Kaffeeklatsch
Betty and Alice left Zed sleeping and took a walk downtown.
They arrived at the café, where Carla was working behind the counter. Ednin, was there too, having a pastry at a small table in the corner, reading a newspaper.
The two had left Zed's house together on Monday morning and had been together since.
Alice tensed as Betty slid her arm through hers, leading her towards the café door. She kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge Ednin.
Carla waved at them enthusiastically.
-I was hoping you guys would drop by again! Carla beamed.
Alice nodded curtly.
-Just a large black coffee please.
As Carla turned to prepare the drink, Alice glanced sidelong at Betty, noticing her sister's dreamy smile and the way she openly sought out Ednin's gaze.
-No Zed? Ednin asked. She put her paper down and got up to hug Alice and Betty like old friends.
Betty returned the hug enthusiastically, practically glowing with delight.
-Not today, Ednin sweetheart. It's just me and grumpy-pants over here. Though I suppose Zed is probably still... indisposed.
Betty winked at Ednin and turned to Carla.
-Two coffees please, Carla darling! One with all the frilly extras for me.
-You've left him alone, Ednin chuckled. Not for long.
Alice huffed, rolling her eyes at Betty's flirtation.
-I'm actually glad you girls are here alone, Ednin started. The four of us should all have an honest talk about Zed and what we're all doing.
She turned from Alice and Betty to Carla.
Carla leaned in closer, resting her elbows on the counter as she studied Alice and Betty.
-An honest talk about Zed, huh? Well, I think we're all curious about the dynamics at play here. So spill the tea, ladies. What exactly IS going on between you? And don't tell me it's none of my business. I'm as much a part of it as you.
-It feels like Zed is writing us into his harem fantasy, Alice scoffed.
Betty giggled nervously, shooting a warning look at Alice before turning back to Carla and Ednin with a diplomatic smile.
-Oh, I wouldn't put it quite so bluntly, but... well, maybe there's a kernel of truth to that. Zed is certainly very... accommodating. She bit her lower lip. But it's not like he's forcing anything. We're all adults here, capable of making our own choices. Right, Alice?
-I'm the only one here who's known him longer than the weekend, Ednin noted. He's got quite the sexual appetite, but he's also a radical loner. It's quite a paradox. Your presence is doing good for him.
-Doing good for him? Please, Alice scoffed. More like enabling his predatory tendencies. Have either of you seen the way he looks at us? Like a wolf eyeing up lambs?
She shook her head.
-She did say he's got an appetite, Carla laughed.
Betty placed a calming hand on Alice's arm.
-Now, now, let's not be too hasty with the accusations. Zed may have certain appetites, but he's also shown us nothing but hospitality. Besides, she lowered her voice, a little excitement never hurt anyone.
-It's too bad that firecracker isn't here, the tiny redhead with the big tits, what was her name? Ednin asked.
-Deb, Alice answered shortly. One of our sorority sisters.
-Deb kind of invited herself over, Betty explained. Twice.
Alice set down her coffee mug and stared at Ednin.
-Deb is none of your damn business, understand? Whatever happened with her and Zed, it's complicated.
-She was a very enthusiastic participant Sunday night, Ednin mused.
-How dare you bring that up, you sanctimonious bitch?! Alice's voice rose, drawing stares from the few other patrons. Deb was supposed to be our sorority sister!
-It's not about Deb, Ednin said, trying to be friendly but firm. It's about all of us, and sharing Zed.
Betty quickly interjected, placing herself physically between Alice and Ednin. She gave Ednin a warning look before turning to Alice.
-Shhh, easy there sis, Betty said soothingly. Let's not make a scene, alright? Ednin didn't mean any harm.
-Of course not, Ednin agreed. I know sorority sisterhood is special but we're kind of sisters now too, the way we share Zed.
-It's called Eskimo sisters, Carla tried to add helpfully.
Alice yanked herself free of Betty's calming grip. She pointed a trembling finger at Ednin.
-Do not compare whatever the hell this is to sisterhood! That implies some kind of bond, some shred of decency or respect. But you're all just...
-Be careful what you say next, Alice, Ednin warned. I'm not some repressed Puritan. I have a lot of decency and self-respect and I'm comfortable in my sexuality.
Alice snapped her mouth shut, realizing she had gone too far. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. When she spoke again, her voice was low and measured.
-I apologize, Ednin. That was rude of me.
She paused, looking down at her hands.
-This situation... it's just all happening so fast. I feel like I'm losing control, and I... I don't handle that well.
-I want to help, Ednin said.
-We all do, Betty added.
-I... I appreciate the sentiment, really.
-It's ok Alice, Ednin said as she took her hand. You are beautiful.
Alice flinched slightly as Ednin took her hand.
-Thank you, Ednin.
She looked to Betty.
-And Betty... I'm sorry for biting your head off. I know you meant well.
-It's been an intense few days, Betty said. But it's meant a lot to be able to share it with you.
-To love without jealousy is a hard thing, Ednin mused, but it's pure and invigorating.
Alice pulled her hand back from Ednin's.
-Easy for you to say, Miss Polyamory Guru. Some of us aren't wired for this whole 'sharing is caring' bullshit.
-You'll get there, Ednin said lovingly. We're here to help.
-Help? Alice asked. I'm not sure what you mean.
-To help you learn to love without shame or ego, Ednin said.
Betty leaned in, sparkling with curiosity.
-Love without shame or ego, huh? That sounds... interesting. Almost poetic. Tell us more, Ednin. We're listening.
-You seemed to be picking up fast, Ednin told Betty. Sunday night there was no jealousy in your eyes. And yesterday morning you took exactly what you wanted in the shower, Ednin added, licking her suddenly dry lips.
Alice recoiled.
-I-I can't believe you'd just blurt something like that out, especially here! Alice hiss-whispered, looking around the café.
-You're being paranoid, Carla said from the counter. There's like no one here.
Betty giggled nervously, placing a hand on Alice's knee beneath the table.
-Shhh, keep your voice down, silly goose, Betty whispered to Ednin. Someone might hear! But seriously, I'm intrigued. Go on, expand on this 'loving without limits' philosophy of yours...
-It means taking what you want, Betty, Ednin said, like you did. It means knowing your worth doesn't come from someone else, it comes from who you are, and no one can take it away from you.
Alice drummed her fingers agitatedly on the tabletop.
-But what happens when you inevitably get hurt? Alice argued, her voice low and heated.
Ednin paused thoughtfully.
-Getting hurt is always a risk whenever you open yourself up to someone, Alice. But that doesn't mean you should build walls and live in fear. Hurt is a part of life, but it's not the defining factor. What matters is learning, growth, and loving fiercely despite the possibility of pain.
-There's so much hurt in the world, we shouldn't hurt ourselves, Carla said thoughtfully.
-I've known Zed for a long time, Ednin said wistfully. He's special. He gives himself freely. We can all have something beautiful.
A part of Alice wanted to believe.