest shit, and when she gets like this, her kisses are the best.

  “Yes, Avery, I want the whole thing. Stupid first date questions, pjs with popcorn and Netflix. Shit like that.” I can’t help the small smile that graces my lips.

  “What about what we have? Is that not enough anymore?”

  “Of course it is, but don’t you feel it? When the three of us are together, it’s like our final puzzle piece has been put into place. He completes us.”

  When I look up, I see a look in Avery’s eyes I’m not used to, she looks vulnerable. I’d almost go as far as to say she’s afraid, but of what? She’s my everything, but Charlie deserves to know he matters to both of us. She loves Charlie, she said so herself. So we have to make sure he doesn’t leave us.

  Grabbing Avery’s hand, I lead her to the couch so we can talk this out. I sit down, pulling her to my side, resting her head in the crook of my neck. I can’t not touch her when she looks like this, lost and unsure. I just sit, holding her as I stroke her hair, waiting for her to say something.

  Avery looks up into my eyes, chewing on her lip.

  “We don’t date for a reason, no one can handle us. What if he only wants to date one of us?”

  Reaching down, I cup her cheek with my palm.

  “It's either both of us or neither of us. We’re a packaged deal, right?”

  Leaning forward, I brush my lips softly against hers. I don’t know how to comfort her.

  “If he doesn’t want to date both of us, then we can just have sex with him until we get bored and cut him loose. You and I are what is most important.”

  I’m already in too deep to walk away without getting hurt, and after our drunken night, Avery couldn’t either. One thing I’m sure of, we can get past anything as long as we’re together.

  “Are you in love with him?” Avery asks, looking me directly in the eye.

  I take a deep breath and let it out.

  “Maybe. I know I could be,” I tell her honestly.

  AVERY

  My heart is going to be broken if this falls apart. I need them both, they bring peace to my soul, make me want to be a better person.

  “Me too,” I tell Amber.

  I’m scared, fuck, I admitted it. I don’t do this ‘love’ thing, period. The only person I have ever loved is Amber, but trying to explain or label what we have is impossible. Now, Charlie comes out of nowhere, wrecking everything.

  All of these emotions are more than I can deal with, I can’t sleep, and my body has just been fucked three ways from Sunday, not that I am complaining. I need to think, but Amber wants an answer now, I can see it in her eyes. I delay my response by heading over to the fridge to grab us both something to drink. Without turning to look at her, I say, “There is no avoiding him after this, you know that right? We will still have to see him, he’s Logan’s best friend.”

  I have to make sure she understands the repercussions of this decision. It’s not just the two of us that will be affected.

  “And no touching each other when he isn’t around. If this is going to work, we have to know that what we all feel for each other is real, not just a passing fling.”

  Amber comes up behind me, hugging me around my waist.

  “I know, Boo Bear, I know.” I can feel her smile against my neck.

  “Don’t call me that,” I chuckle.

  She’s always making light of intense conversations, I hate them, and she knows it.

  3

  Charlie

  By the time I get back from Adalberto's, my girls are curled up together on the couch watching a movie. I can’t help but watch Avery as she is laying on Amber’s lap. Amber is playing with her hair, combing her fingers through the little hairs on the back of Avery’s neck when a content sigh escapes her lips. That sound goes straight to my dick.

  They must have heard me because Avery bolts up straight and Amber’s body stiffens. They both turn to stare at me like starved animals.

  “You two look as if you haven’t eaten in months,” I chuckle.

  “If you don’t hand over a chicken burrito right now, I’m cutting you off for at least a week.”

  Avery laughs. Damn, she must be serious. I’ve watched them both eat, they must have hollow legs or something because I have no idea how they aren’t the size of a whale.

  I dangle the bag in front of both of them, swaying it back and forth like a pendulum. I wonder if it’s worth the risk to deny her? They both look like they’re going to jump over the couch and tackle me before I take mercy on them and reach into the bag to grab their burritos. Amber snatches it out of my hands like Gollum and scurries to the edge of the couch.

  “Rice and beans?” she questions.

  “Yup,” I respond with a smug smile.

  “Pico? Sour cream? Cheese? Avocado?” The interrogation continues.

  Do I look like an idiot that can’t remember a simple order? I nod my head 'yes' at her before reaching in to get my own food. I walk around the couch to take a seat on the floor when I hear a loud moan. Avery and I both turn our heads to see Amber basically making love to her burrito, salsa and sour cream dripping from her lips.

