Chapter 6 – Miles
The penthouse room at the top of the hotel had an amazing view of the city. The hotel’s chef made a selection of seafood that was to die for: lobster, shrimp and a raw bar for appetizers. I arranged the room as Theo instructed and told the guys to dress nice. Women like the sort of thing.
When Belinda arrived, fresh from the spa in her new outfit, she was impressed. White linen tablecloths, fine china, silverware and waiters to serve us all. We had spared no expense for her.
“Welcome Belinda,” I greeted. “Caviar? Or did you want to eat that arrangement I sent first?”
“Oh, Miles, this is nice!” said Belinda, impressed. “All for me?”
“For all of us,” I said. “They have quite a nice raw bar here.”
Theo and Franklin entered and I noticed that Belinda got more reserved and quiet.
“Is everything alright?” I asked.
“It’s fine, but it’s just…”
“You can talk to us, Belinda,” I assured her.
“It’s just the waiters,” she whispered. “I feel weird being on a date with three guys in front of them.”
“Belinda,” I assured her. “These men are professionals. And with the money we paid them, believe me, they understand discretion. Besides, they could care less what we do. It’s none of their business. They’re just doing their jobs.”
Belinda looked around. The waiters were serving drinks to the other guys and preparing the food. They didn’t seem the least concerned with who they were serving it to. This seem to relax Belinda and put her at ease.
“I guess I’m just being paranoid,” she said exhaling. “Let’s have a toast then.”
The waiters poured the four of us champagne. Theo started the toast.
“To friends and perhaps more,” he said gallantly.
“I think we’re already a little more than friends,” I teased.
“To Belinda, the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” said Franklin simply.
“Aw, you guys,” said Belinda. “You make me feel so welcomed.”
We sat down and ate a bunch of the raw bar. The oysters were really spectacular. Then there was a lobster bisque and this homemade cheesy bread. The entrée was lobster tail with a side of scallops and rosemary potatoes. There was a seafood salad with lettuce and shrimp in this ginger dressing that was amazing and refreshing at the same time. Caviar, of course, toast points and other little goodies. The entire meal was topped off with a lava chocolate cake with strawberry topping.
You can always tell when a real chef cooks something. The food is so good, it’s just effortless to eat. We were full, but not too full. During after dinner drinks, I prodded Belinda a little bit, hoping to hear a decision one way or another.
“So, Belinda,” I smiled. “What’s it like to have three men wrapped around your finger, huh?”
“Oh, I don’t think I have you wrapped around my finger…yet,” she teased.
“I’m just amazed that you were able to make love to all three of us and wear us out. You’re quite a sexual athlete.”
Belinda blushed. I think this was her weak spot. Her sexual desires.
“C’mon, Miles,” said Franklin. “Back off the girl, she’s having a good time.”
“No, it’s fine, Franklin,” said Belinda. “We should all be open and honest if we’re going to have a relationship. I have to confess, in the past, I’ve been sexually needy. I just wanted sex all the time. It never seemed to be enough for me.”
“Well, there’s more than enough of us,” noted Franklin.
“Christmas was very satisfying,” Belinda remembered fondly.
“So you do want to be in a relationship with us,” I pushed.
Belinda looked away, unsure.
“Perhaps it would be helpful if each of us told you what it meant for you to be in a relationship with us,” I suggested.
I gestured to Franklin, who clearly didn’t want to go first, but I figured his pitch would be short and to the point. It was.
“Aw, hell,” he said a little embarrassed. “My ex said I was never romantic enough. I’m not good at that stuff. With these guys to help me, I don’t feel the pressure of the whole relationship, ya know? Seems like this could work.”
“I’m always good at the grand gestures,” added Theo. “But between doing stuff like this and work, I never had extra time for her. I forgot about the everyday moments. With three of us, the pressure is off. I can play to my strengths for you, Belinda.”
“My ex’s always wanted me to be calm and serious,” I said in a mocking tone. “I want to have a good time, but I’m not good at the serious stuff. Maybe the three of us can make this work. It’s like we fill in for each other’s weaknesses. What do you think, Belinda?”
Belinda stole at glance at the waiters, who were just about finished cleaning up. I ushered them on their way. Franklin tipped them and Theo gathered the last few plates so they could be on their way. Now we were alone. Well, the four of us, anyway.
She stood and kissed me. We stared deep into each other’s eyes. Then she moved to Theo, kissed him and stared into his eyes. Then she moved to Franklin, kissed him and stared into his eyes.
“I’m beginning to think this could work,” she smiled.
Franklin began massaging her shoulders. Theo took her hand and kissed it. I put a finger under her chin and kissed her. Then I whispered in here ear, “Please say, yes. This is a good thing. This is our thing.”
“I think I need a bit more convincing,” said Belinda seductively. “Is there anything you can do to convince me that this can work. Maybe something you could do to me that would convince me this is right?”
“I think there’s something,” I smiled.