Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 68691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
“That’s right, Karl and Kato have always shared girlfriends. I don’t think they’ve ever dated independently,” she said, screwing up her face to remember. “Nope, don’t think so,” she nodded. “It’s always been a two for one.”
I leaned back astounded, and then sat forward quickly, sensing an opportunity to learn more, an opening of sorts.
“But have Karl and Kato ever done … more?” I asked, my voice hushed.
Violet looked puzzled.
“I think they may have dated two girls simultaneously, enjoyed two women together, but is that what you’re asking?” she said, shaking her head, puzzled.
I took a deep breath. This was so unbelievable, this conversation had started with a jolt, going better than I’d hoped with the twins’ mother no less. So I went for the grand prize.
“No,” I replied slowly, “What I mean is that there’s not just three of us, there’s four. There’s another man and we’re all together, it sounds complicated but it’s way less complicated than it sounds,” I said.
Violet threw her head back and laughed.
“Honey the way you just described it was like a riddle,” she said with an amused smile. “I can’t believe it’s not complicated but you’re young, you’ll figure it out.”
I paused momentarily.
“I know we’re young but that’s the thing. I think we’ve already figured it out,” I said slowly. “This is it. We’re all really happy, me especially so. But because the relationship’s so untraditional we’re keeping it under wraps for now.”
And Violet quirked an eyebrow.
“So this isn’t some youthful fling, exploring your sexuality, that kind of deal?” she asked gently.
I shook my head slowly.
“No, I don’t think so. I’m in a relationship with three men and it works really well for us. One of us is kind of um, high-profile, so we have to be discreet, but otherwise, it works for us,” I said simply. “I’ve never been so happy.”
Violet looked at me for a long moment before taking another sip of her Bloody Mary.
“Well honey, if that’s so, then I’m glad for you,” she said slowly. “That type of happiness is hard to find, and god knows if you’ve got three men it might be even better. Triple the fun, triple the excitement, right?” she asked with a wry grin.
And my smile burst out radiantly then, like a ray of light from between stormy clouds.
“Yes, exactly,” I said gratefully. “Thank you for understanding, you can’t imagine what this means to me. We haven’t cleared it with anyone, not that we need anyone’s approval,” I said hastily, “but the boys and I, we haven’t come out to anyone in our respective families, you’re the first,” I finished.
Violet smiled gently then.
“Honey, I’m honored,” she said. “I’m honored that you chose to share your news with me, that you chose my sons to love, that you’re in a relationship with them. And so what if it isn’t traditional? It’d hard to find someone at all these days, much less three men. I mean look at me,” she added wryly. “I’ve been single for decades now, drying up on the vine so to speak.”
And I shook my head, surprised. Violet was a beautiful woman, aging but pretty and vivacious still. Why hadn’t she met someone?
“Maybe you’ll meet someone here on vacation,” I said encouragingly, sitting back and relaxing. The hard part of the conversation was over now, going much better than I’d expected, and I could let down my defensive walls and open up some. “There’s the gala, I bet there are some nice gentlemen there who’d only be too happy to get to know you.”
And at that, Violet smiled before frowning again.
“Oh yes, the gala,” she said faintly. “My sons invited me to St. Venetia to attend the gala,” she said. “They’ll be formally inducted as Legionnaires that night, it’s a big deal. I wouldn’t miss it for the world of course,” she added hastily.
“No of course not,” I said, “Everyone who’s anyone in St. Venetia will be there.” I didn’t add that our mysterious fourth, Prince Kristian, would be there as well.
“And will the King attend?” asked Violet casually, a little too casually.
I nodded.
“I suppose so,” I frowned. “I think King Georg goes every year, and the money benefits charities that he patronizes, so it’d be a little weird if he weren’t there. But it’ll be a good time nonetheless even if the King doesn’t show,” I said. “We’ll see. The important thing is that we’re there for Karl and Kato.”
And Violet was silent, nodding thoughtfully.
“I’ll be there,” she said quietly before pepping up. “Now tell me, where were you from again?”
And before I knew it, I was spilling out my life history, how my family was in a financial bind, how I’d been shipped off to Miss Carroll’s to find a rich husband to revive our flagging fortunes.
And Violet laughed, hearing it all.