  “This is so good, I’m putting it as a tie with sex.”

  We both laugh as I sit down on the floor in front of Avery, making sure I am leaning into Amber’s leg as well, the constant need to touch both of them is overwhelming. We enjoy our food, though not as much as Amber, until I turn to see the shit they are watching on TV.

  “Come on! You two have to have better taste in movies than this!”

  I lean my head back so I can look at Amber, who is still to engross in her damn burrito to care what’s going on. As I turn to look at Avery, I see nothing but pure hatred.

  “If one more word comes out of your mouth, no matter how mu
ch I love you, I will slap you right in the penis.”

  Did she just say what I think she did?

  I hold my breath waiting for someone to say something. I have no idea what to say but I can see in my peripheral that Amber caught what was said too, she’s staring at Avery with her mouth full of food. I want to spend every waking minute with both of them, but love them? I have no idea, but I am willing to find out.

  “On that note, I have to pee.” Avery tries to run, which I’m finding is her forte when something gets too intense. Before she can even move, Amber grabs her hand.

  “Sit down! We wanted to talk about this anyway. It just happened a lot sooner than we anticipated.”

  Avery immediately sits down and curls into Amber’s side. I don’t like where this is going at all. Avery is fierce and takes no shit from anyone, least of all me. I am quickly learning that these two depend heavily on each other. What I see right now is a scared woman and her defender.

  “What is going on, Sweets?” I rise to my knees, so we’re eye level, reaching out to stroke her cheek with my fingers. She leans slightly into them.

  Amber looks directly at me. Her bright blue eyes shine with determination,

  “We want you to date us, Charlie. We want a relationship, to get to know you and you get to know us. We want to see where this is going to go beyond the bedroom.”

  I stare at both of them in disbelief, before I begin to laugh.

  “What the fuck?! We’re putting our hearts out there and all that shit. And you’re laughing?!” Avery begins screaming as she rises from her hiding spot on Amber’s shoulder.

  Her need to protect her ‘twin’ is in full swing. Avery is in my face, forcing me to stand while Amber collapses in on herself.

  “I wasn’t laughing because of what she said, calm your tits.” My hands are up, showing her I mean no harm.

  “Our tits are the least of your concerns right now, Charlie. If you don’t start explaining and fast, Avery is going to start swinging. Did we tell you she is a third-degree black belt?” Amber deadpans from her spot on the couch.

  “Now, as hot as it would be for Avery to TRY to kick my ass, are you done?”

  Avery flops back down on the couch. “What?”

  “I mean you two stressing out over here. You want me to take you on dates? For us to be a real couple?”

  “Yes, that is exactly what we’re saying,” They both reply in unison before looking at each other and giggling.

  I kneel down in front of both of them reaching for their hands.

  “It would be my honor to date both of you. I’ve wanted to shout from the rooftops that you’re both mine.”

  I lean down to kiss both of their hands, first Amber than Avery.

  “Now, what is this about you loving me?” I say with a smirk.

  “Don’t push it, Hot Shot. Now get the hell out of my way, it’s almost time for the best part.” Avery pushes me down, I fall flat on my ass. I look back to see some half-naked men playing volleyball.

  “You know it’s not really like that, right?”

  The next thing I know, I’m getting pelted with pillows.

  4

  Charlie

  From the pain of death, I bite my tongue till the end of the horrible movie. I have no idea why women find it so amazing. As the end credits roll, I turn to the girls. We need to get this whole dating thing out of the way, I want to get back to the good stuff.

  “So how does this dating thing work? I feed you, bring you home, and then we get naked?” I chuckle.

  I expect the girls to start laughing along with me, but I hear nothing. By the look on their faces, they didn’t find my comment amusing at all.

  “Was it something I said?”

  “If that’s your plan for a first date, don’t plan on getting lucky, ever. Period,” Amber says as she pushes off the couch.

  Avery just shakes her head while I watch Amber retreat from view.

  “This is important to both of us, Charlie.”

  Avery follows her love into the kitchen. Damn, I was just trying to make light of the situation. I know both of them are nervous. I have to make it up to them, but how? Suddenly, it hits me, I know how to make this date unforgettable and make them understand how important dating them is to me.

  “Sugar and Sweets, I’ll be back before you know it. Make sure you know where your phones are.” I don’t wait for them to answer before I head out the door.

  * * *

  I pull up to Logan’s apartment, hoping like hell he’s there. I run up to the door and start banging,

  “Open up man, this shit is important!”

