17. Kenley

KENLEY

Hope through the storms …

I was a little surprised that Shelby had agreed to talk to Thomas. I knew she was still angry and she wasn't generally open to people when she was feeling that way. I just hoped that the conversation went well, if for no other reason than they clear the air. Even if things didn't work out for us, I hoped we could be friends. I knew damn well she would trust me before she trusted him but I had to hope for the best. I couldn't wait any longer to find out what had happened with Thomas and Shelby. I picked up my phone and brought up Thomas' chat.

Kenley: Hey, Thomas .

Thomas: Hey, sorry I haven't messaged you yet. I was just processing what happened.

Kenley: Well, don't keep me in suspense. Did you talk?

Thomas: We did. This time she actually gave me time to say my piece.

Kenley: So, how did it go?

Thomas: It went well, I think. Our conversation was very much like yours and mine. I told her I'd been kicking myself since the night I chose to play with someone else. She thought the conversation was to get past my guilt but I think I was able to convince her that was not the case at all.

Kenley: What did she say to all of that?

Thomas: She said she needed some time to process everything and asked if I would actually be sticking around this time.

Kenley: You're really serious this time, aren't you?

Thomas: As a judge. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Kenley: Thanks, Thomas, for talking to her. It sounds like it was a successful conversation.

Thomas: I really hope so. Listen, are you coming to the club tonight?

Kenley: I hadn't planned on it, why?

Thomas: I thought maybe we could play.

Kenley: I told you I was in if Shelby was. We're not going to play unless it's all three of us next time.

Thomas: I understand. Let me know if you hear from Shelby and I'll do the same.

Kenley: Okay, talk to you later.

Thomas: Definitely .

I set my phone on the table and sighed. At least she agreed to hear him out. It made me at least somewhat hopeful. I had wanted nothing more than to say yes to Thomas about playing but I meant what I said when we talked initially. It had to be all three of us. I just hoped that actually happened. I missed them both desperately.

I thought back to when this all started and how unsure I was about sharing and being shared. I couldn't believe that I had come so far. I could hardly remember a time when I didn't feel like I could do this. I would give Shelby three days until I reached out. I doubted my patience would hold out any longer than that. This time, I really thought we could work through everything and come out successful on the other side.

When three days had passed and there hadn't been any word from Shelby, Thomas and I agreed that I should risk talking to her again. We felt she was close enough to a decision that I could have a discussion with her without sending her over the deep end. I tried to decide whether to chat in person or over text but ultimately decided that a personal touch was needed here. I popped over to her house that evening, hopeful that she was home and willing to talk. I didn't want to pressure her but this had gone on long enough. I needed to know which direction my life was going to go.

I headed to her house and was happy to see her car in the driveway. I hopped out of the car, walked up to the front door and rang the bell, waiting for her to answer. I had butterflies in my stomach I was so stressed about this conversation. She opened the door, a look of surprise on her face.

"Kenley, I didn't expect you here. Is everything okay?"

"Can I come in? I just wanted to talk to you for a bit."

"Oh sorry, yes, come on in. Would you like something to drink?"

"Do you have any cranberry juice?"

"I do. Would you like it with vodka?" she laughed.

"Only if you're having one."

I watched as she made two vodka and cranberries and then passed one to me. I followed her into the living room and sat on the couch across from her. I took a deep breath and met her eyes.

"I heard you talked to Thomas. I'm glad you two talked."

"We did. I'm glad I talked to him too. Why didn't you just tell me what you two had talked about?"

"Because I wanted it to come directly from him. I thought it was important you be able to see his expressions while you spoke so you could judge whether he meant what he said or not."

"I supposed you're right about that. What did you think about what he said?"

"I believe him, Shelby. It took a long while for him and me to come around but we have."

"How do I know that, Kenley? We've gone back and forth so much, my head is spinning."

"All we can do is tell you we're serious and show you if you give us a chance. Look, I know you were the glue that tried to hold us together at the beginning and that wasn't fair to you."

"You're right, it wasn't. How is it going to be any different this time?"

"Well, keeping with the same kind of analogy, it will be different because we'll be all in. This time, you would be part of the cement that keeps us together. Nothing is going to break us apart this time."

"That's kind of a cheesy analogy," she giggled. "I have been thinking about things a lot. Kenley, I want to do this but I'm so scared that one of you is going to break my heart."

"Umm, if you remember, you are the one that ended things with me . I'm scared too and I think that's natural given our history. I've talked to Thomas more than once and he means what he says. You don't need to worry this time."

"You really believe him?"

"I do," I smiled.

"And you're really ready for all three of us?"

"I am."

"Then let's do this. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss you guys. I've felt miserable for ages."

"I think we all have. Do you want to tell Thomas or should I?"

"Let me do it. It should really come from me."

"Not a problem. Can I kiss you?"

"You never have to ask me that."

We both stood and I met her halfway, my lips capturing hers. I moaned, the kiss feeling like home. Things were finally how they should be. I broke the kiss and met her eyes.

"I'd best be going before things get out of hand. I told Thomas nothing would be happening until it was the three of us together."

"Fine," she groaned. "I suppose you're right though. I'll see you out."

She led me to the door and pulled me in for another kiss, this one softer and somehow more intimate.

"I'll see you soon, Shelby."

"I can't wait. Thank you for coming to talk to me."

"Of course. I'm glad I came."

She nodded and I headed back to my car. I wanted to head to Thomas' house and tell him all about the conversation but I would respect Shelby's wishes and let her do it. It didn't really matter to me. Things were finally as they should be with the three of us together.