  I must have disturbed the neighbor because a little old lady pokes her head out her door.

  “Excuse me, young man, some of us are sleeping.”

  I hang my head in shame before answering, “I apologize, ma’am, but do you know where your neighbor is?”

  “Oh, he left with some pretty young lady hours ago. I don’t think we’ll be seeing him any time soon.”

  “Damn,” I mumble under my breath.

  “Language, young man.”

  “Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

  I head back to the jeep and pull my cell from my back pocket, dialing Logan as I go.

  “This shit better be important fucker,” he growls into the phone.

  I roll my eyes. “You can take ten minutes from discussing your feelings and listen to me. What the fuck do you do on a date?”

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “No, the girls want to date. The only thing I’m good at is fucking.”

  I need to get this right, I’ve already made a mess of it. This is important to them, and they’re important to me.

  “Calm down, dinner and a movie are the way to go. Katie says that Avery loves chocolate covered strawberries and Amber’s favorite flowers are daisies. You can’t go wrong when you offer up their favorites.”

  Ideas begin running through my head. “Thanks, man, but I need your help.”

  “That’s never good, but I am here to help.”

  “How’s your singing these days?” I ask with a smile.

  “No.”

  “Yes! Call the guys, shit, call Jimmy, it’s on. Let’s aim for 8 pm tomorrow night. Now to get my girls to say yes. Keep your mouth shut. Katie can’t keep a damn secret, I want them to be surprised.”

  “You got it, man. Katie is already trying to figure out what’s going on.”

  “Stand firm brother. Don’t ruin this for me.” I don’t even wait for a response before hanging up.

  * * *

  After ordering flowers and strawberries for tomorrow night, it’s time to ask my girls on a date. They’re both angry at me for leaving without a word, so a call is probably best. Plus, what’s more first date like then a phone call? I press the speed dial button and wait for my girl to answer.

  “This better be good, fucker,” Avery growls.

  I chuckle before answering, “Hey Sugar, can I speak to Sweets please?”

  “Why so formal?” she questions.

  “Can I please speak to Amber, Avery?”

  I hear muffled voices before Amber’s sweet voice comes across the line.

  “Why are you calling me on Avery’s phone?”

  “What are you doing tomorrow evening at 6 pm?” No sense beating around the bush.

  “I have no idea. How about you tell me what you want.”

  “I am trying to be a gentleman and ask you on a date, Sweets.”

  “Oh,” she whispers into the phone.

  “Is that a yes, or do I need to try harder? Look, I’m not good at this dating thing. I’m trying to do this right, for both of you. Will you please go on a date with me tomorrow night?”

  I’m met by silence on the other end of the line.

  “What the hell did you do? I’m going to drop kick your nuts next time I see you. Don’t…” Avery is yelling into the phone I have to pull it away from my ear.

  �
�Sugar, I didn’t do anything but ask her on a damn date. Why are you yelling at me?”

  “She’s crying!”

  “Give her back the phone.”

  I hear some arguing before someone gets back on the line.

  “Sweets?”

  I hear some sniffling followed by a whispered, “Yes?”

  “Will you go on a date with me?”

  I hear her begin to giggle before responding, “Of course, dumbass.”

  “Good. Now, what’s with the tears?”

  “They’re happy tears, promise.”

  A Cheshire grin spreads across my face.

  “Awesome, now put the other one on the phone. If she starts to cry, this whole date thing is going out the window.”

  She giggles again before handing the phone to Avery.

  “I already know what you want. Sure, I’ll go out with you. There better be food involved and not some stupid burger joint. Make it good, Vagitarian.”

  I let out a loud laugh as a dial tone greets me, I never know what I‘m going to get from those two. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  5

  Amber

  Avery and I are getting ready for our date, we’ve changed an unknown amount of times, but our makeup and hair is on point.

  Wearing a sweetheart neckline dress that swirls around my knees, I find Avery in black slacks and a button up white blouse, buttoned all the way up to her throat.

  “Uh… Avery?” I say with an eyebrow raised taking in her outfit.

  “What?” she snaps, not bothering to look at me.

  “You look like a waitress at Olive Garden.”

  She growls as I hear a knock at the door. I’m greeted by Charlie holding chocolate covered strawberries and a bouquet of pink Gerber daisies, bringing an instantaneous smile to my face.

  He hands me the flowers and kisses my cheek as he walks by, Charlie stops in his tracks, noticing Avery.